Infamous Dillinger Escape Vehicle Up for Auction at Witherell’s in Sacramento

On display at the California Automobile Museum, the 1930’s police car is the most famous escape vehicle in American History.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Witherell’s Auction House presents The Infamous Dillinger Escape Vehicle, an online auction featuring the most famous escape vehicle in American history. The 1933 Ford V8 belonged to Sheriff Lillian Holley when it was stolen by Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger in a daring jail escape that made sensational headlines around the globe.

“The Dillinger escape vehicle has been featured in parades and displayed in museums because it is one of the most iconic cars in history,” said Brian Witherell, cofounder of Witherell’s and guest appraisal expert on PBS’s popular series, “Antiques Roadshow.” “John Dillinger was a brazen bank robber, yet he was cheered on as a hero by average Americans who were struggling during the Great Depression.”

Declared “public enemy number one” by the FBI, John Dillinger made news around the world for bank robberies and daring jail breaks. Just as famous as the movie stars of the era, Dillinger was known as a sharply dressed gentleman bandit who inspired numerous books and Hollywood movies, including a portrayal by Johnny Depp in the 2009 film Public Enemies.

In 1934, Dillinger was behind bars in Crown Point, Indiana awaiting trial for the alleged murder of a Chicago police officer. Authorities touted the jail as “escape proof” and posted additional guards due to Dillinger’s notoriety and tendency to escape. According to reports, he used a fake gun whittled in his cell to corral the guards and take off in Sheriff Holley’s Ford V-8. The car theft was a federal crime and fatal mistake, causing the FBI to join the manhunt.

Auction highlights:

• Dillinger Escape Vehicle: 1933 Ford V8 police car, meticulously restored to its original splendor. Estimated value: $100-250K
• Wooden Gun: Fake gun he reportedly used to break out of jail in Crown Point.
• Dillinger’s Hat: Recovered from a shootout in Wisconsin
• Bullet Proof Vest: Reportedly worn by Dillinger during numerous bank robberies
• Vintage photos, newspapers, police department bulletins and wanted posters

Bids can be submitted now through Sunday, August 27^th at witherell’s.com. Memorabilia is featured on annexauctions.com.

Soundbites & B-roll: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/839129154/f057bc8aef

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