Gangsta Cars!

Gangsters are 'men of power' and when they go about doing their business, they are quite keen on possessing the best tools of the trade. Considering the risk element of their 'on the run' business, primarily trying to escape the cops after a successful bank heist or a gang war, nothing matters more that having the right 'mean machine' to assist their getaway in the nick of time.

When it comes to gangster movies, few can match up to the critically acclaimed Godfather series. Virtually unparalled in its genre, the movie showcases some of the most famous gangster cars of its time like the 1953 Buick Special, that featured V8 muscle, a first for Buick, as well as full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that would make its way to the main 1954 Buick line. With its mighty muscle body, the car almost appeared invincible and could have probably taken rounds and rounds of machine gun fire, giving the Corleone Mafia family a safe passage out of danger. Other cars in the famous trilogy include the 1949 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn and the 1978 Mercedes Benz 240 D Lang.

Then in late eighties we have the classic mafia flicks like Once Upon A Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone and hugely popular The Untouchables, directed by Brian De Palma, both movies exhibiting classics like the 1930 Buick Series 40 and the 1931 Buick Series 50. The Buick Straight-8 engine (Fireball 8) was produced from 1931 to 1953 and sold in Buick automobiles.

Moving to the early nineties, we were blessed by absolutely thrilling mafia movies the likes of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, both shot and directed by acclaimed independent filmmaker Quentin Tarrantino. His portrayal of the classic American mafia life has almost pin-point accuracy and this can be seen in the automobiles showcased in his movies. The 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu can be seen in his 1994 crime block buster Pulp Fiction. Named after Malibu, California the 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu was a cut above the rest, with its open top giving gang members a secure vantage point to take down enemy cars, while in hot pursuit.

Donnie Brasco, which hit theatres in the late nineties showcased the Lincoln Continental, probably the elitist 'Mafia' car imaginable. With its wide frame and humongous boot space, enough to safely store kidnapped victims, this beauty was born to take on her role as a 'mafia machine on wheels'.

Present generation gangster movies have matured and contain the modernity and urban element, which was missing in some their early attempts. Snatch, Road to Perdition, The Departed, Snatch and Public Enemies are some of the 'gangsta flicks' that come to mind.

Though, Sam Mendes's Road to Perdition and Michael Mann's Public Enemies were typically American period dramas flashing classics like the 1931 Buick series 30 with its black square box design and the 1936 Chevrolet Standard, movies likes The Departed and American Gangster on the other hand have a far more modernistic portrayal of their gangster getaway cars featuring the BMW 520i, Jaguar XJ6 & Mac 2, Mercedes Benz S Class, 1986 Ford Transit MkIII, 1997 Chevrolet Express, 1996 Chrysler Concorde, white limousines and many more.

The Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and the BMW 7 series salon are some modern day marvels capturing the spotlight in today's 'thrill filled' cinema. However, the Jaguar Mark II and its descendents the III, IV and V, though vintage in demeanour have all the muscle and charm that give it the ultimate 'Gangstaaa' appeal.

Having the right kind of 'Gangster Car' ensures you make your narrow escapes a matter of habit. With adequate steel and power pushing your four wheeler way ahead of anyone's reach, these cars have a personality of their own.

The popularity of gangster films through the ages has also been a reflection of the 'power quotient' that is so captivating for us as an audience. Men of power at the end of the day need reliable transportation to go about doing their daily business and flashy cars with powerful engines and bulletproof capabilities providing them resistance against foes will always be a part of their death-defying existence.

Cars used in famous gangster movies:

• Godfather Trilogy (1972-90)-1953 Buick Special, 1954 Chrysler Crown Imperial, 1949 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn, 1978 Mercedes Benz 240 D La
• Road to Perdition (2002)-1931 Buick series 30, 1929 Ford Model A
• Donnie Brasco (1997)-Cadillac Coupe de Ville, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Lincoln Continental
• The Untouchables (1987)-1930 Buick Series 40, 1931 Buick Series 50
• The Departed (2006)-1997 Chevrolet Express, 1996 Chrysler Concorde
• Snatch (2000)-BMW 520i, Jaguar XJ6, 1986 Ford Transit MkIII
• Reservoir Dogs (1992)-1981 Chevrolet Impala, 1988 Lincoln Town Car, 1979 Chevrolet Malibu
• Public Enemies (1996 & 2009)-1936 Chevrolet Standard, 1932 Pierce Arrow Model 54
• Pulp Fiction (1994)-1983 Ford Ranger,1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu