When a classic car is offered for sale and it counts a celebrity amongst its previous owners, it will always ignite debate about whether such ownership will have any impact upon that vehicle’s ultimate value. Now, what if that person is less famous and more infamous? Is that likely to make any difference? That is the question that this 1928 Cadillac Model 341-A Town Sedan raises because its original owner is claimed to be none other than Al Capone. It would seem that enough evidence exists to confirm the provenance of the Cadillac, so it is possible that someone is potentially going to own a car that served as a significant piece of America’s history during the 20th Century. The vehicle is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been listed for sale here on Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. You could become the next owner of the Town Sedan by merely handing over a cool $1,000,000.
There is far more to this Cadillac than meets the eye. It would seem that the infamous Mr. Capone greatly prized his health and safety because this vehicle is also one of the earliest known examples of an armored car. Of course, armor-plating does come at a cost. In standard guise, the Town Sedan would have tipped the scales in excess of 5,000lbs. That already made it a heavy vehicle, but the asbestos-wrapped plating in the doors, floors, top, and various other locations, added a further 3,000lbs, which also necessitated heavier springs to stop the car from sagging and dragging. In addition to all of this plating that reinforced virtually every aspect of the car, all of the vehicle’s glass is 1″ thick. This also required upgraded lifts to allow the side glass to be raised and lowered in a normal fashion. An interesting feature of this glass is that it was designed to be raised an extra inch, revealing holes that were just the right size to accept the muzzle of a machine gun. Similarly, the rear window was also hinged, allowing occupants to pepper pursuers with hot lead, if required. Further evidence of Capone’s ability to cover his bases is provided by the vehicle’s color combination. Local police and city officials at that point in time were taking delivery of Cadillacs painted in Green and Black, so Capone chose to follow their lead, allowing his car to easily be mistaken for a law-enforcement car. He even had a police siren fitted under the hood to clear the traffic if things became a bit dangerous. The Cadillac underwent a restoration quite some time ago, and while it is showing some minor wear in a few spots, it is still a solid and clean car that would seem to want for nothing. The paint still holds a great shine, the trim sparkles, and the custom glass is free from obvious defects. I have included an additional gallery of photos of the Cadillac at the bottom of this article, and as you will see, it really does present well.
Powering the Cadillac is a 341ci flathead V8, backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This engine, in its prime, would have produced 90hp and 208 ft/lbs of torque. Both of these figures would have been considered to be quite acceptable for a standard Town Sedan at that point in time, but there can be little doubt that a 60% increase in vehicle weight would have had a significant impact upon performance. Still, the additional protection offered would have afforded the occupants some comfort in the fact that if they couldn’t outrun their pursuers, then they could at least potentially resist the majority of the firepower that they might be carrying at that time. It is not uncommon for classics like this to find their way to museums, and to then be offered for sale with plenty of mechanical work required to return them to a roadworthy state. This particular Cadillac has spent a significant amount of time on display throughout its life, but it is in a running, driving state. In fact, you can see and hear it in this YouTube video.
With plenty of cash at his disposal, Mr. Capone never slid behind the wheel of his cars himself but employed a chauffeur to undertake this most mundane of tasks. However, such people needed to be highly skilled if they were to stand any chance of escaping pursuers, whether they be law-enforcement officials or less savory characters. It was also a job requirement that such people should be proficient in both hand-to-hand combat, and in the effective use of a machine gun. This was because the job description required them to be both a driver and a bodyguard. One thing that could be said here is that at least the chauffeur could undertake his primary role in a certain degree of comfort, as the plush seating inside the Cadillac looks very inviting. The Cadillac’s interior presents very nicely, with no issues or problems to report. One interesting feature is how austere the dash appears to be. You would normally expect to find walnut, but this wasn’t offered in the Model 341-A.
Now we reach the seat that Capone would have occupied, and once again, it presents superbly. Whether he occupied this seat alone, or whether he kept a bodyguard at close quarters really depended on prevailing circumstances. If things had been a bit “rough” in recent times, a bodyguard rode alongside the man. More often than not, there would be the driver and guard occupying the front seats, with Capone either riding solo, with a family member, or a “business” associate in the rear seat. The Cadillac has undergone some restoration work in the past, but it isn’t clear whether this work included the replacement of the upholstery. It does present in as-new condition, and once again, it looks supremely comfortable.
It would be very easy to question the authenticity of this Cadillac because some of the evidence that is presented is anecdotal. However, the people who have provided this evidence have stood to gain nothing from providing it, which greatly increases the chances of it being true. Interestingly, when I was researching this classic, I discovered that this is not the first time in recent years that it has come onto the market. In fact, it sold at auction in 2012 for $341,000. If the owner manages to achieve his asking price today, then that will represent a very tidy profit. If he does, it will also confirm that there is money to be made if you buy the right classic car at the right time.
I really wanted to see some photos of the glass for the machine guns and the hinged back glass. No dice. Those dirty rats.
I remember seeing this car a couple times when it was on display at the museum in Niagara Falls. The museum showed it with some of the door glass part way up, and the top of the glass painted black, so that you could see the thickness. It’s been a long time since I last saw it, and I forget if they showed it with the back window down, or any of the widows raised to show the gun ports, or if it was just mentioned in the display.
I saw this car years ago at the Smokey Mountain Car museum in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, Apparently it has made the rounds. Still very interesting.
Crumby bums.
You had to watch the video.
Hmm, Al Capone, eh? Interesting story( if you have to go to the bathroom, go now),,,,I lived in N.Wisconsin for several years, been going up there since HS.( and will probably return soon, as Colorado ain’t it for me) My friends dad, long gone, as a young man, ( 1930’s) ran a fishing guide service. Al Capone had a hideout in N.Wis. “to let the heat cool down” , I think it was near Butternut, Wis. Anyway, my friends dad claims he took Al Capone on fishing trips several times, and I believe him. Naturally there could be no pictures, but his dad was not a BS’er. Now, N.Wis. in the 30’s was nothing like it is today, it was pretty sparsely populated and he never said what they drove, but a green Cadillac like this, would surely indicate, someone special was in town. True story.
Otherwise, I have nothing else to add to a 1928 armored Cadillac that belonged to Al Capone for a million dollars,,,now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m watching the Untouchables,( I remember, as a kid, this was as violent a show as it got.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZTjQ7SLvUk
Al Capones “Hideout” was near Couderay, Wisconsin. A large 600acre expanse with it’s own small lake capable of small plane landings allegedly for booze deliveries from Canada. I was there many times, my parents lake house was across the road from the estate. They had tours daily and busloads of folks showed up over the years. The owner was a good friend of mine, still see him now. One thing for sure, all Capone history is dubious and obscure. Verified direct connections to him are generally undocumented for good reason.
Thanks, Gregg, Couderay is near Hayward, just west of Phillips, and the gangsters would have had to go through Phillips to get there. Hy. 13 was the only N/S route to the northwoods. I read, Capone had airplanes fly whiskey to his resort from Canada. Northern Wis., according to my late friends dad, was a lawless, rough and tumble place, and welcomed the gangsters money.
You open the garage door and have that parked inside. As a collector do you really need anything else. Always been a fan of the era. If I had the money I’d have bought it yesterday.
If I did buy it, at that price, it will have to double up as a daily driver.
I would do the errands like drop the grandchildren off at school in the morning.
When they are asked about the car and the grandfather driving, it will put an end to all at school bullying……
I have a cabin just north of McGregor, Minnesota. About a mile away from my cabin was also a hideout for Capone. It still has the tunnel that goes out to the lake for a quick boat escape.
If you like nostalgia and have a million dollars to spend then go for it. Actually I don’t see it going for more than $500,000.00 but you never know, the right person at the right time just might pay the price.
God Bless America
I would so love to own this just for the story. But I don’t seem to have an extra million sitting in my checking account.
Wow. If you’ve not done so, watch the you-tube video mentioned. It truly shows the craftsmanship and how incredibly well built this Cadillac is. Beautiful.
Additionally, if you listen closely at the 25 second mark you will hear the drivetrain emit a well known hook from an appropriate ZZ Top song.
Throw in a few tommy guns and I’ll justify the price
A very famous story involving this car is that immediately after Pearl Harbor a safe enough car could not be found for FDR to be transported to the Capital where he was to ask Congress to declare war. This car was the only avaliable armored vehicle, so he rode in it to the Capital where he made his speech.
Ethan,
That’s a real story, the Cadillac had been impounded by the IRS when Capone went to jail for failing to pay taxes. It was later sold off by the government when it was no longer needed.
1929 Hudson touring sedan. Alfred Capone, Big Al’s brothers car is in our collection. A dash plaque on the dash states the car was special built for him.
This car was for some years in a museum in Wales,and also an Amusement Park in Essex.They were asked to refrain from glorifying Capone’s exploits!Mind,he came to a nasty end,with a mental age of 12 when he died in 1947.
For a mere mil you can put the two brothers cars side by side. I would love to see pictures of the Hudson, perhaps you could post a few?
God Bless America
I feel it would be horrible to actually own and display such a thing. Capone was gutter scum and as far from an acceptable human being as you could be, except for maybe Himmler. This should be in a museum with facts clearly surrounding the car so his horrid life could be examined by present and future generations. The car Kennedy was killed in is at the Henry Ford Museum, as it should be. This should be as well. History belongs to the people, not for the rich to hoard for their own selfish reasons.
Is this the same car that FDR went to the capital in to give his Pearl Harbor speech?
Yeah, rich people shouldn’t be allowed to own things for their own selfish reasons. Share it with those who don’t/can’t/ work as hard to become millionaires. Why should a rich person or family be able to enjoy their wealth when others struggle to buy their booze, cigarettes and lotto (get rich quick and easy) tickets.
Boy did you miss that point. Rich people are allowed to spend money as they see fit, but some things money should not be able to buy, like history that should be in the public trust.
I have a Polish last name, but I am of mostly Italian descent. And although I don’t feel Capone was a great man, I don’t think he should be labeled as low as Hitler. Italian pride might sway my view but I am not sure.
I do agree that this car should be in a museum for all to enjoy. If I had Leno type money, I would buy it, drive it on special occasions.
HowardA, there is a house in Brookfield Wisconsin (suburb of Milwaukee for those of you who don’t know) that was supposedly a Capone house. Attached is a picture. It is on a street named Capone court. Pretty appropriate name!
Capone court had been the driveway for the house, now has about 5 other houses on it.
There is also a bar in Milwaukee called Shaker’s bar that was supposedly a front for Al, run by one of his brothers. Pretty cool place.
Suddenly, I feel like heading south to Chicago for pizza tonight!
Why do my pictures sometimes end up sideways lol?
As long as it isn’t that way when you look in the mirror. LOL……………..If you’re headed to Chicago for pizza check out Lou Malnati’s……….been eating it since high school.
I wouldn’t go anywhere but Malnati’s! I go to the Lincolnwood location, because it is the original.
They are actually opening one up here, in Brookfield. It is about 2 miles away from Capone court, but right across the street from where I work. I am probably going to get even fatter than I already am lol. They opened a Portillo’s here already too. That hasn’t helped lol.
Home Run Inn! Best Pizza..
I have a picture of my Dad at the Blackhawk Restaurant, about 1941. You know, they come by your table and ask if you want a photo..Pretty cool..
Home Run Inn is good. Never been there, but I get their frozen ones at my local grocery store.
Do they have traditional deep dish there? All I can get at my grocery store is thin crust.
My Dad was born in Cicero And owned a tavern there. When he opened he was approached by “The Mob ” for protection money. He refused After that 2 men stood in front of his place telling people “The booze is no good here.” After about a week of that, Dad gave in. Weekly a member would come in to collect. Dad got friendly with the guy and they hung out. Before long Dad was attending parties and get together’s and eventually made good friends with Ralph Capone. Dad said he was a really nice guy. After he married Mom he moved across the state to the Tri cities.Growing up he and Mom would drive two cars to Chicago and come back with two new ones. So I asked him,”Hey Dad you and Mom why do you go to Chicago to buy new cars?” He said, “I get a better deal there”. heh So I asked my 93 year old uncle a few years back,
Hey, Uncle Charlie,was my Dad in the mob?” He said, “Oh yeah, your Dad was a funny guy.”I also found that my Godfather was too. Small world. So forgtaboutit!!
That’s a cool story! Thanks for sharing it!
You still in the windy city? Fuhgitaboutit!
here are pics from 2007 keels n wheels . kemah tx, sorry . how do you post pics here ?????
Must be a member.
Naw Dad pulled up stakes and we moved to sunny California. My Dad hated the cold. He said this. “We are moving to California. We might starve to death, but we sure as heck won’t freeze to death!!”