If you’re a fan of the show, you’ve probably asked yourself, what car does Dean drive in Supernatural? The car Dean drives in “Supernatural” is a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, a four-wheeled symbol of freedom, family, and the open road. This iconic vehicle is far more than just a mode of transport; it’s a central character in its own right.
Known affectionately as the “Metallicar” or “Baby” by fans and Dean himself, the Impala carries the Winchester brothers through countless hunts and across America. Let’s take a deep look at this legendary automobile, its history, and why it means so much to the show.
What Car Does Dean Drive In Supernatural
The definitive answer is a black 1967 Chevrolet Impala. This isn’t just a random choice by the show’s creators. The car was selected for its specific look, size, and cultural meaning. It’s a classic American muscle car, representing a bygone era of automotive design.
Dean Winchester’s connection to the car is immediate and profound. He describes it as “home.” For two brothers who lost their childhood house, the Impala becomes their moving sanctuary, carrying all their weapons, memories, and personal belongings from one ghost hunt to the next.
The History And Significance Of The 1967 Impala
The 1967 Chevrolet Impala was part of the fourth generation of the model. It was a popular full-size car known for its power and style. In the context of “Supernatural,” the year 1967 is crucial because it’s the year the car was manufactured, the same year the demon Azazel visited Mary Winchester, setting the entire series’ events into motion.
The car’s history within the show is carefully crafted. John Winchester, the brothers’ father, won the Impala in a poker game in 1973. He originally intended to restore it with his wife, Mary. After her death, he completed the restoration, and it became the family vehicle. Dean inherits it, solidifying its role as a family heirloom.
Key Features Of Dean’s Specific Impala
Not every 1967 Impala is the same. Dean’s car has specific modifications and features that make it unique.
- Engine: It’s powered by a 502 cubic inch (8.2L) V8 engine, though this was a custom upgrade for the show. Original models often had smaller engines.
- Color: It’s painted a specific, deep black. The show’s crew famously called the exact shade “Dean Black.”
- Interior: The car has a distinctive tan or beige leather interior, which becomes a familiar backdrop for many brotherly conversations.
- Modifications: The trunk is rigged with a false bottom to conceal the Winchesters’ extensive arsenal of weapons, from shotguns and rifles to machetes and holy water.
Why The Impala Is More Than Just A Car
The Impala, or “Baby,” serves multiple narrative and emotional functions within “Supernatural.” It’s hard to imagine the show without it.
A Mobile Base Of Operations
For hunters who live on the road, a reliable base is essential. The Impala provides just that. It’s a bedroom, a dining room, a war room, and a storage locker all in one. Every scratch and dent on its body tells a story of a past hunt or a narrow escape.
A Symbol Of Family And Legacy
The car is the strongest physical link Dean and Sam have to their father, John. It represents his legacy, both the good (his dedication to protecting people) and the difficult (their unstable childhood). Dean’s devotion to maintaining and repairing the car mirrors his desire to hold the family together.
A Character With Its Own Arc
The Impala is destroyed and brought back several times. Each time it’s damaged, it feels like a wound to a main character. Its most notable destruction happens in season 5, when it is crushed by a semi-truck. Its subsequent restoration by the angel Castiel is a powerful moment of rebirth, not just for the car but for the brothers’ mission.
The Real-World Cars Used In Filming
The production of “Supernatural” required multiple versions of the 1967 Impala to handle different filming needs. Over the show’s 15-season run, they used quite a few.
- Hero Car: This was the primary, pristine car used for close-up shots and driving scenes when the car needed to look its best.
- Stunt Car: A reinforced version used for action sequences, crashes, and jumps. Several of these were used and often damaged.
- Shell Cars: These were partial or full-body shells used for specific shots, like when the car is being repaired or is completely wrecked.
Finding and maintaining these classic cars was a constant challenge for the prop department. They sourced them from collectors, auctions, and junkyards across North America.
Fan Culture And The “Metallicar”
The fandom’s love for the Impala is immense. Fans have given it the nickname “Metallicar,” a play on “metal” and “car.” The vehicle has its own massive following, with replicas being built by dedicated enthusiasts worldwide.
At conventions, panels about the car are always popular. The attention to detail some fans show in recreating the Impala, down to the specific scratches and the contents of the glove box, is a testament to its importance. It’s a key piece of memorabilia, with model kits and die-cast replicas being highly sought after.
How To Spot A Replica
If you see a black 1967 Impala on the road, how can you tell if it’s a “Supernatural” replica? Look for these details:
- The Kansas license plate “KAZ 2Y5” is the most obvious sign.
- A single military-style antenna on the trunk, used for police scanners in the show.
- A Men of Letters keychain or a simple key, often visible in the ignition.
- Replicas often have the same tan interior and may even feature prop weapons in the trunk.
The Impala’s Most Memorable Moments
Throughout 15 seasons, the car was central to some of the show’s most iconic scenes. Here are a few standout moments:
- Pilot Episode: The very first shot of the series is a close-up of the Impala’s headlight, establishing its importance immediately.
- “Carry On Wayward Son” Montages: Many season finale recap montages, set to Kansas’s “Carry On Wayward Son,” feature sweeping shots of the Impala on the road.
- Baby-Centric Episode: Season 11, Episode 4, titled “Baby,” is filmed almost entirely from inside or directly around the Impala, seeing a hunt from the car’s perspective.
- Final Scene: In the series finale, the final shot is of the Impala parked at a crossroads, headlights shining down a lonely road, before driving off into the night—a perfect, symbolic ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions fans have about Dean Winchester’s car.
What Is The Nickname For Dean’s Car In Supernatural?
Dean most commonly calls the car “Baby.” The fandom also widely uses the nickname “Metallicar.” Dean rarely uses the term “Metallicar” himself; it’s more of a fan-created portmanteau.
Does Dean Always Drive The Same 1967 Impala?
Narratively, yes, it is always the same car—the one his father won in 1973. In reality, the production used many different 1967 Impalas to serve as the hero car, stunt cars, and shells over the long filming schedule. Some were in better condition then others when they were purchased.
What Happens To The Impala At The End Of Supernatural?
In the final episode, after Dean’s death, Sam continues to use the Impala. He eventually raises a family and is shown teaching his son to drive in the classic car. The final scene shows the Impala, now with Sam’s son at the wheel, driving down a road before fading to black, implying the Winchester legacy and the car live on.
Can You Buy A Car Like Dean’s?
Yes, you can purchase a 1967 Chevrolet Impala. However, finding one in good condition and modifying it to match the show’s specifications can be expensive and time-consuming. Original models and custom replicas are sold by specialty dealers and private collectors. The cost varies widely based on condition and authenticity.
What Kind Of Music Does Dean Play In The Impala?
Dean’s taste in music is a huge part of the car’s identity. He almost exclusively plays classic rock from the 1970s and 80s on cassette tape. Bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and of course, Kansas, are staples. The tape deck and his box of cassettes are as vital to the car’s character as the engine itself.
The 1967 Chevrolet Impala is the heart and soul of “Supernatural.” It’s the vehicle that literally and figuratively drives the story forward. Asking “what car does Dean drive?” is the first step into a deeper appreciation for how a simple automobile can become a symbol of home, family, and the enduring fight between good and evil. The next time you watch an episode, pay close attention to the car—you’ll see it’s not just in the background, it’s a key part of every scene it’s in.