Christine, a iconic car from Stephen King’s novel and John Carpenter’s movie adaptation, was built in 1957 on the assembly line of one of Chrysler’s plants in Detroit, Michigan. The car was painted in a vibrant red color, symbolizing its aggressive and sinister nature. The real-life Furys only came in one color, “Sandstone White” with a “Buckskin Beige” interior, which was seen on other Furys during the initial scenes of the movie.
In addition to the twenty-seven real Plymouth Furies, Belvederes, and Savoys purchased by the filmmakers for the final film, Arbogast created a plastic-paneled body double of Christine. The interior and glass were additional hurdles that King had to overcome. Many of the movie’s stunt cars had no interior, and the glass was painted black to hide that fact.
Christine was built as a 1958 Plymouth Fury, a model produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. The interior color was white/red, with some interiors also being white/black and red/black. The custom color used in the films was actually a soft, enveloping blue.
The color “Christine’s Cloud” is a soft, enveloping blue that is a true blue without being the feared autumn red. In the book, Christine’s paint is described as a special-order Autumn Red, but this doesn’t match any Mopar color charts from the era.
Red signifies love or excitement, while blue stands for calm, helping to evoke calming, relaxing feelings. The color trends 2017 palette helps create the perfect setting for each time, and the color trends 2017 can help create the perfect setting for each time.
📹 10 Killer Facts About Arnie’s ’58 Plymouth Fury “Christine” – Christine
In the 1983 movie “Christine,” the 1958 Plymouth Fury takes center stage as a striking yet sinister automotive character.
What is the most luxurious interior color?
Luxury interior design often incorporates metallic colors like gold, silver, and bronze, which add glamour and sophistication. These colors can be used as accents or in larger doses on furniture or walls. Bold colors like navy blue, deep red, and dark green are also popular, adding depth and drama to a room. However, they should be balanced with neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the room. Monochromatic color schemes, which use different shades of the same color, are also popular for creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. For example, a monochromatic scheme might use shades of gray to create a calming and elegant ambiance.
Why was Christine the only red car?
Christine: The Frankenstein Fury is a film that features a red car among off-white models, painted ‘Buckskin Beige’. The off-white cars were later painted red for the movie, and at least 20 Plymouth models were needed on set to match the look and feel of the original 1958 Fury. Crew members used earlier versions of the Plymouth Fury, Belvedere, and Savoy cars. Only two of these scrapped-together Christines currently survive, cobbled together from parts used during the shoot, showcasing the original car’s unique look and feel.
Who owns the real Christine car?
The Plymouth Fury Christine, a iconic car from the 1958 movie “Christine”, was initially raffled off and won by Scott Edminster. It was later sold at Barrett-Jackson’s auction, bought by Ron Pratte, and retired to the Rochester Auto Museum in New York. Mecum Auctions now estimates the car’s value at $400, 000 to $500, 000. Despite attempts to sell it during Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee 2020, it failed. Eddie Sandlin Jr., who worked for Columbia Pictures at the time, built his own version of the Fury, creating a Frankenstein-esque car that closely resembled the Christine in the movie.
The car eventually went to Bill Gibson, who claims that Christine now holds his possession. Although the original 1958 Fury failed to sell in an auction, the amalgam made from fused Fury parts has been featured at various conventions and car shows, and even a wedding ceremony. The “Christine” Plymouth Fury remains resilient, thanks to the passion of adoring fans.
What is Christine possessed by?
King’s novel, the source material for Carpenter’s film, revealed that the car was possessed by the evil spirit of its previous owner, Roland D. LeBay. However, the film version portrayed the evil spirit manifesting on the day it was built. Other elements from the novel were altered for the film, particularly the execution of the death scenes, which the filmmakers opted for a more “cinematic approach”. Columbia Pictures initially wanted to cast Brooke Shields as Leigh and Scott Baio as Arnie, but the filmmakers declined the suggestion, opting to cast young actors who were still fairly unknown.
Kevin Bacon auditioned for the role, but opted out when offered the lead in Footloose. Keith Gordon was cast as Arnie, and John Stockwell was cast in Los Angeles. Alexandra Paul, an “untrained, young actress”, was cast in the film, bringing a “great quality” to the character of Leigh.
What was the color of the car, Christine?
In the 1983 film Christine, director John Carpenter utilized a total of sixteen 1958 Plymouth Furys and additional models, all painted red, to create a visually appealing film.
What color gives off luxury?
Purple, often associated with royalty and luxury, is often used in branding for beauty products and anti-aging lines. Blue, often associated with loyalty, security, and honesty, is used across industries like American Express, Hewlett Packard, Oral-B, Crest, and automakers like BMW, Ford, and Volvo. Green, paired with blue and brown, symbolizes freshness, naturality, and health, and can signify growth and success. These colors are often used in branding to convey these associations and to convey the brand’s message.
What color house looks the most expensive?
The article posits that six specific paint colors can enhance the perceived value of a residential property. These colors include dark gray, white, cream/off-white, green, pale pink, and red. Such hues can assist homeowners in creating a sophisticated and opulent ambience, particularly in light of the prevailing economic trends.
What is Christine color?
Christine, a 1958 Plymouth Fury, is a major villain in the Stephen King multiverse, serving as the main villainess in the novel Christine and its film adaptation. She is painted in red, unlike the original Fury’s Buckskin Beige. Christine is a possessed, anthropomorphic, supernatural 1958 Plymouth Fury, often referred to as a female, with mean-spirited mannerisms towards her new owners. She is also a cameo character in IT, Cat’s Eye, and The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition.
How many cars did they destroy filming Christine?
In selecting a vehicle for his 1983 film Christine, author Stephen King chose a 1958 Plymouth Fury, a model he described as a “forgotten car” to avoid using a legend-attached one like the 1950s Thunderbird. The film was shot in the same South Pasadena neighborhood as Halloween, a film directed by John Carpenter. At the time the film was produced, King was already a highly popular author, although the book had not yet been published.
Why is phantom obsessed with Christine?
In “The Phantom of the Opera”, Christine is given an ultimatum to marry the Phantom or risk his death. Raoul, desperate for a way out, begs Christine to run away. Christine, recognizing the Phantom’s obsession, kisses him gently to show him she sees him as a man. The Phantom breaks down, allowing Christine and Raoul to leave. Christine’s compassionate and brave heart saves Raoul’s life and frees her from the Phantom’s clutches, making her the true hero.
Christine’s character arc in the musical showcases a rare type of strength for a musical theater heroine, demonstrating that practicing kindness and faith in humanity are inherently courageous acts that can repair society and provide personal liberation.
What color are Christine Daae’s eyes?
Christine Daae, a character with honey-blonde hair, blue eyes, and nearsightedness, is portrayed as kind, caring, and compassionate. She is the only person who showed Erik real love and is selfless and brave, sacrificing herself to protect Raoul and the people in the opera house from Erik’s wrath. Christine believes Erik is the “Angel of Music” and is naive and innocent.
The novel has been adapted into various versions, with the 1943 adaptation focusing on Christine’s background and her origins in Provence. In the 1990 mini series, it loosely follows Christine’s original story, with a flashback revealing her working as a servant in Raoul Vicomte De Changy’s household and her singing being recommended by Raoul for singing lessons. Christine’s naivety and innocence make her a captivating character in the novel.
📹 1958 Plymouth Fury – LIVING CHRISTINE
Martin Sanchez dreamed of having a classic car from the 50’s and then he read Steven King’s novel “Christine.” As a 16 year old …
I worked at a Ford dealer and one of the salesmen had a ’58 Fury. They wanted his vehicle for the movie but when he found out they were going to paint it red, he said “no.” He sold and bought back his car three times. The last time I saw him, he still had his car. It had the engine with the dual quad set up. It was a pretty clean machine. Bill was quite the Mopar guy. He had an early 60s Chrysler 300 which was very clean, wound up selling it at Barrett Jackson for six figures.
Even without the Christine connection, a 58 Fury, and really any Forward Look Mopar, is an awesome car. I think I read that King wanted a more unusual car than a 57 Chevy or Ford, so the Fury fit the bill. Although I loved the movie and esp the book, a little bit of me died each time one of the real-life cars were destroyed in the movie
thanks for the work you put into this and all your articles! i saw this movie when is was first released and, hand to god, on our way to see the film we passed an old house a block up from ours where an old man had a bunch of rusted hulks in his yard. one of them as a late 50s chrysler (imperial, etc…). i lifted the snow-covered hood to find a hemi; the car was really rotted out. imagine my surprise when i would see a similar scene play out with artie an hour later!
A few summers ago I was out for a bike ride and wound up on a country road I’d never been on. Nothing but tall grass and trees when this red barn appears on my left. As I got closer there sat a red Plymouth (most likely a Belvedere) just sitting out next to the barn with not a soul in sight. I stopped and looked at it from the road, and as I rode away I had to laugh at my urge to look over my shoulder and make sure a pair of headlights weren’t bearing down on me!
I have 3 Christine model cars. A 1/64 hot wheels, a 1/64 scale Johnny Lightning with Buddy Reperton’s camaro and a large scale greenlight model. I also have a 1/64 scale greenlight Fury in buckskin beige with gold anodized trim AND a 1/64 scale hotwheels fury with an Avengers paint scheme. Needless to say, I’ve collected quite a few of these cars.
Just to add to @CarStarz along with “fun facts”. The Plymouth Fury was indeed “top of the line” model. It could only be available in the Sandstone color. These Furys were only built in Detroit from 1956-1958. Christine is actually a Plymouth Belvedere. It could also be assembled in Detroit and other assembly plants within the U.S. As well as with more options. Including the factory red paint. In the movie they depict Christine being assembled in “Detroit”. That is true. It could be assembled at the now defunct “Lynch road” assembly plant in Detroit. The plant is located south of 8 mile and VanDyke (from Eminems famous movie). In the movie, they show the shift being over at 5:00 PM. Not true. Each plant may have had a 3 shift, 24 hour, 5 days a week.
‘Hey, is that cunningham car’ well yes you unfortunate souls that’s what you’re looking at before the inevitable end happens to you as usual my friend great work with the first halloween article on your website i am happy to see that facts are spot on and correct for us fans of the movie so please carstarz don’t you ever dare touch that 58 fury or she get you hurt 😂😂 anyway thanks and have great halloween season bye now.
I’m a SK fan, but often the movie adaptations suck, because they stray so far from the source material. While John Carpenter’s “Christine” isn’t all that faithful to the book it is so well done it is one of the few “drop the remote and watch” SK movie adaptations for me. I’ve seen it countless times. While I knew about the plastic “regeneration” Christine I didn’t realize so many real Belvedere/Fury cars were destroyed making the movies. I’d assumed they were mock-ups in many cases. It hurts my heart to know so many of these rare beasts were wrecked for the sake of the movie. But also heartened to hear die-hard fans somewhat resurrected a few of them. A enjoyable and entertaining article. Thanks!
Love your episode on Christine, it’s awesome. Could you do one on the Duke Of New Yorks Cadillac, the one with chandeliers on the fenders, from 1981s Escape From New York. Also the white boatail car from the 1937 movie “Topper” with Cary Grant, it’s the most awesome, and elaborate movie made car I’ve ever seen. It’s not an Auburn. It looks like it’s made out of steel and is fully functional with full interior, and an unusual storage space behind the rear seat for the spare tire. The movie Topper is currently on YouTube. I think your viewers would like to learn about both cars.
Sigh, I’ll have to settle for the AMT Christine 1/25 plastic Model Kit, also, many are right on here, Buddy Repperton looks over 27 in this movie lol, he must be like Ricky From Trailer Park Boys, “Mark my words boys, I’m gonna get my grade 10” lol, edit, I’m back, another thing I always felt odd, was why did Darnell climb into the hot burnt car, ( after he just burned his hand on the door handle etc ) what was he thinking lol
BONUS FACT — The iconic “Christine” Music score from 1983, written by Alan Howarth and Director John Carpenter, shares many similarities with the music score for the film, “Halloween III” – also directed by Carpenter, and written by Howarth, which was released in 1982. Which makes sense, recycle that score to save on the budget needed for those awesome cars!
The car being able to repair itself, can’t leave that out. To reach the heavy set boy, it had to damage the front fenders. Made the metal crunch sounds when repairing…Songs to work with what was happening, “keep a knocking,but you can’t come in”. Surprised there wasn’t a sequel, that piece moved when the car was made into a cube…
In 1990/91/92 (can’t remember the exact year) Tim Cook used cars in Newberry SC had a white ’58 Fury for sale for $4200. My Dad, Uncle, and I went to look at it and debated and I kick myself every time I think how we didn’t pull the trigger. Also, in the late ’80s, there was one sitting next to an old place between Lexington and Batesburg SC for sale. From the road it looked like the scene oit of the movie.
Haha. I know where there is a barn and barnyard full of these Plymouths. When I received my new 65 Olds 442 in 1965 in Ohio my cousin Tom had a collection of these and had put a hemi in one of them and he blew my doors off with it. I later built the 442 for the 1/4 mile and was very successful with it for several years. Tom was infamous in Ohio from his Plymouths. Most people probly don’t even remember this early series of muscle cars waaay before the 64 Goat Dandahermit😂😂
AWSOME,, article,,MY SON MAX 8 YR.S OLD AND I LIKED IT A LOT,,.. WE KNOW A GUY AT A CAR SHOW WHO BRINGS HIS CHRISTINE AND OTHER CARS TO,, MAX LOVES IT AND SITS INSIDE..IN THE MOVIE,,,,, WE NOTICED RIGHT WHEN BUDDY WAS GOING TO THE GAS STATION THAT NIGHT BEING CHASED BY CHRISTINE SHE HIT THE BLUE CAMRO IF YOU SLOW THE FILM DOWN YOU WILL NOTICE THERES NO ENGINE IN THE CAMRO,,CHRISTINE AND THE CAMRO ARE STUCK THEN THEY GET APART THE (HOOD)) IS OPEN SOME TO SEE IN THE GROUND.. THANKS….
When this movie debuted, I was driving a 2 door 1961 Plymouth Sport Fury, white over red. The front clip was similar (far from identical) and had horizontal tail fins. BUT, with movie patrons still buzzing, in a dark parking lot, a 61, with cherry bomb exhausts, high beams glaring, was enough to make people jump when I revved my 318… good times
As a kid I didn’t read much, unless you count Car Craft, Popular Hot Rodding, and Hot Rod Magazines as “reading”, THEN Stephen King wrote “Christine”, IT IS to this day one of only a handful of books I read from cover to cover and literally COULD NOT PUT DOWN!!! Though I love the movie and the cars in it, I am kind of disappointed that the movie DID NOT stay true to the book in many ways!!! Most of the other books I enjoyed were about science fiction like Logan’s Run, Battlestar Galactica and I also read mostly technical stuff, about space travel, rocketry and engineering mainly!! I did dabble a bit too, into paranormal books as well mainly topics like UFOs and unexplained phenomena!
Excellent job, my man! BTW, Steve-O did account for the wrong color paint in the book, I want to say it was Autumn Red. What I’ve always wondered about those regeneration scenes, is why they used such obviously abnormal headlights? I’m sure regular fluted sealed beams could have been slowly brightened the same way…
Christine never self regenerated! Arnie literally pushed her around the shop in reverse until he destroyed his own back, just like Roland Lemay! All right and in the book, Roland Lemay sold the car to Arnie not his brother!!! The book is way better than the damn movie!!! And Christine was not destroyed by a caterpillar! She was destroyed by a septic truck named Petunia!!! I never did like the movie! I much preferred the book. Thanks for the article anyway, even though it wasn’t that good!
Thank you for all of that information. The car was and still is awesome. Great to know that it and many clones are still around. 👍👍👍👍👍 One question that was always on my mind was. Was the earlier Mopar Hemi engine an option in that year of Plymouth Furies???🤔 If it was, what cubic inch would it have been???
That’s great. It’s really a good movie. I was just a few years out of high school when this movie came out. I owned a 69 Camaro in high school. It looked bitchin. I tell you though, I’d rather have his buddies car. That Charger was the best car in the movie for me. Try to find one now adays bucoo Buck’s $$.
There is a slot car version as well, that has an opening hood. There is the beauty shot, the junk version (for sale sign one),the black window one and the burnt version. the first two i mentioned are the ones the hood opens on. Now the last one is the body parts you paint and build yourself. I don’t know if all of the stores have them but i have seen these in Hobby Lobby’s in the USA. depending on sale the vary from $20 – $60
In 1957 Chrysler went to a new way of rust proofing the cars and it was no good and it took awhile until they could fix the issue that is why 1957 and 58 were the bad years for them cars but by 59 they had the problem fixed but that is why 57 and 58 are very rare now because many did not survive very long
I live two blocks from the old Rochester auto museum. I got to see Christine in person once. I’m kinda glad they closed the museum. It was nicely done, but downtown Rochester is a sketchy place these days. I would walk by the window at night at see it 10 feet from the window like it was a window display at a mall or something. I was always afraid someone was going to smash the glass, go in and mess it up along with all the other cars that were there.
i lived in yuma arizona at the time this movie was made, there was also the dukes of hazzard going on at the time as well, there were purchasers from the movie and other production companies that went to local junkyards and they would buy all the entire cars and carcasses, in the course of a couple of days, every old car that was popular on screen would simply vanish.
I owned a Christine… she was a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria and she was a Maine State police car and she was one evil bitch of a car. Car tried killing me a few times and my ex wife twice. . that car was one odd-ball of a car. but i do miss her. I named that car Christine also. even my friends did not wanna ride in that car saying and i quote ” That car is fuckjed man, i am not getting in that car. let me know when you buy another car”. Ahhhh the good old days. MY Christine met her maker back in 2005 when she was totaled my dumbass neighbour. she was 16 and brand new to driving. she hit my car doing nearly 50. My Crown vic was minding her own business in the driveway and she got smacked hard. that was the end of my poor 1992 Crown Vic P71. Rust in Pieces Christine. you were a bitch, but i’ll always miss you.
I just want to know if I’m the only man who has actually stood in front of their car late at night, and said show me? Because I definitely have more than once.. And usually I’m like man what the f*** that would have been cool. Now even though it’s never happened as cool as in Christine I do believe my cars and trucks have always had a soul and actually been in touch with me and like We Are One. I don’t mean this to sound crazy or ridiculous, because there really is a connection and I feel when you treat them good and take care of them they do the same back. I’m talking some tough situations where I’ve had a couple of words with my vehicle and it has became something. I don’t mean some small whatever stuff that I’m trying to turn into something bigger then it really is. I do think there is an energy transferred, as is with everything
Buddy was a badass though. The others like Don Vandenberg and moochie Welsh were only following him. But I don’t think that actor William Ostrander ever got many more acting after this movie. Like he was typecast. What an awesome movie. My mum hated it but she is a nutcase. Like I am 51 and I don’t live at home with her or my Dad. I had left behind some possessions for safekeeping and she found the VHS tape of this movie that I purchased,so it was the cinema release in a case not recorded from television and she threw it away. Like I said a nutcase. She just hated the movie.
I dunno where you got that “ford motor used for the sound of Christine” stuff but I assure you that is 100% false. Anyone who owns a Chrysler big block car can tell you that. Those engines sound nothing at all similar (even the firing order is different) and the engine sounds displayed in the film are 100% big block Chrysler. I own a 350 powered ’58 Fury with dual 2 1/4 inch mild glasspacks and it is 100% identical to the movie. The ford starters also have a distinctive sound and that is yet another way to know what went into the movie was a 1950’s vintage Chrysler big block.
A high school friend of mine’s Dad bought a 1958 Plymouth 4 dr sedan that came from the factory as a special order. It had the 360 cubic inch Golden Commando package. Dual 4 barrel carbs, dual point ignition, dual exhaust, heavy duty Torque Flight trans and 3:23 rearend posi-traction. A great highway cruiser and one heck of a drag race car at the local drag strips. This car won 90% of its races before his Dad got tired of repair costs, you know trans rebuilt and tires, tires and more,
Seeing this movie in elementary school in the ’80s was fucking mind blowing. Christine on fire chasing down Buddy is by far one of the most haunting car movie scenes ever. I read the book later on in my teens and I think it is a must-read. Also, Buddy shithead Repperton calling him Arnie “Cuntingham” is funny as fuck to this day.
After seeing the film Christine in the theatre many years ago in winter time Alberta, Canada my wife and I got into our car but it was better than 40 below that night and of course it wouldn’t start. Indeed, it would hardly turn over. As a joke to my wife I spoke to the car and caressed the dashboard (not my Mrs.) asking her to not let me down as I loved her and saying I knew she’d start for me. My wife quite horrified by the film thought my humour unfunny but when I turned the key again the car started right up. My wife and I looked and each other wide eyed… I was very, very nice to that car after that. After all, “Hell hath no fury like a Plymouth scorned.”
Martin is a very lucky man. Not only for having perhaps one of the most desirable and hardest to find movie cars out there, but for having such an amazing story that is reflective of the book/movie to go with it. All that hard work, all that deserved praise, and moments that wouldn’t even think possible, from meeting the cast to receiving so much filming pieces.
This article is one in a million. i cannot believe how much this parallels my own story. i always wanted a classic car, since i was young. After many summers and odd jobs, when i was 15 i bought my first car… a 4 door 1959 Plymouth Fury. I towed the car back from Ohio home to western Massachusetts. Good from far, but far from good. so many nights i spent in my garage, countless hours, stacks of service manuals, and a box of craftsman wrenches. I used to come home from school and no matter how terrible my day was, she was always happy to see me. Ive had my first date in that car, drive in movies, fishing trips, you name it. my senior pictures for the high school yearbook were taken with my car, and i wrote my college application essay about her, and i was accepted to my dream school with help from it. You can’t drag me away from that car.
Almost EVERYTHING was pretty in the 1950’s, from fashion to cars to homes to furniture. All of my furniture is Mid Century modern, sometimes I rock rolled up denim jeans with Penny loafers and I hope to someday own a ’57 Bel Air or ’58 Plymouth. Just say NO to the bland Wal Mart culture being pushed on us. PS: Your “Christine” is absolutely GORGEOUS!
This was really nice, and ended up being a very sweet and tender article. I love the fact that Martin is the exact opposite of the character in the book, despite having been treated in a similar fashion. If anything, it should be a hopeful message to people out there who deal with bullies. Just because you’re bullied or made fun of, doesn’t mean it has to define who and what you are. I love the fact that someone with such a kind heart got this car, and that she lives, and loves instead of hates..call me a romantic, call me sappy, but this is the way every great movie car story should end. Wow..between this, and the Back to the Future original time machine restoration project, two of my all time favorite cars now have good homes. ^_^
YES!!! The article I’ve been waiting for, for such a long time; I KNEW it was out there and I can now check THAT box!! Thank you!! And while some might say your life is defined by this car, I still see you as a caretaker of a piece of history you realize is so VERY important to a huge movie-going public. You’re just appreciative to go along for the ride…👍👍
I would substitute the straight steering column with a safety steering system. Refurbish the push button automatic transmission. Install disc power brakes. Reinforce the cabin, floor, doors, pillars and roof. Add seat belts. Then, install analog air bags. You’ll have a modern safety equipped version of the iconic Christine classic car.
When I was a kid my next door neighbor had a 57 Ply. He was a cab driver. And back then taxis also doubled as the family car so the cab was also the family car. You just stuck an off duty sign in the window as the family drove down the road to church or wherever. No one thought much of it then but today it may seem odd as also the family car. Things were better back then imho. You could leave your car windows down or convertible top down all night and not worry about some low life trying to steel your stuff. You could leave your windows down will doing you grocery and come back and find all like you left it. Can’t do that today.
Having watched this, being the third episode I watched on your website, I must say you got just everything right. Please, please, PLEASE keep up your great work you do here. There is art, style, passion, love to be felt and experienced from everyone involved here, it is just so enjoyable. Just perfect storytelling in only about 7 min. Great Camera, great narration, great editing… And there are few to get me, draw me in and even make me shed a tear or two with a piece of film. You mentioned people often call you honoured and that you do not really like being called that. Maybe you can live with people calling you blessed. I would call you that, even me being not religious at all. Keep on keepin’ on!
Have to love that someone very similar to the book version of Arnie made this beauty. In the books, not so much the movie, it is noted several times that Arnie’s one thing he is good at is auto work. Currently reading Christine, about 1/4 way through and like it loads more than the movie (but don’t get me wrong the movie is nostalgic af for me). Awesome article!!
Christine is such an intimidating yet beautiful car. Cars nowadays need what cars back then had: Personality Because of the movie, I can never see the ’58 Plymouth Fury as nothing more than a killing machine. The ’69 Dodge Challenger as a countryside muscle car So on and so forth. Hope future generations will love and appreciate the time you put into preserving your car. Christine needs to be admired.
50’s cars are so cool. The body shape and quirky additions such as large tail fins or bullet light bulbs on cars such as the 1959 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz make those cars stand out and the same was most likely true for the 50s. Cars these days lack quirky features and are all plain looking and haven’t changed much since the 90s other than getting smarter. I would rather be surprised with a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air over a modern safe car anyday.
Ever since I saw the movie at 8, the belvedere and the fury (since both of the early models were practically the same) have always been one of my dream cars. Seeing this does two things. One, makes me jealous cuz man I wish I had that car. But two it inspires me to keep searching and thinking maybe I might find one after all, and shortly after seeing this I found an ad for one for sale. I just wanted to say it’s an honor to see Christine back on the road again and thanks for taking your time restoring it.
Beautiful car. Funny how everyone always mentions the ’57 Chevy as the iconic car of the ’50’s. Most people don’t know that the ’57 Chevy was a sales flop. 1957 was the first time Ford outsold Chevy in 12 or 13 years. The did make 5 million of them but that is down considerably from ’55 and ’56 when they made over 5.5 million cars each year. The Plymouth in my opinion is way better looking but I love the big tail fin cars!
I know where one of the cars used as Christine is located, or was at least up till several years ago. It was located in the garage of my neighbor in Danville, Indiana. I can’t remember his name offhand but he moved here from California as a relocated United Airlines Employee, when they moved their maintenance hub to Indianapolis in the late 90s, or around 2000. He shared with me that he had purchased it from the wife of someone associated with the movie who had passed away, like a producer or such, I can’t remember exactly. I know that she had to have lived in the bay area as that’s where he had moved from. It wasn’t restored at the time, and was surprisingly very plain. And if memory serves me correctly, he didn’t pay a whole lot for the car. I’m thinking mid four figures, so not much. Anyway, I’m not sure if he still has it or not. I know that he was a pretty low key guy and didn’t advertise that he owned it. Guy at the beginning of the article states only 1 of 2 in existence, and another car shows up online as well. So it would appear more than 2 do exist. Maybe if someone else knows they can update my claim.
She’s gorgeous. Always warms my heart to see someone into the same movies, same books, and well, even in the same mindset. I’d give anything to see a beauty like her in person, let alone own an original 58 white-over-red Fury. Take care of her, she’s a bit old now. Don’t think she’ll puff out those dented bumpers nor the cracks in the windows. Haha, take care and maybe if I’m lucky, she’ll be cruising through Pennsylvania on a revenge run.
Wow 🤩 Martin you made Christine a beauty!!!! My beloved dad loved the movie CHRISTINE that I bought him!! Sorry 😞 your dad didn’t see the great potential that you seen in CHRISTINE. It’s funny how Christine doesn’t like your mom she got stranded! At least she loves you and will play you her oldie music your mine we belong together!!! By the way Martin you have beautiful eyes a beautiful handsome face!!
The beginning is wrong. The Fury wasn’t disliked because of the chevy at all. It was disliked because it was identical in every way to it’s predecessor the Belvedere but came in fewer colors. The Belevedere came in almost every color at that time but the Fury had 3 stock colors (and no red wasn’t one of them). So because of that it was shunned and they made so few. In fact in Christine the film most of the cars used were Belvederes since they are more common than Fury’s. Also most Christine replicas are Belvederes as well.
As a young man I never fully realized what my elders meant by “They don’t make em like that anymore.” The 58 Fury is a prime example, you have to buy a million dollar car today to find the level of craftsmanship that went into a $3000 car of the 50’s. The closest you get today is with a $60000 Vette, everything else is a throwaway reproduction of plastic and cheap vinyl.
Years ago I grew up in port Richey Florida and saw one of her sister cars that had been rebuilt because it was a crash car for the movie.older Spanish guy had redone the whole car in Aztec gold with copper flake on wide white.car still to this day has a presence you don’t forgot.thanks for bringing back that memory
This is so sad but it’s so beautiful at the same time I love Christine and if I actually got the car I’ll drive it around like a maniac but still I never for a man with a history who got a Christian car taken from the junkyard when I mean by junkyard I mean it’s so broken anyways I actually got sad by the bit of when he was crying
It was unknown on what date moments before roland’s death by his car this was a shocking story what Mrs Cunningham explained to Dennis as George explains about the personality of the red fury herself regarding anything that stands in her way after as a host to Arnie his personality changed becoming much more cruel and sadistic in nature that lead to his corruption.
6 years ago since the car was built in 1957 in September Roland lebay own the car and married to Rita and had an unknown daughter when commit suicide by the car Roland was deceased in exhaust fumes of carbon monoxide his daughter was held hostage in the back seat and Rita choked to death few years later to 1978 when the car was rested still works but in a minor condition as it hand it down to Arnie when he purchased it for George roland’s father although the red fury has a personality when possessed she is sensitive when girls had a crush when the Windows are tinted black it gets after bullies who tormented everyone when in the daylight the Windows are clear the radio plays when her personality kicks in.
If it is a Fury it is missing a lot of “Fury” items. It actually looks like the very similar Belvedere – a trim level below the top of the line Fury in 1958. All 1958 Furys were beige with a tan/beige interior. They also had gold grills. They also have several unique options that make them nearly impossible (due to cost) to restore to original – like the vent system that used engine oil pressure to operate instead of engine vacuum like every other car on the road. They did have similar bumpers and the Belvedere did come in red with the white accent stripe. I believe the Fury ONLY came with the rare 350 V8 engine while the Belvedere would be had with the 350 but most had the 318 or I6 engine. A true Fury is rare and off the charts expensive. A 1958 Series 62 Cadillac coupe is a breeze to restore compared to the real Fury.
I went to look at a 57 Ply. as my first non hand me down car when in High school in the mid 70s. He wanted $150 for it. Went to look at it he tried to start but the battery was dead because it wasn’t driven much and was in his garage. He jumped it, it cranked once and died because the engine seized up…couldn’t even turn the fan by hand. Check the oil and it was like sludge. Luckily it happened then before I bought it. I saved more money and ended up buying what I really wanted anyway, a 69 Roadrunner 383. I was then running with the big boys.😜
Actually, 24 cars were destroyed in the making of the movie ‘Christine’. This wasn’t used in the movie, they all had push button 3 speed Torqueflite transmissions. The new Mopar ‘longer, lower, wider’ styling of the 1957 Mopars was quite popular and threw GM into a frenzy. They had restyled their cars in 1955 and couldn’t redo them until 1959. Their 1958 sales were terrible, and GM lost money in all 5 of their brands. By 1959, the tables had turned, GM had new styling, Mopar went the other way and the 1960-63 Mopars were…butt ugly. Hell, I’m a Mopar “Direct Connection” gearhead but…That’s just the way it is. Steven King made 57-58 Chryslers desirable, just as Steven Spielburg made killing sharks seem cool and manly.
Mopars always seem to used as the Villains Car.. or anti hero.. Bullet, Vanishing point, Christine, Modern version like Blade all the way to Fast and furious.. Mopar Everyday and Everywhere.. thanks for the Post and Opportunity to see this Car.. enjoy that Torsion Aire Ride suspension “look it up”.. peace
I love that car that is my favorite move and my favorite car I have Forza 4 and I have a larg Collection of 1958 Plymouth furrys and my first car is a 1969 Chevy caprice 4 door I love that car it is my account photo and it is all original even the exhaust it has 80,000 miles and I have all the paperwork for the car I got it when I was 13 I’m 14 and she is my dream and my dad has a 1965 ford galaxy 500 q code so ya I’m u lucky kid in the future I want to make another Christine move
They are absolutely amazing cars. My dad has been a restorer and owner of the 57 & 58 Plymouth’s since before I was born, I grew up around them and spent many years getting to drive them and work on them with my dad. At one point he owned the actual 58 fury the franklin mint used as an example to make their scale models out of. I’ve always loved them for the memories I have of all the times spent with my dad and these amazing machines. I would love a fury but I am currently looking for any 57 or 58 two door to build with my daughter and continue a life long tradition with my own children. Lots of happy memories with those cars and my dad that I want to pass down with my girls and me.
Funny thing is… She only killed the ones who where bad to her. Arnie did himself in. No seat belt and she cried. Maybe she was not cursed. Maybe she was just an angry girl. I love her and would pay 10,000,000 for her if I had it. She is gorgeous and from (not limited to and may be other places like Indiana) my home town of Detroit. like if you love her this much.
This man is living my dream. I loved my old 66 mustang. It was like driving in a time machine. My parents were on their first dates, in that same type of car. I BRIEFLY married a girl that rode in mine(too long of a short story). But I almost traded my first truck for a 56 Fairlane. It was the same colors as Christine, had the fins, and was listed for $1k. I wanted it bad, but I knew my dad wouldn’t let me trade my Dakota. As soon as I passed, my transmission wouldn’t move in any gear(automatic). I wish I bought that car. It needed very little work and would’ve been a severe rarity. I blame my never-ending bad luck, on letting that car slip through my fingers. I get the curse, without the car. Welcome to my life.lol
I was a long haul trucker for 18 years. One of my trucks was a 2003 Freightliner. One morning shortly after buying her about 3:30 am she started up by herself. I thought someone was trying to steal her. I run out and no one is there. This happened every morning for a week. We named her CHRISTINE after that.
Three tv/movie cars I lusted over from a child in the 60’s & then on. The original tv series Batman car. The original Bullitt Mustang. Then Christine! Obviously in order of growing up. Only 2 days ago here in my home town of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia we had the annual Chrysler/Mopar car show over 300 came with the weather a bit iffy. There was a 4 door version of this car there which I continue to drool over every year. Anyway well done on your life project. It is tribute & a credit to you man!😎👍🏼 By the way I kind of got my grail car from the USA some 7 years ago. A Ford GT390 Mustang fastback still LHD. I completely understand your emotional connection to your Christine…
Here’s a good story and it’s true. I’ve been perusal a 58 Plymouth Fury run around my area for a year or two now. Recently found out it’s someone I know and I went to their house to verify if he had the car. He definitely had the car and we talked for a while. He let me know that the car showed up at a older woman’s house and it came from someone who recently passed away. The car stayed in her driveway and she never drove it but shortly after receiving it, she committed suicide. Now my friend has the car😔.
A fire-breathing machine that complex, having been touched by many people during assembly (and subsequent maintenance/repairs), accumulating unique experiences over the years is going to become increasingly an individual with something of a spirit. Anyone who has owned an older car knows this. “She’s in a bad mood today.” Hence, I always name my cars — and treat them with respect!