Faux Supercharger on Dom’s First Fast and Furious Charger Exposed

The Illusion of Filmmaking: The Magic Behind the Scenes

Television and cinema have made a lasting impact on the car enthusiast community. They have elevated ordinary automobiles to become symbols that are cherished and highly sought after all over the globe. However, countless beloved cars that have captured our hearts were brought to life through the wizardry of the film industry.

The renowned 1970 Dodge Charger driven by Dominic Toretto in the initial installment of the Fast and Furious series serves as a perfect illustration. However, its iconic supercharger is, surprisingly, not real. Craig Lieberman, who provided technical expertise for the first two Fast and Furious movies, disclosed in a recent video on his YouTube channel that the impressive, eye-catching blower was actually a fake and not even connected to the motor.

WHERE IS DOM'S CHARGER?

The hefty engine captured on camera inside Dom’s garage was a massive 445 cubic-inch machine. However, it was merely a placeholder and not meant to actually propel the muscle car. After filming, it was promptly returned to the engine workshop. Keen-eyed viewers may have spotted that the Charger featured at the conclusion of the movie had a blower belt covering, cleverly concealing the absence of an actual belt. But this wasn’t the only instance of cinematic trickery employed in the film.

The movie utilized a total of five Chargers, transforming 1969 models into 1970 R/Ts. Out of the five, two were designated as stunt vehicles and featured durable double roll bars that are clearly distinguishable if you know where to look. The lead car is easily recognizable with its recreated roof reinforcement and solitary bars.

Over the years, we have witnessed a number of iconic movie cars disappear into obscurity. Due to various reasons like recycling, selling, or scrapping, these vehicles often meet their end before the film they were featured in hits the cultural zeitgeist. The early cars from the beloved franchise, Fast and Furious, especially, embarked on tumultuous journeys across the globe before finally settling down in their permanent abodes.

Source: Craig Lieberman / YouTube