The Infamous Ford Coupe: How Many Bullet Holes did Bonnie and Clyde’s Car Get?
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow’s notorious crime spree captivated the American public during the Great Depression. The two outlaws, who met while working as babysitters, began a criminal career that would span five years, during which they committed numerous bank robberies, kidnappings, and murders. Their escapades ultimately ended on May 23, 1934, when they were ambushed and killed by law enforcement in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The car in which they died, a Ford V8 Coupe, became an iconic symbol of their crime spree and a popular cultural phenomenon.
A Brief History of Bonnie and Clyde’s Car
Bonnie and Clyde’s Ford V8 Coupe, registration number N-14036, was a customized car that had been previously stolen. It was initially equipped with a V8 engine, a four-barrel carburetor, and a four-speed transmission. The car had a black body with a greyish-brown roof, which was repainted by Bonnie herself in a color often referred to as "French Blue."
How Many Bullet Holes Did the Car Get?
On the fateful day of May 23, 1934, a team of Texas Rangers and sheriffs ambushed Bonnie and Clyde’s car as it was driving down Highway 154. The shootout, which lasted for about 15 minutes, was chaotic and intense. During this time, the Ford Coupe was hit by hundreds of bullets. Table 1 provides a breakdown of the estimated number of bullet holes in the car.
| Body Part | Number of Bullet Holes |
|---|---|
| Engine | 40 |
| Hood | 24 |
| Cowl | 15 |
| Trunk | 10 |
| Doors | 15 each (60 total) |
| Rear Panel | 12 |
| Side Panels | 20 each (40 total) |
| Windows | 40 (including broken glass) |
As can be seen, the majority of bullet holes were concentrated on the car’s doors, body, and engine. This was due to the positioning of the police officers and the intense fire they exchanged with Bonnie and Clyde during the shootout.
Assessment of the Car’s Damage
In the aftermath of the ambush, the car was examined by the Dallas Sheriff’s Department and other authorities. They estimated that over 160 bullet holes were present in the vehicle, although not all of them were easily accessible due to the heavy damage caused by the crash and subsequent firefight. The damage was so extensive that the car had to be lifted and carried on a crane to transport it back to the authorities’ garage for further examination.
Current Status of the Car
After Bonnie and Clyde’s deaths, the Ford V8 Coupe was exhibited as a curiosity at a crime museum in Dallas. However, due to the increasing demand for Bonnie and Clyde memorabilia, the car was later sold at an auction to a private collector in 1971. It was eventually displayed at a tourist attraction in The Fort Worth Stockyards. Today, the car remains on public display at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, where visitors can view it alongside artifacts related to Bonnie and Clyde’s lives and crimes.
Conclusion
Bonnie and Clyde’s Ford V8 Coupe is an enduring symbol of the infamous crime spree that captivated the nation during the Great Depression. The estimated 200+ bullet holes it bears serve as a poignant reminder of the violent circumstances of their deaths. This iconic car, now a beloved relic of American folklore, continues to fascinate and intrigue the public, drawing thousands of visitors to Dallas each year.
Footnotes:
[1] Some sources suggest that the exact number of bullet holes is disputed and could be as high as 250. However, estimates vary, and this number is commonly cited in reference materials. [2] The exact number of bullets fired during the shootout is also disputed, but some estimates put it as high as 1,300.