Getaway Cars

Enter the world of Mario Puzo’s legendary The Godfather. While the novel serves a sumptuous platter of crime, family, and drama, it’s the 1941 Lincoln Continental that seals the deal. Don Corleone’s preferred ride, not exactly a getaway car, but a symbol of power, wealth, and authority. In Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic adaptation, this majestic automobile was not just a vehicle; it was an extension of the Don himself.

But crime fiction isn’t just about the big bosses and their swanky sedans. The underworld has a panache for the vintage, and nothing showcases this better than Clyde Barrow’s choice in the classic Bonnie and Clyde. In real life and in literature, the 1934 Ford V8 became the couple’s signature ride. Its roaring engine and fast speed were ideal for making swift exits, and it became a beacon of the duo’s rebellious spirit.

Film has a way of taking written words and enhancing them with visual splendor. Take, for example, Drive, based on James Sallis’s novel. Ryan Gosling’s character, known mostly as “Driver,” is often seen behind the wheel of a 1973 Chevrolet Malibu. The car becomes a reflection of his life: unassuming at first glance, but a powerhouse when challenged. As he maneuvers the streets of LA, the Malibu isn’t just his means of escape; it’s his sanctuary, his armor against a world of crime and treachery.

British crime fiction, with its misty alleyways and iconic landmarks, has its own set of wheels worth noting. In the TV adaptation of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse series, the detective doesn’t chase criminals in any ordinary car. Instead, he opts for a 1960 Jaguar Mark 2. Its deep maroon color and vintage design make it stand out in the hustle and bustle of Oxford. While not technically a getaway car, its presence on screen often juxtaposes the dark mysteries Morse unravels with its sophisticated, sleek charm.

Across the pond, in the heart of New York City, Neal Caffrey from the TV show White Collar might be a con artist, but he’s one with taste. Often seen escaping in style, one of his notable rides is a vintage Ford Thunderbird. The car, like Neal, is smooth, stylish, and always a step ahead.

One can’t discuss memorable cars without tipping a hat to the mystery maestro herself, Agatha Christie. Her sleuth Hercule Poirot, known for his meticulous nature and gray cells, never drove. However, the cars around him played pivotal roles. In the televised version of “The Hollow,” for instance, a dramatic scene unfolds around a green Lagonda. The car’s sleek design and open top make it the perfect backdrop for the story’s suspenseful twist.

Shifting gears to Scandinavia, the world of gritty noir offers its own set of vehicular delights. Jo Nesbo’s detective, Harry Hole, might not care much about cars, but in the film adaptation of The Snowman, a red Volvo becomes a silent witness to the chilling crimes of a serial killer.

To wrap up this thrilling journey, let’s not forget Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Vincent and Jules might spend a lot of time discussing life’s bigger questions, but it’s the 1974 Chevrolet Nova that plays a crucial role. When things take a messy turn, this inconspicuous vehicle becomes the center of their escape, symbolizing the unpredictability of the crime world they inhabit.

From vintage beauties to unassuming everyday cars, these vehicles are more than just modes of transportation in the world of crime fiction. They become extensions of the characters, reflections of the era, and sometimes, silent witnesses to crimes most foul. So, the next time a car chase unfolds on screen or in the pages of a book, remember the wheels that made it iconic. They might just be as intriguing as the characters themselves.