We all know the iconic Big Lebowski car which hit the big screens over 20 days ago. I twas back in March 1998 that The Big Lebowski, now a cult classic, hit the big screen. Starring ‘The Dude’ Jeff Bridges, who was nominated for his performance in Hell or High Water, the film raked in $5.5 million in its opening weekend. Critics, like Desson Howe of Washington Post, praised the Coens Brothers for creating their own sub-genre that embodies all things peculiar and weird.
Bridges isn’t the only former cast member that has won an Oscar; so did John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Their performances in various films have cemented them as Hollywood greats, but their roles in The Big Lebowski remain fan favorites.
While The Dude himself is an unforgettable character, there is another memorable co-star (aside from John Goodman, of course), and that is The Dude’s car: a 1973 Ford Gran Torino. The famous Big Lebowski car, while somewhat of a beater, is the very essence of The Dude, an extension of his being, much like his rug that really tied the room together. Despite its worn-down appearance, the Torino has become an iconic piece of movie history, symbolizing The Dude’s laid-back, carefree lifestyle.
As a tribute to the dude-ness of not only the movie but the very famous Big Lebowski car, we have compiled this list of The Dude’s car facts about the film’s 1973 Gran Torino that we think all car-loving Lebowski fans will appreciate. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the film or simply a classic car enthusiast, these facts will give you a deeper appreciation for this legendary vehicle and its place in cinematic history.
#1 - The Birth of the Gran Torino
The Big Lebowski Car In 1972, Ford decided to create an upscale mid-sized vehicle. While it is hard to tell by the Big Lebowski car’s state in the movie, The Dude’s car is, in fact, the redesigned, upscale model. When the Gran Torino first came out, it was considered to have a futuristic look to it. The vehicle's elongated hood and aggressive stance set it apart from competitors and made it a desirable choice for car enthusiasts.
“His dudeness, duder, or el dudorino" – The Dude
#2 - The Two Gran Torinos Used in Filming
There were actually two Gran Torinos used in the filming of The Big Lebowski. One was destroyed in the movie, while the other survived long enough to make an appearance in a TV series after filming wrapped. This speaks to the car’s resilience, though its on-screen treatment was far from kind.
“This aggression will not stand, man" – The Dude
#3 - The Torino's Italian Namesake
The Torino model was named after the city of Turin, or Torino, in Italy; the Italian equivalent of Detroit. This naming convention was meant to emphasize Ford's global influence while nodding to Italy's automotive history.
#4 - The Diecast Version of The Dude's Car
A diecast version of The Dude’s car was produced by GreenLight Toys. The company also replicated the other cars that appear in the movie. They created a 1:43 scale version of the famous car, allowing collectors and fans of the movie to own a miniature version of the Big Lebowski car. This limited-edition model remains a sought-after collectible today.
#5 - The Gran Torino's Redesigned Front End
After its redesign in 1972, the Gran Torino featured a longer, over-exaggerated front nose, a notable feature of The Dude’s car. This exaggerated design gave the car a commanding road presence and made it a recognizable classic.
#6 - The Torino Lineup Gets an Overhaul
That same year also saw a major overhaul of the Torino models, where Ford reduced its lineup from 14 to 9, axing the convertible version of the Torino. This is when the Torino 500 was given the name Gran Torino and what we now know to be The Dude’s Car. With this change, Ford positioned the Gran Torino as a more refined, performance-oriented vehicle.
#7 - The Original Car Choice for The Dude
Even though we have grown to know The Dude’s car as the 1973 Gran Torino, the original car written into the script was a Chrysler LeBaron, which was driven by Jeff Dowd, the real-life Dude for the Coen Brothers. We can’t picture The Dude driving anything else now, though! The Gran Torino's rugged and well-worn look fit perfectly with The Dude's laid-back, carefree personality.
“Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man" – The Dude
#8 - Why The Dude Didn't Drive a LeBaron
The reason for the change in The Dude’s transportation was because the Chrysler LeBaron wasn’t big enough to fit co-star John Goodman. They then switched the LeBaron out for the now-iconic Ford Gran Torino. This last-minute change ended up being a defining choice for the film, as the Gran Torino became synonymous with The Dude's lifestyle.
“You are entering a world of pain." – Walter Sobchak
#9 - The Gran Torino's Limited Production
Run Ford only produced the Gran Torino from 1968-1976 to compete in the intermediate automotive market in North America. Despite its relatively short production period, the car left a lasting legacy, partly due to its appearances in pop culture, including The Big Lebowski.
#10 - The Fate of The Dude's Car
The Dude’s Gran Torino was later seen in Blue Streak (1999) and then destroyed in an episode of the sci-fi hit TV series, The X-Files, in 2001. And so, unfortunately, there are no official movie cars left. While replicas and fan recreations exist, the original Big Lebowski car met an unfortunate fate, much like it did in the film. However, its legacy lives on as one of the most memorable movie cars of all time.
“Strikes and gutters, ups and downs" – The Dude
Even after all these years, the dude-like mentality of Jeff Lebowski lives on through his Big Lebowski fan base. Fans continue to celebrate the laid-back, carefree attitude of the Dude, embracing his philosophy of taking life easy. Whether it’s through movie screenings, themed parties, or simply adopting his love for bathrobes and White Russians, the legacy of The Big Lebowski remains as strong as ever.
Now let’s all cheers, with a White Russian, to the success of the movie and, of course, the Dude’s car—the iconic 1973 Ford Gran Torino. The Big Lebowski car may have been battered and beaten, but much like the Dude himself, it abides.
- What inspired the creation of the Gran Torino?
- The Gran Torino was conceived in 1972 as an upscale mid-sized vehicle by Ford, offering a futuristic design that appealed to car enthusiasts.
- How many Gran Torinos were used during the filming of The Big Lebowski?
- Two Gran Torinos were used: one was destroyed during the film, while the other survived and appeared in a TV series later on.
- Why was the Gran Torino chosen over the original car, the Chrysler LeBaron?
- The Chrysler LeBaron was deemed too small to accommodate co-star John Goodman, leading the filmmakers to opt for the more spacious Gran Torino.
- What is the significance of the name 'Gran Torino'?
- The name 'Gran Torino' pays homage to the city of Turin, Italy, reflecting Ford's global influence in the automotive industry.
- What happened to The Dude's Gran Torino after filming?
- After its time in The Big Lebowski, The Dude's Gran Torino was later seen in Blue Streak and was ultimately destroyed in an episode of The X-Files.
