Why Cadillac Makes The Best Mob Cars
As much as the real world of organized crime can be brutally violent, we can’t escape how pop culture has glamorized the idea of “being a gangster” beyond gruesome murders and onto easy money and that tough guy attitude. From Ray Liotta’s portrayal of Henry Hill to Tony Soprano, we’ve all seen the pretty side of this lifestyle – strong family values, being a somebody “in a neighborhood full of nobodies” and protecting your neighborhood. Oh, there’s the money too. And you cannot deny, aside from the matching sweat suits, mobsters know how to dress, act classy, and drive fancy automobiles. When the Capo needs a lift, he’s most likely going to be picked up in a Cadillac. But why is the Caddy such an icon of the mob lifestyle?
Intimidating Design
The only thing scarier than a Plymouth Fury is a Cadillac Coupe de Ville barreling down at you in a dark alley – especially when the guy you owe five-large to is behind its wheel. Cadillac classics have always been built to intimidate the competition as well as other driver’s on the road. The new Escalade and CTS sedan Cadillac produces are one-ton automotive monstrosities combining old school elegance with sharp 21st century design and technology. And it’s been proven that Cadillac owns Lincoln in Sopranos lore:
Trunk Cargo Space
With a big car comes a load of cargo space – where else will you keep your golf clubs, heroine, guns, dead bodies, trays of antipasto, San Genaro busts and Gucci luggage? Speaking of antipasto – we’re starving, is there any rolled cold cuts and fresh mozzarella around here?
Size Matters
In the world of La Cosa Nostra size matters. It symbolizes power, authority, and impresses the ladies. In a time prior to SUV’s you couldn’t get much larger than a mafia Don and his Caddy. Both the Capos and cars have to live up to Cadillac’s slogan – “The Penalty of Leadership.” Those old GM vehicles sure could take a beating too:
Classic American Automobile
As much as Italian mobsters want to separate themselves from “Americanos” Cadillac is a classic American automobile. It portrays a sense of royalty over those who drive everyday sedans. Or maybe these mobsters just like the comfort and luxury of a large leather interior. Regardless, until General Motors goes under (knock on wood) The underbelly organized crime will always favor a fine car like a fine cigar and bottle of chianti.
A beautiful thing this article, well done. Hollywood gets somethings right when it comes to portraying mafioso; the dress, they way they talk, what they drive. A Cadillac is for someone who takes pride in what they drive, not for everyone for sure.
Jul 14th, 2011 at 9:44 am
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