Owning a piece of television history often comes down to finding the right merchandise, and for fans of the Winchester brothers, nothing beats the Supernatural Impala 67 Funko Pop. This vinyl figure immortalizes "Baby," the legendary 1967 Chevrolet Impala that served as a home, a weapon, and a faithful companion across fifteen seasons of the dark fantasy series Supernatural. Released as part of the Pop! Rides line, the collectible pairs the classic car mold with a stylized mini-figure of Dean Winchester sitting in the driver's seat.
Finding the right edition requires navigating variants, box condition grades, and counterfeits in the secondary market. This guide breaks down everything collectors need to know about tracking down, verifying, and preserving this iconic pop culture item.
Understanding the Impala 67 Release History
Funko released the standard Pop! Rides version of the 1967 Chevy Impala back in 2015, capturing the vehicle's glossy black exterior, red interior accents, and subtle dashboard details. Unlike standard 3.75-inch figures, the Ride box is significantly larger, measuring roughly 8x6x5 inches, which introduces unique storage and grading challenges for serious collectors.
The standard retail edition features Dean Winchester behind the steering wheel, wearing his signature jacket and green plaid shirt. Because production numbers for early Pop! Rides were lower than current runs, finding an un-punched, mint-condition box from the original 2015 release has become increasingly difficult.
Key Design and Build Specifications
The figure measures standard scale for the vehicle line, but the physical construction contains distinct traits that differentiate authentic pieces from custom fan builds:
- The chassis features molded undercarriage detailing alongside the official Funko copyright stamp on the bottom plastic plate.
- The windshield and side windows are cast in clear, rigid plastic without yellowing on factory-fresh units.
- The interior dash features painted steering wheel placement and dashboard dials that match the early layout from the television series.
- The wheels are fixed plastic components designed for display rather than rolling play.
Evaluating Market Value and Authenticity
Pricing for the Supernatural Impala 67 Funko Pop varies wildly depending on box condition, window clarity, and whether the outer cardboard sleeve has creases or sun fading. Loose figures without the original box routinely sell for a fraction of boxed values, making packaging condition the primary driver of worth among serious hobbyists.
Because the item carries high aftermarket demand, counterfeiters have targeted rare Pop! Rides boxes and figures. When purchasing from third-party marketplaces like eBay or Mercari, check for these verification markers:
- Examine the font on the front window label; fake boxes often use slightly distorted typography or incorrect spacing on the item number.
- Look for the official serial number printed or stamped directly onto the bottom of the cardboard box base.
- Inspect the paint application on Dean's face; authentic factory paint uses clean matte finishes, whereas bootlegs often display sloppy bleed lines around the hair and collar.
Proper Storage and Display Best Practices
Vinyl figures degrade when exposed to poor environmental controls, making proper display planning essential for protecting your investment.
Keep your boxed Pop! Rides away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays break down the cardboard dyes within months, turning black boxes purple and yellowing the clear front plastic window. If you want to display the figure out of the box, use a dedicated acrylic protector case to block dust and accidental impacts.
For sealed collectors, hard-stack protectors designed specifically for larger Pop! Rides boxes offer structural support that prevents corner crushing during moves or shelf reorganizations. Maintain room temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity to stop the vinyl from warping or sweating inside the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Impala 67 Funko Pop come with both Sam and Dean?
The standard Pop! Rides release features only Dean Winchester in the driver's seat. No official dual-driver variant with both brothers was ever produced by Funko for this specific vehicle mold.
How can I tell if my box is an original 2015 release or a later run?
Check the production stamp code located on the bottom flap of the cardboard box. Early 2015 batches feature factory codes matching that specific manufacturing window, while subsequent restocks or overseas distribution runs carry updated date stamps.
Are Pop! Rides vinyl figures worth investing in long-term?
While some rare convention exclusives appreciate significantly, standard mass-market rides like the Impala function better as display pieces than guaranteed financial assets. Condition, regional demand, and overall pop culture longevity dictate long-term value.
Can I remove the figure from the vehicle base?
The figure of Dean and the steering wheel assembly are anchored directly into the interior chassis during manufacturing. Attempting to pull the figure out requires breaking the internal glue points, which permanently damages the collectible.
