Killer Plymouth Fury Ignites One Man’s Mopar Obsession
Who would have guessed that watching a movie 35 years ago would spark one man to obtain an impressive car collection?
Even if you aren’t exactly a big fan of the horror movie genre, chances are, you’ve heard of the John Carpenter thriller Christine, adapted from the hit novel by master of horror Stephen King. The 1983 movie and its murderous Plymouth Fury (named Christine, of course) left an indelible mark on pretty much every single person who’s ever watched it. That includes a gent by the name of Joe Caldwell. But his obsession with the cult classic goes a wee bit further than most everyone else, you see.
Just 12 years old at the time, Caldwell explained in a recent interview with Dodge Garage that he was able to sneak in and catch the R-rated film thanks to a buddy who worked security at his local cinema. Little did he know that this youthful act of rebellion would leave such a lasting impression on him.
“Christine was beautiful, mean as hell and had a love for her owners,” Caldwell said. “She was awesome. While watching the movie, I said ‘I will own you one day, Christine’, which was a dream because we were poor and didn’t even own a car, period. I never forgot about her over the years. I would see beautiful tribute Christines at car shows, on the internet, etc., and very envious yet thankful I wasn’t the only ‘nut’ out there.”
By 2012, Caldwell was the president of the Christine Car Club. And it was then that he got his chance to purchase three of original Plymouth Fury examples used in the film. An extensive frame-off restoration produced what is now considered the finest Christine car in existence.
Of course, Caldwell’s Mopar passion extends past his infamous movie car. He also owns a new Dodge Demon dubbed “Lucifer” and an eight-second Plymouth Satellite. But it all traces back to that singular moment, 35 years ago. A moment when a Mopar fanatic was truly born!
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