Al Capone, the infamous gangster who ruled Chicago during the Prohibition era, is often remembered for his ruthless criminal empire and luxurious lifestyle. But one of the most intriguing aspects of his life was his relationship with his car, a modified 1928 Cadillac Series 341, which was more than just a vehicle—it became his trusted ally in his fight for survival. The Cadillac, affectionately named “Betty” by Capone, was arguably the first civilian armored car in history, a claim that adds another layer of mystery to the legacy of one of America’s most notorious criminals.

Al Capone and “Betty”

Al Capone wasn’t just a mob boss; he was a symbol of the Prohibition era, a time when crime and bootlegging flourished in America. Capone’s empire stretched across Chicago, and while he didn’t personally run moonshine, he certainly made use of the fast cars that moonshiners used to evade the law. One of those cars, a 1928 Cadillac Series 341, became a crucial part of his operations and an unexpected symbol of his power.

Capone’s attachment to this car was not just practical—it was personal. The Cadillac became a companion to Capone in his many run-ins with the law and rival gangsters. He named it “Betty” and treated it as one would treat a cherished possession, often seen polishing it and ensuring it was in perfect condition. The bond between Capone and his Cadillac was so strong that even his men found it odd how affectionate he was towards the car.

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The Birth of the First Civilian Armored Car

During Prohibition, Chicago was a battleground. Gangsters fought over territory, and drive-by shootings and ambushes were common. In 1928, after a harrowing 10-car drive-by shooting, Capone realized that his standard vehicles couldn’t provide the protection he needed from automatic weapons. That’s when he decided to take matters into his own hands and commissioned the creation of what may very well have been the world’s first civilian armored car.

Capone’s Cadillac was sent to a local auto shop where it underwent drastic modifications. Though the car looked like a standard V8 Cadillac from the outside, it was anything but. The car was outfitted with heavy steel plating on the doors and bulletproof glass, a protection designed to withstand automatic gunfire. With the armor and glass weighing in at an additional 3,000 pounds, the car became significantly heavier, but it was still fast enough for Capone to use it in high-speed getaways.

The modifications didn’t stop there. Capone wanted to ensure that his men could return fire during ambushes, so side windows were installed that could be lowered just enough to fit the barrel of a Thompson submachine gun. The rear window was also designed to open, allowing his men to shoot at pursuing vehicles. To further enhance the car’s ability to blend in, Capone had the Cadillac painted green, the same color as many Chicago police cars at the time. The police siren and flashing lights on the car’s front grille helped Capone impersonate law enforcement, and a police radio hidden in the glove compartment kept him informed of police activities.

The Special Features of “Betty”

Capone’s 1928 Cadillac wasn’t just built for protection—it was designed for offense. The vehicle’s alterations were meant not just to save Capone’s life but to make sure that, if attacked, he could fight back. This car wasn’t just for getting away from the police—it was a mobile fortress, a symbol of Capone’s need for both protection and dominance. The ability to drop oil slicks and puncture tires of pursuing cars also made the Cadillac a fearsome tool in Capone’s arsenal.

However, the modifications weren’t all about defense. They were also about deception. The flashing lights and sirens gave Capone the ability to move through the streets of Chicago without arousing suspicion, often blending in with regular police vehicles. Capone’s ingenuity in creating this car reflected his understanding of both the law and the violent world he inhabited.

The Journey of Capone’s Armored Cadillac

When Capone was imprisoned in 1931, the fate of his beloved Cadillac was uncertain. The Series 341 was left with a Chicago auto dealer, and eventually, it was sold to a promoter who sent it to London. There, it became part of a theme park attraction, where it spent several decades before being shipped back to the United States in 1975 to promote the 1975 film Capone.

The car was auctioned off in 2013 for $341,000, and by January 2021, it was listed for $1 million, making it one of the most iconic gangster cars in history. Capone’s second Cadillac, a 1930 V16 Series 452, was similarly modified, though it included even more advanced features like oil-slick drops and tire-puncturing spikes. This car, though less famous than the Series 341, also played a crucial role in Capone’s criminal operations.

The Development of Armored Cars

Though Capone’s Cadillac was likely the first civilian armored car, it wasn’t the first armored car in history. The first armored cars were created for military use, with companies like Vickers and Rolls-Royce producing armored vehicles for the military before and during World War I. These vehicles, however, were not available to civilians.

By the time Capone had his Cadillac modified, armored cars were being developed for government officials and military personnel, but they were not available to the general public. The Cadillac Series 341 marked a significant turning point, as it demonstrated that a civilian could possess a vehicle that was both heavily armored and capable of returning fire.

What Happened to Capone’s Cadillac?

After Capone’s arrest, his armored Cadillacs were either sold or impounded by authorities. The V16 sedan was initially seized by the FBI and remained in U.S. custody for several years before changing hands multiple times. In 2009, it was auctioned for $309,000.

Today, both of Capone’s famous Cadillacs are in private collections, with the Series 341 continuing to command attention and significant value. The vehicle’s history, from its days as Capone’s getaway car to its status as a symbol of the Prohibition era, has ensured its place as one of the most iconic cars ever built.

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Capone and His Armored Cadillacs: A Legacy of Power and Protection

Al Capone’s relationship with his 1928 Cadillac is a testament to the ingenuity and ruthlessness of one of the most notorious gangsters in history. The creation of “Betty,” the first civilian armored car, was a move that not only protected Capone but also made a bold statement about his power and ability to stay one step ahead of the law. Today, Capone’s modified Cadillacs remain symbols of his criminal empire, blending history, innovation, and the glamour of the Prohibition era.