Volo Auto Museum loans car to Stephen King

VOLO – Executives at the Volo Auto Museum are well known for collecting and exhibiting Hollywood cars. When it comes to curating cars, though, the appeal is a two-way street, according to a news release.

"Hollywood seeks us out, too," said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road, where famous TV and movie cars are among the venue's many attractions.

One of the museum's most recognizable Hollywood cars will soon return with star power. On loan to Stephen King is the museum's red 1958 Plymouth Fury, better known as Christine from the movie of the same name. King requested the car be shipped to Ontario, Canada, where he is working with producer J.J. Abrams, actor James Franco and others on a miniseries based on King's novel, "11/22/63."

Grams received a call from the production crew July 23.

"Mr. King requested that his crew find a Christine for use in his miniseries," Grams said, "Basically, Stephen King puts little cues in his movies from past works. Our Christine is making a cameo."

As part of a press conference in Ontario the week of July 27, the crew unveiled Volo's Christine and Grams received photos.

"He was super excited that they got the car," Grams said of King, whose novel "Christine" was developed into a hit film in 1983. "A crew member overheard Mr. King say he remembered our car as 'pristine Christine,' and that the car 'remembered' him, too."

In exchange for the loan, the museum requested only to be compensated for shipping costs, and to have King autograph Christine's dashboard.

"The coolness factor is a 10 on this one," Grams said. "Stephen King is just such as legend in the entertainment world, and the movie 'Christine' was one of the biggest car movies ever made. For us, it's a real honor and pleasure."

The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 816-385-3644 or visit www.volocars.com for more information.