Conversations with Missy: The "Baby" Sitters Deb and Rianna
Baby: The 1967 Chevrolet Impala at the Heart of Supernatural
In the long-running CW series Supernatural, which aired from 2005 to 2020, the black 1967 Chevrolet Impala stands as more than just a vehicle, it is a core character known affectionately as "Baby." Owned and cherished by Dean Winchester, portrayed by Jensen Ackles, the Impala serves as the mobile headquarters for the Winchester brothers' endless hunts against supernatural threats. As writer Chuck Shurley (played by Rob Benedict) recounts in season 11, episode 17 titled "Baby," the car rolled off the assembly line at a General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, just three days after the company's 100 millionth vehicle on April 21, 1967. No fanfare marked its quiet debut, but it would become "the most important car... in pretty much the whole universe."
Dean inherits Baby from his father, John Winchester, who purchased the then-baby-blue four-door hardtop in 1973, as revealed in season 4, episode 3, "In the Beginning." A future version of Dean time-travels to convince John to choose it over a 1964 Volkswagen Van. Repainted black, the Impala boasts a 327 cubic-inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, dual bench seats, and classic Coke-bottle styling, fenders curving outward from a narrower center, that defined the 1967 model's distinctive look. Its trunk doubles as an arsenal, stocked with weapons like shotguns, holy water, and salt rounds essential for battling demons and ghosts. Kansas plates reading KAZ 2Y5 (from Sedgwick County) adorn it, symbolizing the brothers' nomadic, rootless lives spent in motels and on the road.
Baby endures countless trials across 15 seasons, mirroring the Winchesters' resilience. In the season 1 finale, "Devil's Trap," a demon-possessed truck T-bones it, leaving the car a wreck; Dean restores it himself despite warnings it's impossible, underscoring his deep bond. The Impala shields the brothers from harm, as in season 10's finale when it absorbs a devastating blast, and even gets possessed in its namesake episode, allowing Sam and Dean to converse with it. Production used nine 1967 Impalas: three hero cars for close-ups, three stunt vehicles, two wrecked ones, and a modified shell for interior shots. Engines varied, from small blocks to at least one 502ci big-block V8 for power scenes.
When Supernatural wrapped in 2020, Jensen Ackles received the primary hero car as a gift, while co-star Jared Padalecki (Sam) took home a stunt version. Baby's legacy endures, inspiring fan replicas and appearances in Ackles' other projects, like a nod in his 2024 role on Tracker. As Dean often says, the Impala isn't just transportation, it's family, carrying the weight of loss, loyalty, and redemption through every mile.
Watch our interview with two of the official "Baby" Sitters, Deb and Rianna, now to learn even more about these cars (including Yertle the Yellow SPN Gremlin) along with how you can book them for an appearance at your next event These two "Baby" Sitters are so knowledgeable and fun to chat with. Not only are they part of the SPN Family, they are quite talented and have so much more to offer the SPN Universe.
For more information on Deb and Rianna and how you can book an appearance, follow the links below. Thank you again for such a great conversation. I truly enjoyed speaking with you both. ~Missy
Instagram: @dean_the_impala
Tic Toc: @deantheimpala
Facebook: @deantheimpala
Instagram: Yertle_the_SPN_Gremlin
Facebook: @yertlethesupernaturalgremlin
For Rianna's Duct Taped Art, Please visit her Facebook page or send her a message at riannamelton@gmail.com
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About Missy Wolf
Co-Founder, Editor, Journalist & Vice President of the American Country Music AssociationFrom an early age I knew music and entertainment were in my blood. I have always been enamored with the idea of being in this industry, though I never wanted to be a front and center "Star". Taking the audience behind the scenes for up close conversations with the artists they love is where I want to be. Life in lyrics has always been my style, so as my favorite country artist Wade Hayes sings, I am living my life and chasing my dreams! Conducting interviews, meeting talented people and sharing stories and adventure are my passion. My new favorite hashtag is #iaskyouanswer, so stay tuned for more interviews, articles and adventures!
