Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.They say a car can tell you a lot about a person, and that's undeniably true when it comes to outlaws, mobsters, and gangsters. There's no shortage of organized crime throughout history, and the popularity of motor vehicles helped some criminals venture on extensive crime sprees that spanned entire regions. Other cars carried a level of notoriety within a local area, serving as a way to mark territory or simply by allowing criminal figures to blend in. No matter what way you cut it, vehicles helped define organized crime over the past century, and these infamous outlaws and their cars certainly stand out.1. 1932 Ford Model 18 V8Of all the notorious criminals, gangsters, and mobsters that have made their mark, few are as well known throughout the United States as Bonnie and Clyde. The two, along with the Barrow Gang, traversed the Central United States for two years, committing multiple murders and robberies along the way. In 1934, the manhunt reached its peak when police ambushed the couple in Louisiana. There, they fired no less than 100 shots into the Ford Model 18, killing both Bonnie and Clyde, ending their crime spree.Universal History Archive / Getty ImagesBonnie and Clyde are most often associated with the 1932 Ford Model 18, often simply referred to as the Ford V8, that they ultimately met their fate in. Under the hood sat a 3.6-liter flathead V8 engine that produced 65 horsepower. The Model 18 was the first low-priced production model to feature a V8 engine, starting at just $495 for the roadster model. AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the 1932 Ford Model 18 V8 is the vehicle Bonnie and Clyde died in, they often used a 1934 Ford Model 40 V8 as their getaway vehicle. It featured the same flathead V8 engine as the Model 18, which was impressively quick for its time.Heritage Images / Getty ImagesView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Ford Model 18 and 40 V8 were so fast for their time that Clyde once wrote a letter to Henry Ford. In it, the outlaw praised Ford vehicles, citing their "sustained speed and freedom from trouble." While some question the authenticity of the letter, it's the type of move that Clyde, who often sought publicity, would make to garner attention.The Henry Ford CollectionThinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.2. 1928 Cadillac Town SedanIf there's one man whose name is synonymous with "mobster," it's Al Capone. Boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1925 to 1931, Capone was accused of a vast number of crimes, including bootlegging, prostitution, extortion, and murder. Local, state, and most federal authorities tried and failed to convict Capone for any of his violent crimes. Ultimately, the IRS pursued Capone on unpaid income from his illicit activities, a crime that eventually led to an 11-year prison sentence.Hulton Archive / Getty ImagesAl Capone's vehicle was far from the norm. The mobster is often associated with the 1928 Cadillac Series 341A Town Sedan. It came powered by a hefty 5.6-liter V8 engine that generated 90 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the luxury car was heavily customized and became one of the first civilian-owned armored cars.AdvertisementAdvertisementDesigned to withstand ambushes, Capone's Cadillac Town Sedan featured 3,000 lbs. of steel and asbestos armor plating and inch-thick windows. The rear window was able to drop quickly, and the side windows could be rolled up to a two-inch gap, which allowed occupants to fire on pursuing vehicles.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleCapone's armored Cadillac Town Sedan was also equipped to evade Chicago authorities as well as hide from opposing gangs. The green-and-black finish matched that of the Chicago Police Department vehicles. A police siren, flashing grille lights, and a police radio completed the look. Capone's vehicle was seized following his conviction in 1931. It is currently for sale via Celebrity Cars Las Vegas and carries a $1 million price tag, although that may be negotiable.3. 1933 Hudson Essex-Terraplane 8There was no shortage of organized crime during the Great Depression, and John Dillinger is one of the most well-known bank robbers of his day. Leader of the Dillinger Gang, he robbed more than two dozen banks and four police stations over a two-year period. Dillinger was only ever officially accused of one murder, but he was killed by FBI agents in 1934 before he received his sentence.Vernon Lewis Gallery/Stocktrek Images / Getty ImagesJohn Dillinger used a variety of cars in his exploits, but the 1933 Hudson Essex-Terraplane 8 is arguably the model most associated with the bank robber. The Essex-Terraplane 8 came stock with a straight-eight engine that produced 94 horsepower. The lightest version was the roadster, which weighed in at just 2,410 lbs., giving the car an incredible power-to-weight ratio that outclassed the Ford V8.AdvertisementAdvertisementDillinger used the Essex-Terraplane 8 to escape capture by police at least once, but the hot rod was ultimately crashed in an Indiana field. Following his death, the car went to Dillinger's brother, Hubert, who repaired it. It's currently a traveling display piece owned by the Crime Museum in Washington.Heritage Images / Getty ImagesThe 1932 Studebaker Commander holds some notoriety under Dillinger's ownership as well. In it, the Dillinger Gang robbed the Central National Bank in Greencastle, Indiana for a record-breaking $75,000. Dillinger also proved to be a fan of the Ford V8, which he stole from the Lake County Sheriff following his escape from the Crown Point, Indiana jail. Much like Clyde, Dillinger wrote a letter to Henry Ford. The 1934 correspondence praised the Ford V8 for its speed. In it, Dillinger wrote, "Drive a Ford and watch the other cars fall behind you."Shopping for a new car? Click here to get a great deal on your next vehicle. Powered by Carvana, no haggle pricing, 100% online.4. 1962 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8Born in East London in 1933, Ronnie and Reggie Kray became prominent figures in organized crime from the 1950s until their arrest in 1968. Their gang, simply known as The Firm, was heavily involved in everything from armed robby to arson to protection rackets to murder. The twins themselves held status as local celebrities as nightclub owners and became associated with prominent figures, including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.Mirrorpix / Getty ImagesWhile American mob bosses preferred luxury over all else, the Kray twins leaned towards models that combined speed, comfort, and styling that would blend in. While members of The Firm often drove models like the Ford Zodiac MK III and Austin Westminster, the dastardly duo were often seen in British executive cars instead.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 1962 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8 was the model most closely associated with the brothers. Its 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine offered a peppy 220 horsepower and was capable of achieving a top speed of roughly 125 mph. Not only that, but its exceptional handling made it an ideal sedan for navigating London's narrow roadways. Funnily enough, the Mark 2 was also used fairly often by the British police for the same reasons. Arterra / Getty ImagesThe Kray twins were also often linked to the Jaguar Mark X, a larger luxury saloon that offered more interior space. The larger Jaguar kept the 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Notably, it featured a large trunk, which would be ideal for no shortage of illicit activities, of which I'll leave up to your imagination.Final thoughtsThere are few notorious outlaws as famous as those from nearly a century past, and while they may belong to history now, many of their vehicles have been preserved. We've since entered the digital age, and much of organized crime has evolved from robbing banks and police chases to code and computer screens. Still, the life of crime romanticized by Hollywood continues to grace the silver screen every so often, and with it comes the reminder that some vehicles can gain a level of notoriety simply by association.Disclaimer: Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.