John Wick movies are more than just action-packed thrill rides; they’re a masterclass in style, grit, and impeccable taste – especially when it comes to cars. For a retired hitman dragged back into the underworld, John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, doesn’t just need any vehicle; he needs machines that match his persona: powerful, classic, and undeniably cool. The saga, starting from a stolen puppy and a prized John Wick Car, has become synonymous with breathtaking car chases and a stunning showcase of automotive excellence. Let’s dive into the impressive garage of Baba Yaga and explore the iconic vehicles that have graced the John Wick franchise.
The One That Started It All: 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 (Tribute)
The spark that ignites the entire John Wick saga is the theft of his beloved john wick car, a supposed 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429. In the first movie, a chance encounter at a gas station with Iosef Tarasov, the arrogant son of a Russian mob boss, sets off a chain of events. Tarasov, impressed by the Mustang, tries to bully Wick into selling it. While automotive enthusiasts might notice discrepancies – the bodywork isn’t entirely accurate for a Boss 429, the badging is missing, and it appears to have an automatic transmission – the car serves its purpose as a symbol of Wick’s past and the catalyst for his vengeance.
If it were a genuine Boss 429, this john wick car would be exceptionally rare, one of only 857 built in 1969 to homologate Ford’s massive 7.0-liter NASCAR engine. These Mustangs were the pinnacle of non-Shelby performance, boasting a factory-underrated 375 horsepower and a monstrous 450 lb-ft of torque. The theft of this prized possession is not just a carjacking; it’s a violation that unleashes the Baba Yaga.
The Green Menace: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
Seeking a replacement ride, John Wick visits a garage owned by a trusted friend. Amongst other automotive gems like a Porsche 993 GT2 and a Ford GT40 in Gulf livery, Wick picks up a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. This john wick car, painted in a custom, darker shade of green than the factory Forest Green, exudes a menacing aura, perfectly fitting for Wick’s return to his former life.
Though the Chevelle doesn’t enjoy extensive screen time in the first film, its brief appearance rumbling through Manhattan leaves a lasting impression. This john wick car truly shines in the opening scene of Chapter 2. In a brutal and unforgettable sequence, the Chevelle becomes a weaponized battering ram as Wick relentlessly pursues his stolen Mustang. It’s a testament to the franchise’s disregard for automotive casualties in the name of action.
A Touch of Elegance: Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
After the carnage inflicted on classic American muscle, John Wick takes a temporary detour into luxury in Chapter 2. For a significant portion of the film, he’s seen utilizing public transportation and foot travel. However, in a fittingly stylish conclusion, he’s seen stepping out of a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. While a modern luxury sedan might seem out of place amidst Wick’s usual choices, this john wick car is arguably the perfect ride for the Baba Yaga when he needs to maintain a veneer of sophistication while plotting his next move.
Desert Toughness: 1995 Range Rover LP
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is arguably less car-centric than other installments, but it still features a notable vehicle: a second-generation Range Rover. Around the middle of the film, Wick, alongside Sofia (Halle Berry) and her highly trained Belgian Malinois, makes a desert escape in this British SUV. This 1995 Range Rover, as identified by the Internet Movie Car Database (IMCDb), might not be a high-performance machine, but it represents ruggedness and reliability, essential for the situations Wick finds himself in. While top-condition examples of this generation Range Rover are becoming collectible, the john wick car in the movie appears to be a well-used, driver-condition vehicle, perfectly suited for the harsh desert environment.
Back to Muscle: 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Baba Yaga returns to his muscle car roots in Chapter 4, commandeering a menacing 1971 Plymouth Cuda. This john wick car becomes a central part of a thrilling action sequence. Set at night, the exact engine under the hood remains somewhat obscured, but given Wick’s resources and penchant for powerful machines, it’s highly likely to be equipped with either the monstrous 440 Six Pack or the legendary 426 Hemi. The Cuda represents a return to form for Wick and his automotive choices: raw power and classic American muscle.
With the continued success of the John Wick franchise, the possibility of a fifth film is always on the horizon. Perhaps we’ll see Wick behind the wheel of an AMC AMX in the future, completing his classic American muscle car collection on screen. Regardless of what the future holds, John Wick’s on-screen car history has solidified his status as a silver-screen icon with truly exceptional automotive taste.
