Craig Lieberman The Father of the Fast and Furious cars

Craig Lieberman’s involvement in the Fast and Furious franchise is a fascinating story of how passion for cars and expertise in automotive culture intersected with Hollywood filmmaking. His journey began with a chance 1999 mid-summer encounter at a car show in Southern California, where his highly modified yellow MK4 Twin Turbo Toyota Supra caught the attention of David Marder (the transportation and picture car coordinator for The Fast and The Furious).

Days later, David asked Craig to him for lunch at which time David presented Craig a script to read. Craig said he was too busy with work and would read it when he had time. David was persistent and put a $100 bill on the script for Craig to read asap. David’s insistence that Craig read the script ultimately led to a pivotal moment.

The next day, David called Craig to get his thoughts on the cars in the script. Craig went on to tell David how he had all the wrong cars to the characters in the movie. The script had initially earmarked for Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner with an inappropriate choice of a white four-door Jetta for his Hero car. Imagine the Jetta street racing with the Charger of Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto.

After listening to Craig’s knowledge of the cars and car scene in southern California, David invited Craig to lot on Universal Studio and asked him to bring his yellow modified MK4 Twin Turbo Toyota Supra.

Upon arriving at the Universal Studio lot the next day, Craig was introduced to the production crew, including the Director Rob Cohen, Neil Moritz, Doug Claybourne, and many others. They were all reviewing Craigs yellow modified Twin Turbo Toyota Supra and all the details/modifications he had completed to the car.

Craig shared his knowledge of cars and industry trends, demonstrating his deep understanding of what would resonate with younger audiences. After reviewing Craig’s car, the group huddled for a quick meeting.

Shortly after, Rob Cohen asked Craig to go up to his office.  Once in his office, Rob offered  Craig  a role  as  a technical advisor.  It paid $500  per day. 

Craig’s  duties/role were as  follows:
1. Recruit and present Japanese sports cars to the production team once a week.
2. If the car was accepted, it was Craig’s duty to suggest  how the cars should be styled, designed, and find the appropriate parts.
3. When it came to exterior graphics, that was mostly up to the Art Department. 

Craig’s role as a technical advisor was critical; over 45 days, he was not just a car enthusiast but a key contributor to the visual identity of the Fast and Furious series. His expertise extended beyond mere vehicle selection; he was instrumental in the styling, modifications, and street racing accessories showcased throughout the films. This attention to detail was pivotal in crafting the exhilarating, high-octane world that captivated audiences and brought street racing culture into the mainstream.

By the time 2Fast 2Furious, rolled around, Craig’s influence expanded significantly. With greater authority, he was able to curate almost all aspects of the car designs, ensuring that each vehicle matched the personalities and styles of the characters while remaining true to the racing culture that inspired the films. From body kits to wheels and stereo setups, Craig’s contributions helped the sequel maintain the franchise’s momentum and continue to build its identity.

Craig’s insights truly helped shape the direction of the cars chosen and built for the film, transitioning from a script filled with mismatched vehicles to one that celebrated iconic cars that became synonymous with the franchise.

The impact of these films on popular culture cannot be overstated; they redefined automotive aesthetics in movies, directly influencing car customization trends and introducing a new generation to the world of street racing. Craig Lieberman’s work helped lay the foundation for what has become a successful franchise with an enduring legacy, illustrating how a passionate automotive community can profoundly influence mainstream media. Without his contributions, the Fast and Furious saga might not have reached the heights that it did, showcasing the importance of authenticity in filmmaking.