5 Iconic Cars That Became Favorites of Gangsters and Outlaws

There have been countless great cars over the decades. Some became legends not only because drivers loved them, but also because of the reputations they developed along the way. In some cases, those reputations were decidedly criminal. Here are six cars that became closely associated with gangsters and outlaws, from the Great Depression era to modern-day America.

1. Ford Model A

The Ford Model A was a massive success and a bestseller for Ford Motor Company. During just four years of production, from 1927 through 1931, Ford built more than 5 million examples. The Model A was offered in 10 different body styles, giving buyers plenty of options.

It also delivered solid performance for its time while remaining affordable, which helped make it a hit with ordinary Americans.

Legendary bank robber John Dillinger reportedly used a Model A during his crime spree. According to the famous story, Dillinger even sent Henry Ford a letter thanking him for building a car with the performance and reliability that helped him stay one step ahead of police.

2. Cadillac V8 Town Sedan

The Cadillac V8 Town Sedan was another iconic automobile of the era. It was also the favorite car of Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster who became one of the most infamous figures of the Prohibition era.

Capone's personal Cadillac was heavily modified. The doors reportedly featured gun ports that could be opened from inside the car, while the cabin was equipped with a radio tuned to police frequencies. The body was also armored for additional protection.

Today, Capone's Cadillac is reportedly part of a private collection.

3. Jaguar Mk X

The elegant Jaguar Mk X became particularly popular among British criminals during the middle of the 20th century. In the postwar years, notorious London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who controlled much of the city's criminal underworld, were frequently seen in Jaguars.

The flagship Mk X arrived in the 1960s and became one of the widest cars Jaguar had ever built. It was powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six, while a 4.2-liter version was also offered. The larger engine produced 260 horsepower.

Its combination of luxury, imposing size and strong performance made the Mk X an appealing choice for people who wanted to make an impression.

4. Chevrolet Impala

The 1964 Chevrolet Impala quickly became popular with Americans from all walks of life. About a decade later, the car developed an entirely different reputation as it became increasingly popular among various street gangs.

The Impala was especially popular among Black and Latino car enthusiasts involved in the gang culture of the era. Many customized their cars to match their own ideas of what a proper street machine should look like.

For many owners coming from lower-income neighborhoods, the goal was to create an unmistakably luxurious appearance without spending a fortune. That meant plush interiors, plenty of chrome and, in many cases, extensive suspension modifications.

Those suspension setups often hurt the Impala's handling and ride quality. But they had one major advantage: they allowed the car to bounce dramatically, giving rise to the distinctive lowrider style that became an important part of American car culture.

5. Cadillac Escalade

The upscale Cadillac Escalade also developed a strong association with organized crime and street gangs in the United States.

Unlike the relatively inexpensive cars favored by many street-level criminals, the Escalade was more likely to appeal to people from wealthy backgrounds or those who had already achieved significant status and financial success.

The SUV has also been associated with members of the Italian-American Mafia. Its combination of luxury, size and imposing road presence made it an obvious status symbol.

The Escalade's popularity among criminals has even been reflected in vehicle-theft statistics over the years, with certain generations becoming particularly attractive targets for thieves.