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You’ve heard the story of Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous duo who went on a 21-month crime spree that killed over a dozen people.
But have you heard of the Bonnie and Clyde death car laden with over one hundred bullet holes? You can see it on display in its glass enclosure.
Although the couple never took much money during their robberies, their murderous actions captured the attention of the American public and the FBI.
If you want to see this iconic piece of history in person, read on!
Who Were Bonnie and Clyde?
Bonnie and Clyde captured the attention of the country during the Great Depression. They traveled across the central United States, robbing banks, gas stations, and funeral homes.
From 1932 to 1934, the couple became a public enemy as their gang carried out numerous robberies and murders. During the 21-month crime spree, Bonnie and Clyde never took more than $1,500 from any one location.
What Is the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car?
On May 23, 1934, Bonnie and Clyde were caught in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. Police had set up a roadblock, and when the couple tried to escape, the officers opened fire on the vehicle.
With numerous warrants out for their arrest for robbery, auto theft, theft, escape, assault, and murder in multiple states, the officers knew this notorious couple was dangerous.
According to deputies interviewed by a reporter at The Dallas Dispatch, “There were six men shooting at once. Machine guns? No, thank God. We had shotguns and Browning automatics. We had tried machine guns once before (referring to the time Barrow escaped from a trap at Sowers, near Dallas).
You couldn’t hear any one shot. It was just a roar, a continuous roar, and it kept up for several minutes. We emptied our guns, reloaded, and kept shooting. No chances with Clyde and Bonnie.”
The Bonnie and Clyde death car is the stolen 1934 Ford V8 that took the couple across the country on their crime spree. This vehicle took over one hundred bullets on that day in May.
Today, it’s a piece of history and a reminder of the ruthless acts committed by the notorious duo.
What Happened to the Car After Bonnie and Clyde’s Deaths?
After the deaths of Bonnie and Clyde, the original owner, Ruth Warren, wanted the car returned, claiming it had been stolen from her garage. Police told her that she would have to pay $15,000 to get it back.
Warren took the matter up in court and won the case. Later, a carnival owner rented the car and then fully purchased the Ford V8. In 1988, after touring the country, the bullet-ridden car was sold to Primadonna Resorts Inc. for $250,000.
Where Can You See the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car?
Eventually, many replicas of the Bonnie and Clyde death car appeared. It seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the fame. So the real car took a long time to identify.
Finally, after many tours around the country in various carnivals and exhibits, the Ford V8 now rests in a casino at Whiskey Pete’s in Primm, Nevada.
Surrounded by glass, guests can count all 112 bullet holes in the car’s body. Visitors can also see Clyde’s blood-spattered shirt and some other pieces of memorabilia in the glass case. It’s on display 24 hours a day at the south end of the casino floor.
Keep in Mind: Do you know which National Park has the Highest Death Rate? The answer might surprise you!
Why Is the Public So Captivated by the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car?
Many greatly feared Bonnie and Clyde during the early 1930s. Americans had heard of their killing spree and robberies. But today, the infamous couple still captures people’s imagination and intrigue.
The Bonnie and Clyde death car actually took a trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The exhibit, “FBI – From Al Capone to Al-Qaeda,” covered the history of the FBI.
At the end of the exhibit in February 2022, the death car returned to Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino, where you can see it today.
Americans seem struck by the true crime drama and its gruesome ending. It’s no surprise that the top television shows on CBS listed by Ranker currently include “S.W.A.T.,” “NCIS,” “True Lies,” “FBI,” and “Seal Team.”
With a public captivated by crime and drama, the story and history of Bonnie and Clyde continue to gain our attention.
Has the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car Ever Been Moved?
In its early days, the car joined several carnivals and exhibitions nationwide. Eventually, the owner sold it to Primadonna Resorts Inc in 1988.
Then from its current home in Primm, Nevada, the Bonnie and Clyde death car went to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum briefly.
Other iconic pieces on display included the 1990 Chevy Caprice used in 2002 by the Beltway Snipers and the Tommy Gun used by John Dillinger. You can also see J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI identification and part of the engine of the jet flown into the South Tower on 9/11.
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Other Things to Do at Whiskey Pete’s
If you decide to head to Primm, Nevada, to catch a glimpse of the Bonnie and Clyde death car, you’re in for a treat.
Whiskey Pete’s has spacious 310 square-foot rooms with one king or two queen beds. You’ll rest comfortably while enjoying the Nevada nightlife.
Whiskey Pete’s is part of the Primm Valley Casino Resorts. So you’ll also enjoy endless entertainment with over 1,500 slot, video poker, and keno machines and nearly 50 table games. It also has two golf courses, an arcade, and fashion outlet stores.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to View This Iconic Piece of History
Even if the Bonnie and Clyde story doesn’t fascinate you, there’s something about seeing the bullet-ridden car and blood-stained shirt that brings to life this almost 100-year-old crime spree. To see it in person is something unique.
So the next time you travel near Primm, Nevada, book a stay at Whiskey Petes. Then visit the glass case to view the Bonnie and Clyde death car and enjoy a night of gambling, eating, shopping, and entertainment.
Are you interested in seeing this iconic piece of history in person?
