Meet the demon-slaying '67 Impala "Baby" of Supernatural
Why it deserves a spot in automotive history
There have been plenty of iconic cars from television shows over the decades, such as the Batmobile, the Mystery Machine (Scooby Doo), the General Lee (Dukes of Hazzard), and KITT (Knight Rider). But there's a big one that's often overlooked, and more than deserves a top spot in automotive TV history — the 1967 Chevrolet Impala, aka "Baby", from Supernatural.
If you haven't seen the show, it follows the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, as they fight all things, well, supernatural—ghosts, demons, witches, vampires, you name it. They travel across the United States by way of Dean's most prized possession, a four-door '67 Impala, and it's proven to be a vital piece of their story.
Baby is equipped with a full blown arsenal in the trunk, complete with painted sigils—every weapon imaginable to kill the lot of creepy beings. Its 550 hp, 502-big block V8 lion heart roars under the hood, down stretches of open highway, powering on to fight the living, dead, and everything stuck in between. It's even transported the array of creatures. If you listen closely, you might hear the radio static of Dean Winchester's favorite classic rock tunes playing amidst all the growls (Growls of the engine or the ghouls? That all depends).
The Impala wasn't the first car choice for the show. Creator and writer Eric Kripke wasn't a car guy, but he was inspired by the car KITT from Knight Rider—a black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. He liked the 1965 Ford Mustang, classic and identifiable by many, so that almost made the cut.
It was his neighbor who suggested the '67 Impala as a more logical choice. The Winchester brothers needed something to fit their ridiculous arsenal, and the Mustang didn't have enough practical space. The Impala was the perfect car to take on the task with its enormous trunk and menacing looks, and it did the job for fifteen years. Supernatural ran from 2005-2020.
On set, there were multiple Impalas (at least nine); stunt doubles, if you will. These were fitted with lesser powered engines (somewhere around 350 hp) and each had unique modifications to perform stunts like power slides and jumps. Others were used specifically to take heavy damage. Some were used as camera cars, which required the hood, doors, and windows to be taken out and mounted with filming equipment to get each shot perfect.
Impalas used for filming. Photo from Twitter user @JBenn2255
The pristine, camera-ready Impala, that 502 big block beast, was nicknamed "Hero 1" on set. The original one was totaled in a stunt/significant scene at the end of season one, but was replaced (in the show, Dean fully restored it). Where is it now since the show ended? Jensen Ackles, aka Dean Winchester, took it home where it belongs safe and sound.
Baby is such a star that she got her own episode in season eleven (appropriately titled, "Baby") that was entirely filmed from the car's perspective. Even if you're not into the show, it's an interesting episode to watch; it feels like you are the car and it depicts the importance of the vehicle in the Winchester's lives.
That being said, it's just like any other car — it has memories. The show did a fantastic job throughout the years by presenting this Impala as a deeply personal effect of the Winchesters and their journey, something a lot of other shows don't really get into.
It's something that resonated with fans, who feel their own connection to the car. Supernatural has created a cult-like following for the '67 Impala. It reminds them of their favorite show and all the memories they have from watching it (it ran for so long that people grew up with it).
In fact, in the years the show has been on air, sales for classic Impalas have gone through the roof. They're hard to find in the four-door version. Some fans even built their own amazing replicas and fully restored the '67s they could find - check them out on this link.
Most of us have had an emotional connection to a car—it's normal—and I really like how that was importantly showcased for these characters. Alongside the world of new fans it created, the attention to personal memories is the biggest reason why it deserves a top spot in tv-car history, because it's something we can relate to in our own lives. Check out this scene from an episode that recaps the Impala's emotional relevance to the story:
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Comments (14)
Ironically-my grandpa had a 67 Impala as well!!
That's awesome! Do you know where it is now?
With some other old couple Ig
AYYYY!!! My favorite brothers ❤️❤️❤️
Yes!! But dammit, Castiel tho... 😂
OMFG!! Right?? Like you think of ways to make him sin 😂😂😂
Misha is such an awesome dude, he really is ❤️
One of my favorites were the ones from fast and furious. Without them, I wouldn't be here today.
Any particular one that you like the best? 😊
That R34 from 2 fast 2 furious.