Al Capone's Last Car

           Earlier this month, as I was wrapping up the magnificent tour of the Citizen's Motor Car Company Museum, I did a blog about a piece of cinematic history entitled The Godfather's Last Ride. It featured the Packard Landau Hearse that was used in the movie The Godfather to carry Don Corleone to the cemetery following his death.
          Another Packard, one that lived in the Citizen's Motor Car Company museum for 15 years but is now in a private collection, was one of the very last cars of an honest to goodness gangster godfather. This 1947 Packard Custom Super 8 Sedan and its twin were the last cars ever purchased by the infamous Al Capone.

          Alphonse Gabriel Capone is the stuff of legends. Born in Brooklyn in 1899 he was kicked out of school when he was 14. He later moved to Chicago where he quickly moved up the ranks of that city's organized crime. Taking full advantage of America's desire for alcohol during Prohibition, he became a wealthy and very ruthless man.
          Capone became an early fan of Packard automobiles. He not only liked their stylish looks and their numerous touches of luxury, he also treasured their performance and reliability. The latter, of course, was a huge benefit in his line of work.
          Shortly before he died in January, 1947, Capone purchased two identical Super 8 Customs. One was sent to his home in Florida while this one stayed in Chicago. The reason for two identical cars was simple; Capone didn't want members of law enforcement to know exactly where he was.

          With a list price of just under $3900, the car wore a body designed by the brilliant Howard "Dutch" Darrin (http://turnerbudds-carblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/americans-in-paris.html) and had every feature and option offered by Packard. It was powered by the famous Packard 356 cubic inch inline 8 that in 1947 was the most powerful car engine in the world.

          After Capone was sent off to jail and ultimately passed away, this car became the property of the gangster's chauffeur and body guard, a gentleman known as "Motorcycle Mike." Though he, too, went to prison and stayed until his release at age 92, he maintained possession of the car, keeping it in his basement.
          The current owner, George Holinga, purchased the car from "Motorcycle Mike" in 1980 and subsequently put it on display for 15 years in the Citizen's Motor Car Company museum. Since then, the car which is now valued at $275,000, has become a successful Concourse car, displaying not only the magnificence of the car but sharing some great history as well.