A red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury is built on the assembly line. While a worker inspects the engine, the car injures him by closing its hood on the worker's hand. During closing time, another worker is killed in the Fury when he flicks cigar ash on its upholstery. Twenty years later, Arnold “Arnie” Cunningham, a nerdy teen, buys the same used Fury Coupe over the objections of his friend, Dennis Guilder, who says she needs a full restoration. At school, Arnie is viciously bullied by Buddy Repperton who is expelled after drawing a switchblade. Arnie begins obsessively restoring the Fury, which is named Christine, in defiance of his parents at Darnell's Garage. As he spends time repairing it, he changes, shedding his glasses, dressing better, and developing a cocky arrogance. His obsession with Christine puts a strain on his relationship with his parents and as well as his friendship with Dennis.
