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The Bonnie and Clyde Car Has One Amazing Story To Tell

If a car could tell a story, we bet the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car would be the best storyteller ever. If you were to travel through the heartlands of the United States during the early 1930s, you would probably hear about the exploits of two notorious outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

Their story became a legend, thanks in part to their vehicle of choice, a 1934 Ford V8.

The ability of the car to help Bonnie and Clyde quickly getaway from their crimes was what inspired Clyde Barrow to write a letter to Henry Ford. The letter was dated April 10, 1934 and featured kind words from the famous criminal about how “dandy” the Ford was.

Although it has faced some scrutiny to its validity, many do believe it is the real deal.

letter from clyde to henry ford
Henry Ford Museum

The letter from Clyde Barrow to Henry Ford reads:

Dear Sir: – While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusively when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got ever other car skinned and even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8 – Yours truly Clyde Champion Barrow

Below are some additional facts about the infamous car.

What are details of Bonnie and Clyde’s car?

Bonnie and Clyde drove a 1934 Ford Model 40B Fordor Deluxe. The beauty of the car is that it was said to be faster than more police cars of that time, making it perfect for those getaways.

The car featured a 3.6 liter V8 engine, the first time Ford used a V8.

Where is Bonnie and Clyde’s Car?

Bonnie and Clyde’s car (also called the death car) is currently displayed at the Primm Valley Resort and Casino in Primm, Nevada. The resort is 35 miles south of Las Vegas.

There are some other displays that sometimes pop up that claim to be the original car, but these are often from films and not the original.

The display also features letters proving the car is legitimate and some bullet-riddled clothing.

How many bullet holes did Bonnie and Clyde’s car have?

One of the deputies captured real film footage of the ambush which revealed Bonnie and Clyde’s car had 112 bullet holes.

bonnie and clyde car with bullet holes
Wikipedia

Who owned the car?

The legal owner of the car was Ruth Warren. The car was stolen by Bonnie and Clyde to be used in their criminal activity. After Bonnie and Clyde were killed, she retrieved her stolen vehicle after a contentious legal wrangle with authorities.

After winning a court case to get her car back she ultimately sold it. The Ford ultimately went through several hands, including a carnival owner and several exhibitors, before becoming a showpiece.

The 1940’s Era Documentary

The black and white film below is a documentary of Bonnie and Clyde’s final moments. It includes some of the actual lawmen that were involved in the killing of the culprits and reenactments by actors. 

We love these old films! If you do too, then check out this film that captured a real 1902 car race in action. It is a pretty cool thing to see how it all started. 

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