Gangster Rides – Get ready for your perfect Getaway car

There is a certain fascination with villains in films – and sometimes in life. Without doubt they stand out due to their bold appearance and through their choice of vehicles. There are numerous cars that qualify for being real gangster rides. Below are a few examples.

The image that people generally associate with gangsters is due in part to Hollywood-movies and TV series. Sometimes even the good guys drive cool cars, like the various James Bond Aston Martins played by Roger Moore. However, usually it is the real gangster cars that are particularly fascinating. Depending on which gangster comes to mind, we are usually talking about big, black limousines from Jaguar, Lincoln or Buick, which convey speed and fear (think of the notorious Kray Twins), but sometimes also flashy and eye-catching sports cars, which are supposed to clearly show the supposed success of gangsters to the outside world. Any car for that matter is possible, take for example a widebody SEC from the 80s.

So, if you’re currently planning your next bank robbery, cruise through Little Italy like Joey Zasa in The Godfather III or head out for a game of golf like Auric Goldfinger in a Rolls-Royce, here are some suggestions for the right vehicle of choice.

Gangster Rides – Citroën Traction Avant

The Citroën Traction Avant is in a way the epitome of a gangster sedan. The 1934 to 1957 car appeared so often in movies and was almost always driven by the bad guys. But the design and the stance of the Traction Avant predestine it for a place at the top of the list of escape vehicles.

Find all Citroën Traction Avant offers here

Gangster Rides – Cord 812

The Cord 812 admittedly can at first glance come across as unobtrusive and might not seem like the perfect getaway vehicle. It stands out and makes a statement no matter where you see it. It also has a few clever tricks up its sleeve for example the pop-up headlights. This makes it easier to slip away undetected into a dark alley while in a heated police pursuit.

Find all Cord offers here.

Gangster Rides – Jaguar Mk VIII

If we are talking about real gangster rides, featuring a Jaguar is an absolute must. Jaguars are famous for their powerful engines which is a clear advantage when you have a big suitcase with tons of money in the trunk and you are in desperate need for a speedy getaway. They always strike a good balance between luxury and sex-appeal. Among regular owners where the notorious Kray Twins who reportedly used to ride around in a Jaguar 420 raking havoc.

Find all Jaguar offers for sale.

Gangster Rides – Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC 6.0 AMG

Lastly, this SEC converted by AMG, could easily be imagined in a crime movie. It would also perfectly fit in a red-light district of the 80s with Italo disco blaring out of the radio. This car is based on the extremely elegant W126 Coupé, which was drawn by the famous Bruno Sacco, a true car design icon. The cocktail consists of adding a wide body, striking over styled rims and a little bump in power by AMG. The result gives this coupe the necessary bad boy image and credentials to be classified as a gangster car.

All Mercedes-BEnz SEC offers can be found here.

Are you also in the market for a gangster ride? Simply type into our detailed search what you are looking for and browse until you find your dream classic!

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Photos Automobili Perrone, Historic Competition Services, Prestige-Cars, Petrolhead Classics

Author: Paolo Ollig

As editor-in-chief Paolo regularly writes about all the big and small stories related to classic cars and motorbikes. Classic dreams: Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. View all posts by Paolo Ollig →