About This Cadillac
1928 Cadillac Al Capone's bulletproof Town Sedan
| Condition | Used Clear Title |
| Miles | 1,111 |
| Engine | V-8 |
| Transmission | 4 Spd Manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Exterior Color | Black/Green |
| Interior | Cloth |
| Stock # | 306449 |
| VIN # | 306449 |
| Warranty | As-Is |
Some of our used vehicles may be subject to unrepaired safety recalls. Check for a vehicle’s unrepaired recalls by VIN at https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/?vin=306449
Vehicle Overview
See description for 80+ photos and video1928 Cadillac Al Capone's bulletproof Town Sedan
Celebrity Cars is pleased to offer the 1928 Cadillac previously owned by the infamous Al Capone.
Series 341-A. 90 bhp, 341 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, beam front axle and full-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 140"
* Continuous history established since 1932
* Continuous development as one of the first armored cars
From newspapers, the IRS, and information from the family of the second known owner, as well as from an eyewitness to the development of this car.
Thorough documentation begins with the purchase of this car by Mr. Harry LaBreque in May of 1933 from Mr. Patrick Moore, of 37 Grove Street in Rockville, Connecticut. Mr. Moore's only surviving descendant, Mrs. Pat Denning, who recently discussed her parent's brief ownership of the Cadillac. According to Mrs. Denning, her parents purchased the car from an agent in Chicago, with whom they believed it had been placed by Capone. The Moores worked with a traveling carnival in the summer and owned the car for "about a year," including a full summer, when they exhibited the car with the carnival. This information dates their purchase from the agent to the spring of 1932.
The Moores intended to use the car as a standalone exhibit to make extra money during the winter off-season. The plan did not work as intended; thus, the car was sold to LaBreque. Mrs. Denning also noted that her parents did not have a permanent address during this time; the given address in Rockville was actually her aunt's address, and in 1930, they were actually in Peoria, Illinois. She further stated that it is unlikely that the car was ever brought to Connecticut and that it would not have been registered, more likely traveling on a trailer covered up to preserve its condition and to exclude viewing until patrons had paid to see it; this is consistent with a statement later made by LaBreque, stating that he purchased the car in Chicago.
Emil Denemark was a prominent owner of a Cadillac dealership on the south side of Chicago, who was also related to Capone by marriage. Denemark was well connected to the underworld; it is documented that his house and business were bombed in early-1927, in what he called a "political attack." In 1942, he was charged with selling cars without gas ration stickers and, further establishing his long-term good standing with the mob, his name comes up as late as 1950 in a document titled Investigation of Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce, according to the testimony of one of the investigators:
"I asked him where he got his 1950 Cadillac, and he said 'Denemark.' This fellow, Gioe, bought his at Denemark's. Campagna, for the first time in his life, bought one at Joe Bergl's instead of Denemark's, but he always did business with Denemark before...these fellows evidently did business with Denemark when they purchased their cars."
Among Mr. Denemark's clients was Alphonse Capone. An article published in The Milwaukee Sentinel on December 22, 1931 headlined that one of Capone's two V-16s had been used to chauffeur Warden David Moneypenny of the Cook County jail. The headline reads, "Al Capone's Car Carries Jail Warden" with the skeptical subhead, "Chicago-Springfield Trip Divergently Explained." In the article, Denemark stated that he sold Capone two V-16s and that the car used to transport Moneypenny no longer belonged to Capone because both had been repossessed for non-payment. Given Denemark's apparent longstanding good relations with organized crime, and the fact that Capone was one of the most dangerous men in Chicago, it is likely, as the reporter evidently believed, that Denemark was simply trying to save face for Big Al.
The author of an Associated Press story run in The Milwaukee Journal, also on December 22, traced the license plate and found that the car was still registered to Mrs. Mae Capone. In response to a question about this peculiarity, Denemark quite innocently responded, "By accident the license plates had not been removed, so I guess that's why everybody thought it was still Capone's car." Another piece in The Muscatine Journal & News Tribune reads:
"For a time, it looked as though the restrictions the government put on visitors calling to see the gang chief in the county jail would operate to keep his creditors away, but at least one of them got permission from federal authorities to talk to him. He was Emil Denemark, a politician and dealer in high priced motor cars, who said he wanted to speak to Al about the remaining payments due on two expensive automobiles."
Denemark's unusual level of access and long involvement with underworld figures suggests that their business involved more than automobile payments.
The timing of these events, as they relate to Capone's legal issues, is critical. Capone was convicted on October 18, 1931, sentenced in November, and had a rehearing of appeal denied in March of 1932, with his sentence at Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary beginning on May 4, 1932. A lengthy report addressed to the Intelligence Unit Chief of the Bureau of Internal Revenue states that Capone was caught in October 1931 attempting to sell his home in Florida, along with two yachts and other items, for $150,000 cash. One of the sixteens is mentioned among other vehicles; given that these two sixteens had made their way into the headlines and grabbed the attention of the Feds, the older, armored Model 341A sedan was evidently overlooked while it lay quietly tucked away in a Chicago garage. The timing and circumstances strongly suggest that the car was consigned to the agent at the behest of Capone, as Mrs. Denning was led to believe, and that agent was Emil Denemark.
The ownership history after the purchase by LaBreque is well-known and heavily documented. After being shipped to New York and shipped to England, it was displayed at the Southend-On-Sea amusement park and later at the Blackpool Fun Fair in Manchester. Dance hall owner Tony Stuart purchased the car for $510 at an auction in February of 1958 and sold it months later to Harley Nielson, a businessman and car enthusiast from Todmorden, Ontario. Neilson undertook a comprehensive restoration, and in the process, most of the heavy armor plating was removed, but other features, including the bulletproof glass and drop-down rear window, were retained. In a Letter to the Editor of Esquire, Neilson explained that in 1939, the U.S. government asked the British government to intervene and take the car off display because of the "poor public relations it could cause by pointing up American Gangsterism."
The car was sold to the Niagara Falls Antique Auto Museum in the mid-1960s and then sold in late-1971 and displayed at the Cars of the Greats museum, co-owned by Peter Stranges, of Niagara Falls, Ontario. B.H. Atchley's Smoky Mountain Car Museum in Tennessee acquired the car in early-1979; Atchley freshened the restoration, and since the original glass was heavily crazed and deeply yellowed, a specialist supplied replacement glass of identical size and thickness. The car then joined the O'Quinn Collection in 2006.
In 2008, Mr. Richard "Cappy" Capstran, currently 93 years old, mentioned in passing to a friend that as a young boy he helped his dad install some of the armor plating on Al Capone's Cadillac. A short bit of research indicated that the car still existed and had been purchased by O'Quinn. In a recent recorded interview, Mr. Capstran recalled in great detail the circumstances surrounding this unusual job. Ernest Capstran's auto body shop had performed a high quality repair on another vehicle owned by the Capone syndicate, which prompted delivery of the brand new 1928 Cadillac to the shop shortly thereafter.
Says Capstran, when the scope of the work was explained, "My dad said, 'we don't do that kind of work here.' And they (Capone's men) said 'you do now.'" Mr. Capstran recalled the entire process in vivid detail, noting that when the car was dropped off, Capone's men directed that the car be backed into the shop so that no passersby might see the nature of the work being carried out. He also explained the entire process of cutting the rear of the body open to insert the asbestos-wrapped steel plate, which was delivered to the body shop with pieces of lead embedded from a proving test.
Capone showed up in person to settle the bill and paid Ernest Capstran double the asking price. When he walked around the car, Capone saw ten-year-old Richard and asked who he was. The elder Capstran explained his son had helped with the job and done an excellent job sanding in between layers of lacquer. For this, Richard received from Capone a $10 bill, a small fortune for a young boy. This special job was never discussed outside the family until years later. Recalling his visit to Mr. O'Quinn's collection and the reunion with the Cadillac after seven decades, Capstran stated, "This is without a doubt the same car that was worked on in my dad's shop."
Nefarious connection aside, this is among the earliest surviving bulletproof vehicles, fitted with glass almost an inch thick and lined with nearly 3,000 pounds of armor plating. Heavy spring lifts permitted the side windows to operate, while the rear window was rigged to drop quickly, allowing occupants to fire upon would-be pursuers. The modified windows were also equipped such that the glass could be raised an extra inch or so, revealing a circular cutout large enough to accommodate the muzzle of a machine gun. Mr. Capstran stated that when the Cadillac arrived at his father's shop in the summer of 1928, the doors and windows had been bulletproofed elsewhere and that they only worked on the rear of the body. Photographs taken in 1933 show the car equipped with a triangular tow bar affixed above the rear bumper, which Capstran stated was not yet installed when the car was in his father's shop.
With provenance now known since 1932 and strong supporting information, this example is not only a silent witness to the bloodiest era in American organized crime, it also represents the development of the modern armored sedan.
The 1928 Cadillac is in excellent cosmetic and running condition.
*We will require a $20,000 deposit before we will negotiate the price.
It will be sold on bill of sale.
VIDEO
Al Capone's 1928 Bulletproof Cadillac - YouTube
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Financing Information
Contact us today at 702-818-1031 for more information, or fill out our Online Credit Application to begin the pre-approval process today.
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Warranty Information
This Vehicle is Being Sold "As-Is." No extended warranty available for this vehicle.
Contact Us at 702-818-1031
Celebrity Cars Las Vegas
7770 Dean Martin Dr Suite 301
Las Vegas, NV 89139
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Call Us About This Vehicle: 702-818-1031
702-818-1031| Monday: | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Tuesday: | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Wednesday: | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Thursday: | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Friday: | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday: | 10 am to 3 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Warranty
- As-Is - Not covered by a warranty. Contact seller for details.
Condition Report
- Good Interior
- Good Carpets
- Good Seats
- Good Dashboard
- Good Panels / Headliner
- Good Exterior
- Good Paint
- Good Trim Condition
- Good Glass Condition
- No Visible Dents
- No Visible Rust
- No Known Accidents
- No Known Bodywork
- Fully Detailed
We reserve the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. The following terms of sale apply to all of our listings.
Payment Terms: Celebrity Cars will accept a $500-$1000 non-refundable deposit to hold a vehicle and giving them up to 7 days to complete the purchase (plus applicable fees and taxes) All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle.
Payment Methods: Cash (In Person), bank transfer, or 3rd-party financing. NO PAYPAL- Deposit via credit card Fees and Taxes:
PAYMENT METHODS: Cash/cashiers checks in person and bank to bank wire transfers are the only acceptable form of payment unless otherwise specified by an authorized representative. Please have all funds available for payment in full within a 7 day period and/or have financing arranged. If another form of payment is accepted by an authorized representative, the vehicle will only be released for delivery and/or shipping upon proof of valid and cleared funds.
DEPOSITS: NO PAYPAL- Paypal is not accepted. We take a credit card over the phone or via credit card form. All vehicles remain available for sale until full payment or agreed upon deposit is received by Celebrity Cars Las Vegas When a deposit is received, the vehicle is taken off the market/held and other buyers may be lost. All deposits are only refundable at the sellers discretion. Please do not place a deposit on any vehicle unless you intend to purchase the car. Deposits are generally only accepted if the seller deems it appropriate for the buyer to have additional time to arrange for funds availability, financing, inspection etc. We do not accept deposits to hold a car so the buyer can "think about it".
ADDITIONAL TAXES AND FEES: We do charge a $395.00 documentation fee on each retail sale which includes a temporary tag when applicable, motor vehicle documents and transfers and miscellaneous expenses including clerical fees, notary fees and Federal Express and US mail charges. This documentation fee also includes profit to the dealership. This fee will not be discounted or waived under any circumstance. Buyers are responsible for all state, county and local taxes and fees as well as any registration and title fees applicable in and required by the state in which the buyer will register and title the vehicle. Buyer is responsible for any expenses, tax and fees should they export the car outside of the US. In the event of an out of state sale the buyer is responsible for consulting with their state's DMV regarding the requirements for acquiring a temporary driving permit. Nevada law only allows for us to provide a 15 day drive away permit for out of state residents who physically pickup their vehicle. Vehicles shipped out of state will not be provided with a drive away permit. Vehicles sold with Nevada title over 10 years old may show EXEMPT status on the title and will not have the mileage of the vehicle. SHIPPING: Celebrity Cars Las Vegas will be happy to assist buyer with transportation arrangements within the US borders when necessary to take advantage of our volume discounts. The buyer is responsible for all shipping charges and are generally paid COD when the car arrives directly to the transporter. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas assumes no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our premises. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas cannot be held responsible for any delays in shipping as it is beyond our control. We will do our best in estimating shipping dates and times to make the delivery as timely and smooth as possible. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas in no way represents or implies as to any vehicles legal ability to be exported outside of the US. Should you decide to come to our showroom for delivery, we would be happy to help with your transportation arrangements and also arrange to pick you up from the airport here in Las Vegas. Contact us for arrangements.
WARRANTY: This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Seller makes no guarantee or warranty, expressed, written or implied of the vehicles ability to pass any state emissions inspection. In the event a vehicle fails state emissions inspection, Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. bears no responsibility whatsoever. Remaining manufacturers warranty if applicable may apply.
VEHICLE INSPECTION: Celebrity Cars Las Vegas and its representatives have made every effort to accurately and fairly describe the vehicle to you and disclose any known information regarding the vehicle. We will never describe a car as "perfect" and buyer should have expectations of "typical" dings and or chips and scratches that are consistent with the year and mileage on the vehicle. Buyers are provided with all additional items that were provided to us with the vehicle. Buyers are to expect that NOT all used vehicles will be provided with full sets of keys, books, CD magazines, Navigation Discs, floor mats or the like, NOR will all cars be accompanied by detailed service records etc. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas will not be held responsible to provide any additional items other than represented as with the car unless detailed in writing by an authorized representative. We welcome an independent inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase. All costs and arrangements for such inspections are the responsibility of the buyer. All inspections are to be performed on premises or to be arranged at an outside facility on the approval of Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. Please call if you need recommendations of inspection services available in Las Vegas. We will review any issues or concerns that develop as a result of an inspection and will make repairs, adjustments, or concessions at our sole discretion. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered.
Payment Terms: Celebrity Cars will accept a $500-$1000 non-refundable deposit to hold a vehicle and giving them up to 7 days to complete the purchase (plus applicable fees and taxes) All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle.
Payment Methods: Cash (In Person), bank transfer, or 3rd-party financing. NO PAYPAL- Deposit via credit card Fees and Taxes:
PAYMENT METHODS: Cash/cashiers checks in person and bank to bank wire transfers are the only acceptable form of payment unless otherwise specified by an authorized representative. Please have all funds available for payment in full within a 7 day period and/or have financing arranged. If another form of payment is accepted by an authorized representative, the vehicle will only be released for delivery and/or shipping upon proof of valid and cleared funds.
DEPOSITS: NO PAYPAL- Paypal is not accepted. We take a credit card over the phone or via credit card form. All vehicles remain available for sale until full payment or agreed upon deposit is received by Celebrity Cars Las Vegas When a deposit is received, the vehicle is taken off the market/held and other buyers may be lost. All deposits are only refundable at the sellers discretion. Please do not place a deposit on any vehicle unless you intend to purchase the car. Deposits are generally only accepted if the seller deems it appropriate for the buyer to have additional time to arrange for funds availability, financing, inspection etc. We do not accept deposits to hold a car so the buyer can "think about it".
ADDITIONAL TAXES AND FEES: We do charge a $395.00 documentation fee on each retail sale which includes a temporary tag when applicable, motor vehicle documents and transfers and miscellaneous expenses including clerical fees, notary fees and Federal Express and US mail charges. This documentation fee also includes profit to the dealership. This fee will not be discounted or waived under any circumstance. Buyers are responsible for all state, county and local taxes and fees as well as any registration and title fees applicable in and required by the state in which the buyer will register and title the vehicle. Buyer is responsible for any expenses, tax and fees should they export the car outside of the US. In the event of an out of state sale the buyer is responsible for consulting with their state's DMV regarding the requirements for acquiring a temporary driving permit. Nevada law only allows for us to provide a 15 day drive away permit for out of state residents who physically pickup their vehicle. Vehicles shipped out of state will not be provided with a drive away permit. Vehicles sold with Nevada title over 10 years old may show EXEMPT status on the title and will not have the mileage of the vehicle. SHIPPING: Celebrity Cars Las Vegas will be happy to assist buyer with transportation arrangements within the US borders when necessary to take advantage of our volume discounts. The buyer is responsible for all shipping charges and are generally paid COD when the car arrives directly to the transporter. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas assumes no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our premises. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas cannot be held responsible for any delays in shipping as it is beyond our control. We will do our best in estimating shipping dates and times to make the delivery as timely and smooth as possible. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas in no way represents or implies as to any vehicles legal ability to be exported outside of the US. Should you decide to come to our showroom for delivery, we would be happy to help with your transportation arrangements and also arrange to pick you up from the airport here in Las Vegas. Contact us for arrangements.
WARRANTY: This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Seller makes no guarantee or warranty, expressed, written or implied of the vehicles ability to pass any state emissions inspection. In the event a vehicle fails state emissions inspection, Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. bears no responsibility whatsoever. Remaining manufacturers warranty if applicable may apply.
VEHICLE INSPECTION: Celebrity Cars Las Vegas and its representatives have made every effort to accurately and fairly describe the vehicle to you and disclose any known information regarding the vehicle. We will never describe a car as "perfect" and buyer should have expectations of "typical" dings and or chips and scratches that are consistent with the year and mileage on the vehicle. Buyers are provided with all additional items that were provided to us with the vehicle. Buyers are to expect that NOT all used vehicles will be provided with full sets of keys, books, CD magazines, Navigation Discs, floor mats or the like, NOR will all cars be accompanied by detailed service records etc. Celebrity Cars Las Vegas will not be held responsible to provide any additional items other than represented as with the car unless detailed in writing by an authorized representative. We welcome an independent inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase. All costs and arrangements for such inspections are the responsibility of the buyer. All inspections are to be performed on premises or to be arranged at an outside facility on the approval of Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. Please call if you need recommendations of inspection services available in Las Vegas. We will review any issues or concerns that develop as a result of an inspection and will make repairs, adjustments, or concessions at our sole discretion. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered.
