THE AUTOMOBILE
The automobile has been, since its origins back in 1886, a protagonist throughout history, not only for being one of the most transcendental inventions of mankind but also for being linked to great events, tragedies, or incidents that marked a milestone in their time. Accidents, ramming attacks, sexual and social revolutions, crimes, and great love stories have had a car as their central figure; it has even been a representative icon of an entire era. We all know the facts. To a greater or lesser extent, about when they happened, how, and why. The question is…* ¿What do we know about the vehicles in which history has been written?
Bonnie and Clyde
were killed on May 23, 1934, bullet-riddled. The sophisticated Ford V8 model B with luxury finishes, stolen days before in Topeka, had 167 projectile holes. A month before his death, Clyde wrote a letter to the president of the Ford Motor Company: “As long as I have air in my lungs I will continue to thank you for the great car you have built. When I have had to get away with one, I have exclusively driven Ford V8s. For its sustained high speed and its ability to always get out of trouble. Ford has achieved what no other car has achieved, and even though my profession is not strictly legal, it will do no harm to anyone who tells you what a great car you have in the V8. Sincerely, Clyde Champion Barrow.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
the 35th president of the United States, Was shot dead on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. A date and place Americans will never forget; that day, he was traveling aboard his Lincoln Continental convertible 1961. After the assassination, the car was placed in safe custody, to be cleaned, restored, and used again, as a presidential vehicle.
Isadora Duncan
The creator of modern dance died in a car in 1927. It happened from strangulation when her heavy silk stole around her neck began to wrap around the open-spoked wheel and rear axle. It dragged Isadora with enormous force. Causing her to step out of the side of the car and plummet on the cobblestone driveway, breaking her neck. She was with one of her lovers, owner of a modest French car, a 1924 Amilcar GS Sport.
Pope John Paul II
Was hit by gunshots from Ali Agca on May 13, 1981; although he managed to survive, he never allowed his security service to get rid of his official car. His old popemobile Fiat Campagnola. However, security was reinforced after the attack. Now, the popemobile can travel with the Pope anywhere. A Mercedes M-Class with a fixed and armored dome like a tank.
Lady Di
And her boyfriend Dodi Al-Fayed died on august 13, 1997 in a car accident. We all know the story. They were aboard a rented Mercedes Benz S 280. A luxurious limousine property of Etoile Limousine Company. A luxury car firm that operated, among other centers, with the Ritz hotel. It is said that none of the occupants wore a seatbelt. Four months before the fatal accident, the luxurious sedan was stolen and abandoned on a highway. It was then repaired and returned to its owners.
Thelma and Louise
Jumped off the cliff in that 1991 memorable, classic film in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird (T–Bird) Convertible turquoise blue color and white upholstered seats. Five cars were used for the filming of the unforgettable final sequence. One for exterior shots, a camera car, two units for the stunts, and a spare one. The original was sold in 2007 at an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The armrest was signed by Brad Pitt and the rear-view mirror by Geena Davis.
The 60s Volkswagen Kombi (Kombinationskraftwagen)
Another classic with side windows, removable rear seats, passenger and cargo vehicle at the same time. Painted in psychedelic colors, is inevitably associated with the hippie lifestyle, Woodstock festival, sex liberation, drugs, and music. This iconic vehicle, a symbol of a whole generation, is also linked to a TV show and film, Scooby-Doo.
Like any other human invention, the car can be used for evil. Cars and trucks can be weapons of terrorism. Attacks with motorized vehicles launched against bystanders are increasing every day all over the world. London, Stockholm, Israel, Ohio, and Berlin have been scenarios of cruel ramming assaults with hundreds of victims.
Cinema Vehicles
The Cinema industry is full of emblematic cars, stars themselves, even more than their drivers/owners, such as The Knight Rider, a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, and a 2008-2009 Ford Shelby GT500KR, driven by David Hasselhoff in his role of a crime fighter, assisted by KITT, an advanced, artificially intelligent, self-aware and almost indestructible car. Transformers, series of American science fiction-action films had included over 80 General Motor cars, like the 5th generation of the Chevy Camaro, Audi R8, Mercedes Benz SLS, Ferrari 458, among others; The Fast and The Furious franchise has displayed a wide collection of cars and brands. Like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Supra MK IV, the unforgettable Pink (Barbie) 2001 Honda S2000, and Dodge Challenger R/T.; Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Corvette, and Ferrari, are some of the other car brands that were involved in these successful films.
And talking about movies, famous actors and actresses have died in car accidents too, like James Dean, the mythical actor of the 1950s, who died in a car accident aboard his brand-new Porsche Sider 550; Grace Kelly also passed away in a car accident driving her Rover 6. People believe that the one actually driving was her daughter Stephanie, a 17-year-old girl. Paul Walker crashed his Porsche Carrera GT against an electric pole and a tree while traveling as a passenger of his partner. The car crashed and went up in flames.
Vehicles for transportation, are an instrument of power, a symbol of status, an attack weapon, or just a toy. The car has been a crucial part of our lives. It is an essential element for the progress of our society. Whether it is in good conditions or wrecked. A classic or brand-new, no matter if it is huge or small, M&M FREIGHT AND LOGISTIC can take care of your vehicle. We are specialized in the logistics of transporting freight, vehicles, boats, RVs, trucks, and heavy equipment within the continental USA, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Call us now for a free quote: 877 957 4878