Geeky student Arnie Cunningham falls in love with Christine, a rusted 1958 Plymouth Fury, and becomes obsessed with restoring the classic car to its former glory. As the car evolves, so does Arnie, whose newfound confidence transforms into arrogance behind the wheel of his exotic beauty. Arnie's girlfriend Leigh and best friend Dennis reach out to him, only to be met by a Fury unlike any other.