Many people might think collectors of historic vehicles would only be interested in specific makes or models from the past, but it’s often the case that aficionados will be more inspired by particular eras instead. With so many classic cars for sale these days, it would be easy for buyers to concentrate on one decade, for example, or perhaps even an individual genre.
Gangster Car
For some, the finest historic vehicles are those you might have seen in some of the best gangster movies that Hollywood has given us over the years. Movies from White Heat (1949) to Goodfellas (1990) have served as inspiration for collectors, a fact which comes as no surprise when you see just how sleek and powerful the cars actually are in the flesh.
It goes without saying that you can’t get into your jet black limo to head to the Speakeasy in Chicago anymore, and of course you won’t want to use it to light up a rival’s restaurant with a machine gun as you drive past, but sitting in such a vehicle can still give you a tingle. And there’s nothing wrong with using a little imagination to take you back to a bygone era.
Better vehicles from a better era
While it might be fun to imagine you’re Edward G Robinson, James Cagney or Robert De Niro, the real point of owning such a car is simply a desire to enjoy a little luxury and elegance. Modern cars are reliable and efficient, of course, but in truth they offer little more than comfort and function. These old motors had class, something most of us only dream of.
So if you had the money and the space to keep it, which gangster car would you buy? There is so much choice even after all these years, and as always it’s simply a matter of personal preference. One excellent option would be a 1929 Studebaker President, as used in the 1931 classic Little Caesar. If you can track one down you’ll be a very happy person.
One of the most iconic gangster movie scenes of all time saw Sonny Corleone gunned down at a toll-booth in The Godfather. His vehicle of choice was a beautiful 1940 Lincoln Coupe. If you find one, make sure it’s not riddled with bullet holes like the one in the film. If you own one of these classics, you can look and feel like you had class, like you were a somebody.
