Vehicle exhibits

This one-of-a-kind Cadillac began life as a 1950 Series 60 Special sedan, powered by a smooth 5.4-litre OHV V8. It was then transformed in Los Angeles by master coachbuilder Rudy Stoessel of Coachcraft Ltd. into a rolling fortress for one of America’s most infamous mobsters - Mickey Cohen.

Built for both comfort and survival, the car features a bomb-proof floor, armour-plated doors, and bullet-resistant glass up to 40 mm thick. Even the windscreen is hinged, allowing a clear line of fire from inside. Special military-grade tires and reinforced bodywork pushed the car’s weight to over four tonnes. An advanced air-conditioning system could frost the windows in searing 110°F heat, ensuring privacy as well as comfort.

This Cadillac isn’t just a luxury vehicle - it’s a rolling fortress that encapsulates the paranoia, audacity, and architectural flair of organized crime in post-war Los Angeles. Cohen, a dapper underworld figure with ties to Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, commissioned the Cadillac during an era of constant assassination attempts. It served as his personal protection on the streets of Los Angeles until 1961, when he was convicted in the largest tax-evasion case in U.S. history and sent to prison.

The Cadillac was seized by police and later preserved as a rare example of gangster ingenuity and bespoke American coachbuilding. Today, this “Gangster Special” stands as a fascinating blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and criminal history – a true heavyweight in every sense.