When the term “mafia culture” is spoken, the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is what I would prefer to call “stealthy, sleek black luxury cars” and lavish lifestyles of notorious mobsters. However, there is always something lurking in these excesses; in fact, armour forms a rather secretive protection-layer. For the world of organized crime, security is very similar to fashion, and bulletproof mafia cars can be said to perfectly represent both. Let us step into the world of armored luxury cars and understand why all the mafios of the different nations prefer to ride such cars.
Why The Mafia Leaders Love Bulletproof Cars
Their targets have always been mafia bosses or the other rival gangs and law enforcement. Their only way of keeping off possible threats would come in the form of armored cars which happen to be luxury cars. These bulletproof cars were vital sources of protection against gunshot attacks and explosions in their quest for ridding themselves of threats. As such, these high-profile criminals need to stay one step ahead of their pursuers.
Evolution of Bulletproof Mafia Cars
It was in the early days of organized crime, and mobsters were using specially custom-made armored vehicles that were guaranteed to stand street shootouts. As the years went by, technology improved, and the mafia moved from early bullet-proofed luxury cars to the latest state-of-the-art sophistication in bulletproofing. From the armored Cadillacs and Lincolns in the 1930s through to the present Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, all fitted with the latest safety features, evolution is long and evident.
Characteristics of a bullet-proof mafia car
They go way beyond attaching thick steel plates, like most other bulletproof cars. Among some of the key features that made them a favorite choice among mafia bosses include;
Ballistic Glass: This is special glass that would survive various gunshots without shattering and remain with the opulent look of protecting its interiors.
These are the steel plates that are fixed on the car’s doors and body panels in case the bullets or even explosive devices penetrate to protect the passengers.
Run-Flat Tires: In case the tires of the car get shot or punctured, the run-flat tire allows for some miles of movement of a car which would therefore allow rapid escape in dangerous conditions.
Advanced Security Systems: Such modern security features as GPS tracking, encrypted communications, and anti-tampering alarms are installed in the new armored cars so that a car never breaks its security guard at any moment.
Famous Protected Cars Among Mafia Lords
Despite the fact that many luxury car manufacturers have their own armored versions, still only some models do not lose popularity among organized crime figures. These cars are strong, luxurious, and protected like nothing on Earth:
Cadillac Escalade: This must probably be the biggest of them all and always commands respect-you cannot miss the Cadillac Escalade for anybody. It is the top of the line machine designed for mafia bosses, Armored Escalades designed for extreme scenarios while allowing a comfortable ride.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: For some time now, Mercedes S-Class has been luxury. Its bullet-proof edition brings out the best protection one can have without appearing as one of those visibly armored types that invite unwanted attention from mafia bosses.
Rolls-Royce Phantom: Ultimate luxury finds ultimate protection when one goes for a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Bullet-proof editions of the car come in as some of the costliest armored vehicles on the market.
How Are Bulletproof Cars Made?
The manufacturing of a bulletproof car is sequential. For example, to start with, the original frame of the automobile has to be torn into pieces in order to make room for the ballistic materials to be installed there. The body panels of the automobile are stuffed with the steel plates and windows replaced with layers of ballistic glass. Even the engine and suspension of the car have to be improved enough to accommodate the weighty extra load from armor.
While these changes provide the necessary protection, they are given in a manner that the automobile appears not to have a “visible” aspect of being the “luxury vehicle” it is designed to be. Such a level of craftsmanship marks off bulletproof mafia cars uniquely as fortresses on wheels masquerading as ordinary high-end cars.
The Price of Bullets
Having a bulletproof luxury car is very costly. While a run-of-the-mill luxury car can cost over $100,000, using custom bulletproof armor can make the price double to triple that sum. For example, the bulletproof Cadillac Escalade will go between $300,000 and $500,000 depending on the level of protection one desires.
However, when it comes to the price aspect, mafia bosses don’t seem to mind laying down such heavy amounts for the sake of peace of mind behind the wheels. For this world of organized crime is well aware of the fact that nothing is priceless, not even protection.
Conclusion
Bulletproof cars are the symbol of armored luxury. These cars promise more than a smooth and comfortable ride in them; they guarantee security, prestige, and power. Style and security: these are well-travelled mafia bosses, needed to travel in style but covered from all sorts of probable attacks. From reinforced steel to ballistic glass, these cars have been designed to offer maximum protection without compromise in luxury. It could be the Mercedes S-Class or Rolls-Royce Phantom, bulletproof cars would always be an important tool in transportation for a mafia.