1958 Plymouth Fury (aka, Christine) in the Rockies
1958 was a standout year for Plymouth, and the Fury in particular became a pop culture icon thanks to the movie “Christine” (1983). The real Fury was a rare, high-performance sub-series of the Belvedere, with only 5,303 units produced that year.
The Fury (and its Belvedere roots) featured dramatic vertical tailfins, emblematic of late-1950s American car design. These fins weren’t just aesthetic—they were part of Chrysler’s push to make cars look futuristic and fast. Unlike the red Belvedere in “Christine,” the actual ’58 Fury came only in buckskin beige with gold anodized aluminum trim. The red paint was a creative liberty taken for the film. Chrome detailing was everywhere—grille, bumpers, side moldings.
The Fury packed a 5.2L (318 cu in) V8 engine with twin four-barrel carburetors, producing 290 horsepower. Optional upgrades included a 5.7L Golden Commando V8 pushing up to 315 hp. Plymouth introduced torsion bar front suspension in 1957, which carried into 1958. This gave the car a smoother ride and better handling than many competitors. Buyers could opt for a 3-speed manual, PowerFlite, or TorqueFlite automatic transmission—cutting-edge for its time.
The car’s sinister personality in Stephen King’s novel and, later, in John Carpenter’s film cemented its mythos. Although technically a Belvedere, the car was modified to resemble the Fury for dramatic effect. The car’s cinematic legacy has elevated its desirability far beyond its original market status or aesthetic appeal. Suddenly, the Fury wasn’t just a car—it was a character. Collectors began seeking out Furys and Belvederes to modify them into Christine tributes, driving up prices and demand. Pristine models fetch upwards of $60,000–$78,000.
1958 Plymouth Fury (aka, Christine) in the Rockies
1958 was a standout year for Plymouth, and the Fury in particular became a pop culture icon thanks to the movie “Christine” (1983). The real Fury was a rare, high-performance sub-series of the Belvedere, with only 5,303 units produced that year.
The Fury (and its Belvedere roots) featured dramatic vertical tailfins, emblematic of late-1950s American car design. These fins weren’t just aesthetic—they were part of Chrysler’s push to make cars look futuristic and fast. Unlike the red Belvedere in “Christine,” the actual ’58 Fury came only in buckskin beige with gold anodized aluminum trim. The red paint was a creative liberty taken for the film. Chrome detailing was everywhere—grille, bumpers, side moldings.
The Fury packed a 5.2L (318 cu in) V8 engine with twin four-barrel carburetors, producing 290 horsepower. Optional upgrades included a 5.7L Golden Commando V8 pushing up to 315 hp. Plymouth introduced torsion bar front suspension in 1957, which carried into 1958. This gave the car a smoother ride and better handling than many competitors. Buyers could opt for a 3-speed manual, PowerFlite, or TorqueFlite automatic transmission—cutting-edge for its time.
The car’s sinister personality in Stephen King’s novel and, later, in John Carpenter’s film cemented its mythos. Although technically a Belvedere, the car was modified to resemble the Fury for dramatic effect. The car’s cinematic legacy has elevated its desirability far beyond its original market status or aesthetic appeal. Suddenly, the Fury wasn’t just a car—it was a character. Collectors began seeking out Furys and Belvederes to modify them into Christine tributes, driving up prices and demand. Pristine models fetch upwards of $60,000–$78,000.