Al Capone’s specially converted, bulletproof 1928 Cadillac Model 341 is due to be auctioned by RM in America on 20 August. The unique car is expected to make more than $500,000 (£322,000) when under the hammer at the Monterey sale next month.
Back in the prohibition era of US history, the car was fitted with 3000lb of steel armour and painted green with black mudguards and running boards to mimic the cars used by the Chicago Police force in period. It also had windows that could be raised in the rear so his bodyguards could fire on the mafia bosses’ opponents, and portholes fitted into the bodywork for the same purpose.
After Al Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion, it has been constantly rumoured that the car was put back into service during WW2 amid fears of potential assassination attempts on President Roosevelt. This despite the proof on record that the car was shipped to London for use as a showman’s exhibit, and didn’t leave Manchester, England until 1958 when it was bought by a Canadian businessman for $1500. Ironically, the car which belonged to the gangster most associated with tax evasion is now tax-free, being classed as a classic itself in the USA.
£322,000 estimate
