Digital designer Abimelec Arellano (@abimelecdesign), known for his imaginative automotive creations, has conjured up a spooky delight just in time for Halloween. Paying homage to John Carpenter’s Christine, the supernatural horror film that made the 1958 Plymouth Fury an icon, Abimelec has transformed the legendary car into a Gasser-style hot rod that demands attention.
Gassers, a popular drag racing style from the 1950s and ‘60s, are known for their raised front ends, loud engines, and flamboyant looks. In true Gasser fashion, Abimelec’s version of Christine is a bold departure from her sinister, yet sleek, on-screen persona. With an aggressive stance, a unique suspension setup, and a rumbling supercharged HEMI under the hood, this Fury is anything but ordinary.
“Halloween is one of my favorite celebrations,” Abimelec shared. “So here’s something for the occasion: Christine—our favorite evil ‘58 Plymouth—in a Gasser costume! I absolutely love a flamboyant Gasser, especially something odd like a ‘58 Plymouth would be. To be honest, the Fury body style looked kind of weird once I set up the suspension and stance—the proportions just weren’t right. To aid this, I moved the front axle forward about 3 inches (so it’s not totally centered in the wheel well) and removed the rear bumper. Those changes balanced out the proportions a little more, and I am happy with how it sits.”
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the car’s striking red and white paint scheme. Described by Abimelec as a “special order” finish, it nods to Christine’s original look while giving her a fresh twist. The supercharged Gen 1 HEMI engine under the hood makes sure everyone hears Christine coming long before she arrives, adding a menacing roar to her frightening allure.
Christine’s Gasser transformation isn’t just about aesthetics. The forward axle placement and bumper deletion create a menacing presence and give the classic body a more balanced look suited for the high-riding, dragstrip-inspired style. These thoughtful adjustments highlight Abimelec’s creativity and deep understanding of automotive design, ensuring Christine maintains her commanding aura even in this modified form.
It’s worth noting that the 1958 Plymouth Fury was sold only as a buckskin beige two-door hardtop with gold anodized aluminum trim, making it unique among the Plymouth lineup. In the years prior, in 1956 and 1957, it was available only in sandstone white with the same gold anodized trim. This distinctive look added to the Fury’s allure and set it apart as a top-of-the-line performance car in its era.
John Carpenter’s Christine, released in 1983, captivated audiences with the tale of Arnie Cunningham and his possessed Plymouth Fury. The film, based on Stephen King’s novel, established Christine as more than just a car; she became a character with a mind of her own, haunting the streets with a jealous and violent streak. Abimelec’s Gasser iteration preserves that sense of danger but gives it a playful, high-octane twist that honors the car’s legacy while adding a dash of drag racing flair.
