Some cars just look like they were made to be famous.
Sleek, dramatic, oozing with character — 1920s cars weren’t just transportation. They were statements. And for nearly a century, these machines have popped up in films, books, and shows as symbols of status, rebellion, and American innovation.
From Gatsby’s lavish yellow roadster to the getaway cars in gangster flicks, here’s a look at the most iconic 1920s car models that have lit up the screen — and what made them unforgettable.
1. The Duesenberg Model A – Hollywood’s First Show-Off
???? Famous for: Wealth, luxury, and that signature chrome grille
The Duesenberg Model A wasn’t just expensive — it looked expensive. It quickly became a go-to car for directors looking to capture upper-class elegance in period dramas. In many movies, a Duesenberg doesn’t just sit — it steals the scene.
????️ Spotted in: The Great Gatsby (2013) — while not a perfect historical match, Gatsby’s extravagant yellow car channels the Duesenberg aesthetic.
2. Ford Model T – The Everyman’s Ride
???? Famous for: Ubiquity, simplicity, Americana
Nicknamed the “Tin Lizzie,” the Ford Model T was in nearly every driveway in 1925. So naturally, it’s in every period piece set in the ‘20s. Whether it’s a young man heading to work or a family driving to church, the Model T screams authenticity.
????️ Spotted in:
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Boardwalk Empire
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O Brother, Where Art Thou?
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Countless Ken Burns documentaries
3. Cadillac V-63 – The Silent Powerhouse
???? Famous for: First production V8 engine, mobster favorite
The Cadillac Type V-63 is sleek but imposing — perfect for roles that require presence without flash. That’s why you’ll see it driven by mob bosses, politicians, and big business types in everything from noir films to true crime stories.
????️ Spotted in:
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Lawless
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Road to Perdition
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Peaky Blinders (early seasons)
4. Packard Single Six – Quiet Elegance
???? Famous for: Graceful lines, understated wealth
The Packard brand was often the choice of “the quietly rich” — those who didn’t need to flaunt but still wanted top-tier quality. It’s often featured in romantic period dramas or scenes involving political leaders.
????️ Spotted in:
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The Aviator
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Downton Abbey (US appearances)
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Historical museum re-creations
5. The Gangster Cars – Lincolns, Buicks, and More
The 1920s were the golden era of gangsters — and their rides reflected that. Prohibition-era mobsters rolled in long, black sedans with tinted windows and hidden compartments.
These cars often appear in chase scenes, shootouts, or dramatic getaway sequences. The long hoods, spoked wheels, and glinting fenders still thrill audiences today.
????️ Spotted in:
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Public Enemies
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The Untouchables
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Bugsy Malone
Bonus: Behind the Scenes — How These Cars Travel Today
Many of the vehicles seen in period films and shows are authentic 1920s models sourced from collectors and museums. But getting them from the owner’s garage to a set across the country? That takes serious logistics.
These cars are often:
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Shipped in enclosed trailers
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Handled by white-glove transport specialists
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Insured for six-figure values
Services like AmeriFreight are often used for private collectors looking to safely transport their classics. You can even get instant car shipping quotes to compare enclosed shipping options.
Final Thoughts
1920s cars helped define the look and feel of early 20th-century America — and they continue to shape how we remember it. Whether it’s Gatsby’s flashy entrance or a quiet Cadillac in a crime scene, these icons keep rolling across our screens — and into our collective imagination.