10 Strange Car Tales That Are Hard To Believe

Have you ever heard a tale so strange about a car that you couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow? Some vehicles have stories that have resulted in people calling them cursed. Others played parts in some of our biggest happenings in history. 

In this article, we’re diving into unbelievable car stories that will make you question reality.

Some may be urban legends; others are real-life accounts that showcase the weird and wonderful side of driving. Buckle up and get ready for a ride through the unexpected—you won’t want to miss these jaw-dropping tales!

Bonnie and Clyde’s Death Car

bonnie and clyde car with bullet holes
Wikipedia

The infamous duo drove a 1934 Ford V8 Deluxe, which became a symbol of their crime spree during the Great Depression. This car was involved in their final shootout with police, resulting in numerous bullet holes that remain visible today.

The vehicle actually driven by Bonnie and Clyde is currently on display at a casino in Primm, Nevada, attracting curious visitors who want to see the remnants of this notorious chapter in American history.

1937 Cord 810 Worcester

1937 cord 812
Barrett Jackson

The Cord 810 is often associated with a “curse,” primarily linked to its connection with Senator Huey Long, who commissioned a custom version of the car intended to be bulletproof due to his fears of assassination. Tragically, Long was assassinated in 1935 before he could take possession of the vehicle, which set the stage for its ominous reputation.

Subsequent owners of the Cord 810 reportedly experienced a series of misfortunes, including severe injuries and fatalities, leading to the belief that the car brought bad luck. Some legends even suggest that the car was involved in drawing Allied bombs during World War II, further contributing to its dark lore. Despite its sinister reputation, the Cord 810 remains a sought-after collector’s item and is preserved in museums, with some enthusiasts still believing in its curse. The combination of its historical significance and the tragic events surrounding its ownership have solidified the Cord 810’s status as a vehicle shrouded in mystery and misfortune.

James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder

james-dean-550-spyder
Porsche

Known as “Little Bastard,” this car was driven by actor James Dean before his tragic death in a collision in 1955. The vehicle became infamous not only for its association with Dean but also for its alleged curse, as subsequent owners experienced fatal accidents or misfortunes.

Although the crash was severe enough to kill Dean, the Spyder engine remained intact. It was purchased by a racing enthusiast and used in a Lotus IX chassis. Remaining parts that were specific to the Spyder were passed on to another racing enthusiast. So the engine of the Spyder would go on to help two additional cars perform in races.

Ultimately, both cars would go on to crash in the 1956 Pomonoa Race. One car would be totalled, with the driver only sustaining minor industries. The other driver would tragically pass away at the scene. 

The original wrecked car would be later purchased by George Barris who would display the car at various car shows. But, continued rumors of cuts and bruises from touching the car would fuel rumors that the car was cursed. The car disappeared while in transit in 1960 and has never been since since. 

JFK’s Lincoln Continental

jfk 1961 lincoln continentail
Henry Ford Museum

John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while riding in a modified 1961 Lincoln Continental, known as the X-100. This vehicle was originally a convertible but was transformed into an armored limousine after the assassination. The modifications included a permanent roof with bulletproof glass, titanium armor plating, and other security enhancements.

On that tragic day in Dallas, Texas, the car was carrying Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy when Lee Harvey Oswald fired shots from the Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was struck twice and pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.

Following the assassination, the X-100 became a critical piece of evidence and underwent extensive forensic examination. It was refurbished and returned to service, continuing to be used by subsequent presidents until 1977. Today, the Lincoln Continental is preserved at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, serving as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s Graf & Stift Double Phaeton

1910 Gräf & Stift Double Phaeton in a museum
Heeresgeschichtliches Museum

Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s Gräf & Stift Double Phaeton, a 1910 luxury automobile, became infamous due to its role in his assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo. The car, distinguished by its elegant design and advanced features for the time, was owned by Count Franz von Harrach, who lent it to the archduke for his visit.

On that fateful day, the motorcade faced an initial assassination attempt when a bomb was thrown but missed. Shortly after, while the driver, Leopold Lojka, attempted to navigate away from the scene, they encountered Gavrilo Princip, who shot both Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. The couple succumbed to their injuries shortly thereafter.

The vehicle has since been associated with numerous myths and legends, including claims of a “curse” affecting its subsequent owners. It has been said that the car may have claimed the lives of 13 people after this origianl event. Today, the Gräf & Stift Double Phaeton is preserved and displayed at the Austrian Military Museum, serving as a historical artifact that symbolizes the tragic event that ignited World War I. Its license plate “AIII 118” has been noted for its eerie coincidence with the Armistice date of November 11, 1918, further cementing its place in history.

Princess Grace’s Rover P6

princess grace rover p6 car
LinkedIn

Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, tragically died in a car accident on September 14, 1982, while driving her 1971 Rover P6 3500. The incident occurred on a steep mountain road near Monaco, where she reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which swerved and plunged down a 120-foot embankment. Witnesses described the car accelerating erratically before crashing through a stone barrier.

At the time of the accident, her daughter, Stéphanie, was in the passenger seat and attempted to regain control but was unsuccessful. Grace suffered severe injuries, including head trauma and broken bones, and despite being alive when emergency services arrived, she succumbed to her injuries later that night.

Speculation surrounding the crash includes theories of brake failure or even a stroke that may have incapacitated Grace. Following the accident, British Leyland, the manufacturer of the Rover, examined the wreckage but reported no faults. The car was subsequently destroyed and sunk in the Mediterranean under mysterious circumstances, fueling conspiracy theories about potential tampering and adding to the intrigue surrounding Princess Grace’s untimely death.

The Mysterious Vauxhall Astra

2002 vauxhall astra accident
Surrey Advertiser

The mysterious Vauxhall Astra, often referred to as the “Burpham Ghost Crash,” is tied to a chilling incident that occurred on December 11, 2002, in Surrey, England. Motorists reported seeing a maroon Vauxhall Astra swerving off the A3 road and crashing down an embankment with its headlights on. When police arrived, they found no evidence of a recent accident, leading to confusion.

Upon further investigation, officers discovered the vehicle hidden in thick underbrush, approximately 20 meters from the road. The car had been there for months, having crashed in July 2002. Inside, they found the skeletal remains of the driver, Christopher Chandler, who had gone missing after a night out in London. His injuries suggested he had escaped the vehicle but succumbed to his wounds while attempting to climb back to the road for help.

Paranormal theories emerged, suggesting that what motorists witnessed was a ghostly replay of Chandler’s final moments. This incident has since become an urban legend, highlighting the eerie intersection of reality and the supernatural in tragic circumstances.

The Golden Eagle Dodge 330

1964 dodge 330
Reddit

The Golden Eagle, a 1964 Dodge 330 Limited Edition, is infamous for its dark history and is considered one of America’s most cursed cars. Originally purchased as a patrol vehicle by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department in Maine, its sinister reputation began when three officers associated with the car committed murder-suicides. After the third incident, the police sold the car at auction.

Following its police service, the Golden Eagle became linked to numerous tragic events: several vandals who targeted it died in accidents, including decapitations, and two children were struck by vehicles and thrown onto the car. Additionally, a teenager who visited the vehicle later murdered his family and set their house on fire.

Believing the car to be possessed, members of a local church stole and dismantled it, selling the parts to various junkyards. However, Wendy Allen managed to track down and reassemble the vehicle. Today, while no recent deaths are attributed to it, Allen reports strange occurrences, such as the doors opening on their own while in motion. The Golden Eagle’s legend continues to intrigue those fascinated by cursed objects and urban myths.

The “Jumping Renault”

2004 renault megane
Renault

In 2004, a bizarre incident involving a Renault Megane in Cape Town, South Africa, captured public attention and became known as the “Jumping Car of Cape Town.” One night, a family was startled awake by their car’s engine revving. Fearing theft, they rushed outside to find the vehicle moving backward on its own, even crashing into a tree. Nine witnesses, including police officers, confirmed seeing the car operate without a driver or keys.

Renault attributed the phenomenon to a faulty starter motor, suggesting that a rusty cable might have caused a short circuit. However, this explanation failed to satisfy many who witnessed the event, leading some to speculate about supernatural involvement.

The story has since entered popular culture as an unusual tale of haunted vehicles, illustrating how everyday objects can become focal points for strange occurrences. The “Jumping Car” continues to intrigue those fascinated by the intersection of technology and the unexplained.

The Infamous Volkswagen Van of Dr. Jack Kevorkian

kevorkian volkswagen van interior
Ebay

Dr. Kevorkian used a 1968 Volkswagen van as part of his controversial assisted suicide practices during the 1990s. A man named Jack Finn bought the van in 1997, although Kevorkian thought the van was turned intro scrap. There is uncertainty as to how Finn acquired it.

Finn would list it on Ebay for sale, but Ebay would later take it down citing it violated their policy of selling “murderabilia”. He would later sell it through an auction house. Kevorkian claimed to have assisted 130 people with their deaths from 1990-1998. It is not clear how many were put to death in the van. 

 

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