If you’re asking what car do they drive in Supernatural, you likely already have a dark, metallic image in your mind. The long-running series Supernatural features a parade of vehicles, but one classic American muscle car stands as the show’s true mechanical co-star. For fifteen seasons, this four-wheeled legend was as central to the story as monsters and salt rounds.
That car is, of course, the 1967 Chevrolet Impala. Affectionately known as the “Metallicar” or “Baby” by fans and the Winchester brothers themselves, the black Impala is far more than just transportation. It’s a mobile command center, a weapons locker, a safe haven, and a tangible connection to the brothers’ lost father, John Winchester.
This article will cover everything about this iconic vehicle. We’ll look at its specs, its history within the show, and even how it became a character in its own right.
What Car Do They Drive In Supernatural
The definitive answer is a 1967 Chevrolet Impala. This isn’t just any car from the late 60s; it’s a specific model with a powerful engine and a distinctive look. The car used in the show is a four-door hardtop sedan, which is a somewhat rarer body style compared to the two-door coupe often associated with muscle cars.
Its all-black paint job, shiny chrome details, and imposing front grille give it a presence that perfectly matches the show’s tone. It looks like it belongs on a dark, deserted highway, which is exactly where the Winchesters spend much of their time.
Here are the key technical specifications of Dean Winchester’s beloved Impala:
- Model Year: 1967
- Make & Model: Chevrolet Impala (Four-Door Hardtop Sport Sedan)
- Engine: 327 cubic inch (5.3L) V8 (early seasons), later referenced as a 502 cubic inch big block in lore.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual (as stated by Dean in the series).
- Color: Jet Black with metallic flake.
- Interior: Classic black vinyl bench seats.
- Notable Features: Distinctive triple-taillight design, iconic front bumper and grille.
The History Of The Impala In The Show
The car’s backstory is deeply woven into the Winchester family lore. John Winchester, the father of Sam and Dean, purchased the Impala in 1973. He originally bought it as a family car for his wife Mary and their young son, Dean. After Mary’s tragic death, the Impala became the family’s home on wheels as John traveled the country hunting supernatural threats.
Dean inherited the car from his father, and it represents his strongest link to his dad and to his own childhood. For Sam, the car is a more complicated symbol—it represents a rootless life of constant moving and hunting, but also the bond with his brother. The Impala has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, a testament to its enduring importance.
Notable Episodes Featuring The Car
Several episodes highlight the Impala’s role. “Baby” (Season 11, Episode 4) is famously shot almost entirely from the perspective of inside the car. “The Murder of One” (Season 6) and “Sacrifice” (Season 8) feature significant moments where the car is damaged or restored, mirroring the brothers’ own struggles.
Why The 1967 Impala Was The Perfect Choice
The show’s creator, Eric Kripke, made a deliberate and inspired choice. He wanted a car that was classic Americana, but with a slightly menacing edge. A two-door sports car felt too flashy for the brothers’ blue-collar lifestyle, while a typical family sedan lacked presence.
The four-door 1967 Impala hit the perfect balance. It had the size and practicality to serve as a believable mobile base of operations. Its large trunk could store a veritable arsenal of weapons, holy water, and salt. The bench seats allowed for classic brotherly conversations side-by-side. Its rugged, simple mechanics meant Dean could fix it with basic tools, which was essential for their life on the road.
Most importantly, its look is timeless. It doesn’t look like a car from a specific decade in a distracting way; it looks like a ghost from the open highway, which is exactly the aesthetic Supernatural needed.
The Impala As A Character: More Than Just A Car
To call the Impala a prop is a major understatement. It earned its place in the opening credits and is often treated with the same care as any actor. The car has a name, “Baby,” which Dean uses with genuine affection. It has saved the brothers’ lives countless times, both as a getaway vehicle and as a source of improvised tools or weapons from its trunk.
It’s a silent witness to their deepest conversations, their arguments, and their victories. The trunk alone is a legendary piece of television history, containing an organized inventory of everything needed to fight the supernatural.
- Mobile Arsenal: The trunk famously holds shotguns, rock salt rounds, machetes, knives, holy water flasks, and various occult books.
- Safe Haven: In a life with no permanent home, the Impala’s interior is the brothers’ most consistent sanctuary.
- Emotional Anchor: The car is a physical representation of Dean’s connection to his father and his commitment to the hunting life.
- Plot Device: Its breakdowns or losses often create major story obstacles, and its recovery is always a cause for celebration.
Other Vehicles Featured In Supernatural
While the Impala is the star, other vehicles have played significant roles throughout the series. These often reflect the personality of the driver or the needs of a particular storyline.
John Winchester’s Truck
Before the Impala became the primary vehicle, John Winchester was often seen in a rugged, dark pickup truck. This fit his image as a solitary, utilitarian hunter traveling from job to job. The truck emphasized the “working man” aspect of hunting compared to the more iconic status the Impala later achieved.
Bobby Singer’s Oldsmobile
The beloved hunter Bobby Singer, the Winchesters’ surrogate father, drove a classic 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88. This car, like Bobby himself, was tough, no-nonsense, and reliable. It was a land yacht of a vehicle, full of its own hunter’s tools and secrets, reflecting Bobby’s role as a stationary base of knowledge compared to the Winchesters’ nomadic life.
Crowley’s Classic Cars
The King of Hell, Crowley, had a taste for luxury and style. He was occasionally seen in a sleek, black 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (C1), a car that exudes power and classic cool, much like he perceives himself. This choice sharply contrasted with the Winchesters’ more practical ride.
Castiel’s Sedans
The angel Castiel, when he began driving, typically used nondescript, modern sedans. This fits his character’s initial disconnect from humanity and his functional approach to things. He didn’t have an emotional attachment to a vehicle; it was merely a tool for getting from point A to point B, which often amused or frustrated Dean.
The Real-World Legacy Of The Supernatural Impala
The impact of the Impala extends far beyond the television screen. It has become one of the most recognizable cars in pop culture history, influencing fans and the classic car market alike.
Fan Replicas And Community
A dedicated global community of fans have built their own meticulous replicas of the Supernatural Impala. They attend conventions and car shows together, sharing their passion for the show and for classic Chevrolet engineering. Building a replica involves finding the correct 1967 four-door hardtop model, applying the right black paint, and sourcing period-correct parts to match every detail, from the hubcaps to the interior trim.
Effect On Car Values And Popularity
The show has undeniably increased the popularity and value of the 1967-1969 Chevrolet Impala models. What was once a relatively affordable classic car has seen its desirability rise, particularly among fans of the show. The specific four-door hardtop model used in the show is now sought after, with sellers often highlighting its “Supernatural” connection.
Where Are The Film Cars Now?
Multiple Impalas were used during filming over fifteen years. Some were modified for specific stunts, while others were “hero” cars used for close-up shots. After the series ended, several of these cars were auctioned for charity or retained by the production company. One notable hero car was meticulously restored by the show’s transportation department and now resides in the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, a fitting tribute to its cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Supernatural Car
What Kind Of Car Is Baby In Supernatural?
Baby is a 1967 Chevrolet Impala four-door hardtop sport sedan. It’s powered by a V8 engine and has a classic black exterior with a black vinyl interior.
Did Dean Winchester Actually Drive The Impala?
In many driving scenes, especially close-ups, actor Jensen Ackles (Dean) did handle the car himself. He recieved training to perform some of the maneuvers. For complex stunts or high-speed shots, a professional stunt driver was used.
How Many Impalas Were Used During Filming?
The production used a fleet of over two dozen 1967 Impalas throughout the series. They were needed for different purposes: pristine “hero” cars for dialogue scenes, rugged versions for road shots, and specially reinforced cars for stunts and crashes.
What Happened To The Impala At The End Of Supernatural?
In the series finale, the Impala is seen parked at the bunker. In the final scene, it is implied that the car remains there, a lasting symbol of the brothers’ legacy. Dean’s final words about the car in an earlier episode cement its status: “She’s perfect.”
Can You Buy A Replica Of The Supernatural Impala?
Yes, you can. Some specialty dealers occasionally sell built replicas, but most fans source a 1967 Impala and customize it themselves. There are extensive online forums and guides that provide exact details on paint codes, interior specs, and how to recreate the iconic trunk layout.