The vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” features a memorable vehicle assembled from unusual components. If you’re searching for what we do in the shadows car parts, you’re likely trying to identify or recreate the bizarre automobile from the film. This guide will break down every known component of that iconic car, offering a practical look at how it was built and where you might find similar items.
The car is a central prop, representing the vampires’ outdated and cobbled-together existence. It’s not a single vehicle but a hilarious fusion of parts from different eras and sources. Understanding its construction is a fun dive into prop design and automotive absurdity.
We’ll cover each major section, from the chassis to the decorative elements. You’ll get a clear list of parts and ideas for your own projects, whether for cosplay, a fan replica, or simple curiosity.
What We Do In The Shadows Car Parts
The vehicle in “What We Do in the Shadows” is a rolling monument to impracticality. It wasn’t built for speed or safety but for comedic effect and character development. The parts were chosen to look archaic, mismatched, and vaguely menacing.
Prop masters sourced items to create a carriage-like feel. The goal was a vehicle that looked both ancient and functional, as if the vampires had built it themselves over centuries. Every component tells a story about the characters’ disconnect from the modern world.
Identifying the parts requires looking at automotive history and unconventional materials. The car is a mix of vintage car parts, horse-drawn carriage pieces, and custom fabrications. Let’s examine the core structure that holds it all together.
The Chassis And Base Vehicle
Finding the starting point is key. The car wasn’t built from scratch but modified from an existing vehicle. This base provided the engine, drivetrain, and fundamental frame.
Reports and set analyses suggest the foundation is a very old, possibly 1920s or earlier, automobile chassis. It’s long and narrow, resembling early touring cars. The exact make and model are difficult to pinpoint because of the extensive modifications.
Look for these characteristics in a base chassis:
- A ladder-style frame, common in pre-1930s vehicles.
- Significant wheelbase length to accomodate the carriage body.
- Solid axles front and rear, rather than independent suspension.
- Space for a large, inline engine at the front.
The modifications welded and bolted onto this frame are what create the film’s unique aesthetic. The chassis had to be strong enough to support the heavy, added-on bodywork.
Bodywork And Coach Construction
This is the most distinctive visual element. The body isn’t from a standard car but resembles a black, formal horse-drawn carriage or hearse. It’s made primarily of wood and metal panels.
The construction is angular and boxy, with a high roof and small windows. This design enhances the feeling of confinement and antiquity. The body was likely custom-built by the film’s props department using traditional coachbuilding techniques.
Key body part details include:
- Wooden Frame: The skeleton is probably ash or oak, bent and joined to form the shape.
- Metal Paneling: Thin steel or aluminum sheets are riveted or nailed over the wood for durability and that metallic look.
- Door Construction: The doors are tall and heavy, with external hinges—a carriage feature, not a car one.
- The Roof: It’s high and curved, possibly made from formed leather or vinyl over a wooden frame.
Recreating this would involve serious woodworking or finding an actual vintage carriage body to modify. The joinery and materials are not typical for modern automotive repair.
Identifying Authentic Carriage Parts
If you’re sourcing real parts, focus on antique markets and specialist dismantlers. Look for structural pieces like iron hinge straps, door handles with thumb latches, and sections of carved wood trim. These parts often need restoration, which adds to the authentic weathered look of the movie car.
Wheels, Tires, And Axle Details
The wheels are a hybrid design. They have the large, spoked appearance of carriage wheels but are fitted with vintage pneumatic tires for use on a motor vehicle. This blend is crucial for the car’s confused identity.
They are likely 24-inch or larger wooden artillery wheels, with steel rims and rubber tires. The spokes are numerous and thin, providing a classic look. The hubs are large and prominent, a feature of early automotive and heavy carriage design.
Important considerations for these parts:
- Spoke Integrity: Wooden spokes can dry out and crack. You need wheels that are sound or can be professionally re-spoked.
- Tire Size: Finding modern tires to fit these old rims is a challenge. You may need to use specialty vintage tire suppliers.
- Axle Connection: The wheels attach to a straight, solid axle. The hub assembly is simple, often using a single large nut to secure the wheel.
The front axle likely turns on a central pivot (a fifth wheel), like a carriage, not with a traditional automotive steering rack. This makes the steering heavy and imprecise, adding to the comedy.
Lighting And Decorative Elements
The lighting fixtures are pure gaslight-era carriage parts. They are oil or kerosene lamps, not electric headlights. This is a brilliant touch that emphasizes the vampires’ pre-electricity origins.
You’ll see large, brass or painted metal lamps mounted on brackets at the front and sides. They have glass lenses and a bulbous fuel reservoir. These are authentic antique coach lamps, not replicas designed for cars.
Other decorative parts include:
- Fringe: The black fabric fringe around the roof is a classic Victorian mourning decoration, seen on hearses and formal carriages.
- Metal Scrollwork: There may be decorative iron or brass scrolls at the corners of the body or on the door panels.
- Lack of Chrome: Notice the absense of shiny chrome trim. Everything is painted black, matte, or has a tarnished metal finish.
These elements are about atmosphere, not function. They contribute directly to the gothic, anachronistic feel. Sourcing them requires looking at antique lighting stores or specialty prop houses.
Interior Components And Furnishings
Inside, the car is more lavish sitting room than automobile. It’s lined with rich, dark fabrics like velvet or mohair. The seats are overstuffed and button-tufted, resembling furniture from a Victorian parlor.
There are no modern dashboard instruments. Instead, you might find a small analog clock, a few unmarked levers, and perhaps a vintage speedometer. The windows have heavy, tasseled curtains that can be drawn closed for daytime travel.
Key interior parts to note:
- Upholstery Fabric: Deep red or black velvet is a period-appropriate choice for a luxurious, if dusty, interior.
- Wood Trim: The interior door panels and window frames are likely made of polished, dark wood like walnut.
- Flooring: The floor could be covered in a patterned carpet or even leather cloth.
- Accessories: Look for crystal decanter holders, cigar trays, or map pockets—all anachronistic touches.
The interior reinforces the idea that this is a rolling piece of the vampires’ home. Comfort and tradition trump ergonomics and safety features entirely.
How To Source Similar Parts For A Replica
Building a replica of the “What We Do in the Shadows” car is a major project. It requires patience, a good budget, and creative sourcing. You won’t find a kit or ready-made parts; this is a custom fabrication endeavor.
Start by gathering reference images from the film. Screen captures from multiple angles are essential. Then, break down the car into systems: chassis, body, wheels, lighting, interior. Source parts for each system individually.
Step-By-Step Sourcing Strategy
Follow this logical order to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Secure a Base Chassis: Find a restorable pre-1930s car chassis. Check vintage car auctions, classifieds, and specialist salvage yards. A rolling chassis is ideal.
- Acquire or Build the Body: This is the hardest part. Commission a coachbuilder, find a derelict carriage body to restore, or learn advanced woodworking to build it yourself from plans.
- Find Authentic Wheels: Search for “wooden artillery wheels” or “vintage carriage wheels.” Ensure they are structurally sound and the correct bolt pattern for your axles.
- Collect Lighting and Trim: Scour antique markets, online auctions for “coach lamps,” and architectural salvage yards for period-appropriate metalwork and fringe.
- Furnish the Interior: Work with a classic car upholsterer who understands traditional materials. Source fabrics and trims from stores that sell historical reenactment supplies.
Document your progress and be prepared for setbacks. Many parts will need modification to fit together, as they were never intended to be combined.
Budget Considerations And Alternatives
A full-scale, drivable replica is expensive. The base chassis alone can cost thousands, and custom coachwork is a significant investment. Authentic antique parts also command high prices due to their rarity.
Consider these more affordable alternatives:
- Static Display Model: Build a detailed, non-working scale model. This allows for creativity without mechanical challenges.
- Cosplay Prop: Create a single seat or a steering console section for a photoshoot. Use lightweight materials like foam board and PVC pipe.
- Digital Replica: Model the car in 3D software. This is cost-effective and perfect for animators or digital artists.
- Partial Build: Focus on one section, like the iconic front end with its lamps, and mount it on a wall as art.
Your approach depends on your goals, skills, and resources. Even a small prop can capture the spirit of the film’s iconic vehicle.
Common Questions About The Movie Car
Fans often have specific questions about this unique vehicle. Here are answers to some of the most frequent inquiries.
What Kind Of Car Is It In What We Do In The Shadows?
It is not a specific production car. It is a custom-built prop vehicle, constructed from a vintage automobile chassis fitted with a custom carriage-style body. It’s a one-of-a-kind creation made for the film, blending automotive and horse-drawn transportation elements.
Is The What We Do In The Shadows Car Real And Functional?
Yes, the prop car was real and functional for filming. It had a working engine and could be driven, albeit probably not at high speeds or on public roads. It was built to be a practical prop for the scenes where it appears, though its performance was likley very limited.
Where Is The What We Do In The Shadows Car Now?
The current location of the original movie car is not publicly documented. Major film props are often stored by the production company, sold to collectors, or dismantled after shooting. It may be in a private collection or a film museum storage facility.
Can You Buy A Car Like The One In The Movie?
You cannot buy an exact replica, as it was a custom prop. However, with significant investment, time, and skill, you can commission or build a similar vehicle. You would need to source the parts and hire specialists, as decribed in this article, to create a faithful reproduction.
Why Does The Car Look So Old-Fashioned?
The car’s design reflects the vampires’ ancient origins. They are centuries old and out of touch with modern technology. The carriage-style body, gas lamps, and interior furnishings are intentional choices to show they are living in the past, using a form of transport that bridges their old lives with the new world.