The chilling allure of Stephen King’s Christine extends beyond its supernatural narrative; it’s fueled by the menacing presence of the titular car, a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury. While the story presents Christine as a unique entity, the cinematic magic required a fleet of these classic cars to bring her terrifying tale to life. Approximately 24 Plymouth Furys and Belvedere models (dressed as Furys) were ultimately used in the making of the film Christine.
The Mechanics of Mayhem: Decoding the Car Count
The production of Christine was a complex undertaking, demanding meticulous planning and execution, especially regarding the film’s automotive star. Procuring enough pristine, 1958 Plymouth Furys – a model already relatively rare by the early 1980s – proved to be a significant challenge. This led to a resourceful strategy: sourcing cheaper Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys, similar models from the same year, and modifying them to resemble the Fury.
The exact number of cars varied depending on sources, but the consensus points to around 24 vehicles. These cars served diverse purposes, from pristine “hero” cars used for close-up shots and driving scenes to dilapidated versions used for stunts and demolition. Some were even stripped down to their chassis for specific special effects.
Distinguishing Furys from Imposters
Understanding the difference between a genuine 1958 Plymouth Fury and its Belvedere or Savoy counterparts is crucial for appreciating the scope of the film’s production. The Fury was a top-of-the-line, sportier model, typically painted Buckskin Beige with gold trim at the factory. Belvederes and Savoys, while visually similar, were less opulent and came in a wider range of colors.
To create a cohesive look, the production team meticulously repainted the Belvedere and Savoy models in Christine’s signature “Fury Red” (actually a custom blend), added Fury trim, and made other modifications to ensure visual consistency on screen. However, subtle differences could sometimes be spotted by eagle-eyed car enthusiasts.
Beyond the Numbers: The Fate of the Fury Fleet
The post-production lives of these “Christine” cars are just as fascinating as their on-screen performances. Unlike some movie vehicles destined for museums or private collections, many of the Christine cars met less glamorous fates.
Demolished and Dispersed
Given the film’s heavy reliance on stunts and special effects involving car crashes and destruction, a significant number of the Fury/Belvedere fleet were irrevocably damaged during filming. These wrecked vehicles were often salvaged for parts or simply scrapped. Other cars were sold off after production wrapped, often in various states of disrepair.
The Surviving Stars
Despite the carnage, a handful of Christine cars survived and have become highly sought-after collectibles. These vehicles are often meticulously restored and cherished by their owners, serving as tangible reminders of the film’s enduring legacy. Some survivors have even been displayed at car shows and museums, allowing fans to experience a piece of cinematic history firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the “auto-repair” magic real?
Of course not! The self-repairing scenes relied on sophisticated (for the time) filmmaking techniques. One common method was to reverse the footage of a car being damaged. They also used hydraulic rams to push panels back into place and then filmed the process in reverse.
2. What specific year Plymouth was Christine supposed to be?
Christine is explicitly identified as a 1958 Plymouth Fury in the film, as in the Stephen King novel.
3. What was “Christine’s” actual color?
Although known for her “Fury Red,” real 1958 Plymouth Furys were exclusively sold in Buckskin Beige with gold accents from the factory. The red was a custom mix created for the movie.
4. Did they really destroy all those cars?
Sadly, yes. Several cars were completely wrecked during the filming of Christine. Stunt work and special effects often involved real collisions and demolition.
5. Where are the surviving “Christine” cars now?
The surviving cars are scattered across the United States and possibly beyond, residing in private collections, museums, and even with automotive enthusiasts. Finding their exact locations is often difficult.
6. How can I tell a real Fury from a Belvedere/Savoy “Christine” clone?
Distinguishing factors include the original paint color (Furys were only beige), interior trim, and exterior badging. Vin numbers are also helpful, but challenging to access.
7. How much is a genuine 1958 Plymouth Fury worth?
A pristine, fully restored 1958 Plymouth Fury can fetch upwards of $100,000 or more, depending on its condition and provenance. Even unrestored examples are valuable, particularly if they possess significant history. A movie car would be worth significantly more.
8. What was the significance of the name “Christine”?
While the exact reason is never explicitly stated, some theorize the name “Christine” represents a destructive, jealous force, reflecting the character’s possessiveness and ability to corrupt those around her.
9. Did Stephen King own a ’58 Plymouth Fury?
While Stephen King is a known car enthusiast, he has stated that he did not own a 1958 Plymouth Fury. The idea for Christine was inspired by his fascination with cars and their potential for both good and evil.
10. What kind of engine did the cars used in the movie have?
The cars used in the film featured a variety of engines. While the original Furys could be equipped with powerful V8 engines, some of the Belvederes and Savoys may have had smaller, less potent engines. The filmmakers were more concerned with visual appearance and stunt performance than engine authenticity.
11. How did they make the car “come to life” on screen?
Beyond standard special effects, clever editing, and strategic camera angles, the filmmakers employed puppetry and animatronics to bring Christine to life. Cables and rods were used to manipulate the car’s features, creating the illusion of autonomous movement and expressions.
12. Is it possible to buy a “Christine” replica?
Absolutely! Many car enthusiasts have built their own “Christine” replicas by modifying Belvederes or Savoys to resemble the Fury. These replicas can range from budget-friendly projects to meticulously accurate recreations, allowing fans to own their own piece of Christine history.
The legacy of Christine lives on, not only in the film’s enduring popularity but also in the fascination surrounding the cars that brought her to life. The tale of the Fury fleet—genuine or cleverly disguised—continues to captivate car enthusiasts and horror fans alike.