The John Wick franchise has carved a unique niche in contemporary cinema, propelled by its unorthodox success as a film series born without prior source material. At its heart is the tale of John Wick, a retired hitman grappling with the loss of his beloved wife to cancer. What unfolds is a riveting narrative as a Russian mobster’s son commits an unthinkable act, igniting Wick’s thirst for vengeance.
The catalyst? The ruthless theft of his prized Beagle puppy and his cherished American muscle car. While this premise may seem like a typical revenge storyline, John Wick rises above the fray due to its exceptional choreography, over-the-top action sequences, and Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Wick’s tactical finesse and unwavering determination.
Adding to the allure is Wick’s enigmatic nickname, “Baba Yaga,” a nod to Russian folklore’s Boogeyman, though his house lacks the giant chicken legs. Today, fans of the franchise still fondly reminisce about their favorite moments, one of which is Wick’s deep-rooted passion for American muscle cars. It’s not just a cinematic fling; it’s a real-world affair, with “John Wick: Chapter 4” currently holding the second spot in domestic box office rankings.
In the 2014 original, a chance encounter at a gas station sets the wheels in motion. Iosef Tarasov, played by Alfie Allen, the son of a Russian crime lord, becomes fixated on Wick’s 1969 Mustang Boss 429, feeling entitled to it. The car, though not entirely accurate in its bodywork and lacking some badging, fits seamlessly into the movie’s high-octane action sequences. Wick resists selling his prized possession despite Tarasov’s attempts at intimidation. In retaliation, Tarasov and his gang invade Wick’s home, leading to the tragic death of his dog and the theft of his beloved muscle car. Little did they know that this action would awaken an unstoppable force.
If we can confirm that Wick’s Boss 429 is indeed genuine, it would be an exceptional find. Only 857 of these were produced in the first two years, showcasing Ford’s legendary 7.0-liter NASCAR engine. These engines have earned a reputation as the finest non-Shelby Mustangs, often considered underrated, churning out 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
Wick’s automotive journey doesn’t stop there. During a visit to a friend’s performance shop, he marvels at an impressive array of vehicles, including a Porsche 993-gen GT2 and a Gulf-livery Ford GT40. Here, he also gets his hands on a replacement car, a 1970 Chevelle SS 396. Though it doesn’t receive much screen time in the original movie, the Chevelle’s dark green custom color and menacing presence make a lasting impression as it tears through the streets of Manhattan. But in the world of John Wick, attachment to any vehicle is unwise. In “Chapter 2,” the Chevelle becomes Wick’s trusted warhorse in a thrilling opening sequence as he fights to recover his ill-fated Mustang.
John takes a step back from car-centric action. He spends most of his time on foot or using public transit. However, towards the chapter’s end, he makes a grand entrance in a Series II Rolls Royce Ghost, the epitome of sophistication and style.
Parabellum may not be the pinnacle of car-centric action in the series, but it doesn’t disappoint. A standout scene features Halle Berry and her two formidable Belgian Malinois attack dogs making a daring desert escape in a second-generation Range Rover. Car enthusiasts and experts couldn’t help but notice this 1995 model, considered a collectible item.
However, the vehicle used in the movie leans towards being a driver-quality example rather than a top-condition collector’s piece, with an estimated value ranging from $54,000 to $68,000. Despite the lack of high-performance cars, the inclusion of Berry and her furry companions adds an exciting dimension to the film.
Baba Yaga is back in the driver’s seat, this time taking control of a menacing 1971 Cuda. But as we know, John Wick isn’t one to back down from a challenge, and he swiftly takes care of the formidable Plymouth. The night-time scene conceals the engine’s power, leaving us in suspense, but one thing is certain: John Wick’s passion for American muscle cars continues to fuel his relentless pursuit of justice.
