Chevrolet is one of the most renowned automakers on the planet. Its cars have long been synonymous with power, style, and performance, earning them a place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and gearheads alike. Right from the 1957 Chevy Bel Air to the 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo, each has its own unique style, performance, and history. Over the past several decades, the American heavyweight has produced some of the most iconic and memorable cars that have left a lasting impact on pop culture and have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, becoming synonymous with the gangster lifestyle.
In songs such asSnoop Dogg's - Gin And Juice and Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme the Lootclassic Chevys have been portrayed as symbols of gangster life. Also, the Impala has been featured in many rap songs, including Notorious B.I.G’s "Gimme The Loot" and NWA’s "Express Yourself." Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply appreciate a good piece of Americana, you'll definitely want to check out this list of 10 classic Chevys that put the "G" in Gangster.
10 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1957 Chevy Bel Air is a true classic car that epitomizes gangster cool. With its iconic chrome accents, white-wall tires, and vibrant paint jobs, this sleek and stylish car epitomizes 1950s American muscle. The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air came with several engine options, ranging from a 235 cubic inch (3.9-liter) inline-six, capable of producing 140 horsepower, to a 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) V-8 engine, putting out 283 horsepower with optional fuel injection.
Aside from its performance, the Chevrolet Bel Air was known for its distinctive design elements, such as the iconic "Jet-Smooth" hood and the flashy "V"-shaped grille. The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has been featured in several gangster movies and TV shows over the years. A few notable examples in TV series are The Sopranos, American Restoration, Mike & Molly, and in movies like American Gangster, Goodfellas, Scarface, Dirty Dancing, Gone in 60 Seconds, Dr. No, and Sin City.
9 1957 Chevrolet Nomad
The 1957 Chevrolet Nomad is an iconic station wagon that was first introduced by Chevrolet in 1955 as part of the brand's Bel Air series. The 1957 Chevrolet Nomad is an extremely rare two-door wagon. A sleek body line, long hood, short deck, and iconic tail fins make it an elegant choice for stylish individuals looking for a functional car. Under the hood, Nomad is powered with different engine options, but the top-of-the-line version was powered by a 348 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V-8 that could generate up to 315 horsepower.
The 1957 Chevrolet Nomad is still a sought-after collector's item today, with vintage models fetching high prices at car auctions and shows. It has also been featured in some gangster movies and TV shows, such as "The Godfather" (1972) and "The Untouchables" (1987) as well as TV series like "Miami Vice" (1980), "The A-Team", and "The X-Files".
8 1958 Chevrolet Apache
The 1958 Chevrolet Apache, an iconic classic pickup truck renowned for its rugged and stylish body, featured a distinctive grille, chrome accents, and a roomy cab that could seat up to three passengers. Chevrolet's 1958 Apache came equipped with three engine choices: a 235 cubic inch Straight Six, a 265 cubic inch V8, and the most powerful option, the 283 cubic inch V8. With 185 horsepower, the 283 V8 was the largest engine available for Chevrolet pickups in 1958.
This legendary truck has made countless appearances in several gangster movies and TV shows. Notable appearances include the hit TV series American Graffiti (1973), The Sopranos (1999-2007), Breaking Bad (2008-2013), and Better Call Saul (2015-2022), as well as in blockbuster movies like American Gangster (2007) and The Godfather (1972). The 1958 Chevrolet Apache is an iconic truck that has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and music videos, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors.
7 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne
The 1962 Chevy Biscayne is a classic full-size car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1958 to 1972. The Biscayne was originally introduced as a mid-level trim option for the Bel Air but eventually became its own model. The Biscayne featured a race-inspired “Stinger” grille that set it apart from other Chevrolet models at the time.
The 1962 Chevy Biscayne was offered with several engine options, including two six-cylinder engines producing 135–155 horsepower and three V8 engines producing 170–350 horsepower, with the 283 V8 being the most popular option.
While the 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne may not be as well-known as some other classic cars, it has appeared in a few movies and TV shows over the years, including some with a gangster theme. In movies Like the Godfather (1972), Goodfellas (1990), and Casino (1995), and in TV series like The Sopranos (1999-2007). These are just a few examples, but the 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne, with its classic styling and mid-century charm, has been a popular choice for filmmakers looking to create a vintage feel in gangster-themed productions and other period pieces.
6 1967 Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala was a popular classic car in the history of Chevrolet. This car design featured intricate details, such as the signature triple taillight setup and the 'Coke bottle' shape. Early impalas are popular for being turned into lowriders as well. The 1967 Chevrolet Impala had various engine options, including the 283 to 427 cubic inch V-8 engines. These engines produced power outputs ranging from 195 to 425 horsepower and were paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The 1967 Chevrolet Impala has been featured in various gangster movies and TV shows, particularly in the popular TV series "Supernatural" where it is known as the Winchester brothers' iconic black 1967 Impala named "Baby". It has also been featured in other movies and TV shows such as "Pulp Fiction", "Training Day", and "The A-Team", among others. The car's classic design and association with American muscle cars make it a popular choice for portraying a "bad boy" image in film and television.
5 1967 El Camino SS 396
The 1967 El Camino SS 396 is a classic car that still turns heads today. It featured a long, sloping hood and a short bed, giving it a distinctive profile. The car also had a blacked-out grille and chrome accents that added to its aggressive appearance. Moreover, the El Camino's unique bed made it a stand-out feature at that time.
The El Camino SS 396 is equipped with a 396 cubic inch (6.5-liter) V-8 engine that produces up to 325 horsepower which makes it perfect for driving on the road or in competition. In fact, this muscle car gained significant popularity after featuring prominently in the hit movie "Bullitt (1968).
Over the years, the El Camino has also made appearances in several other movies and TV shows, including "The Sopranos," "My Name is Earl, "American Hustle," and a hit TV series "Breaking Bad," the character Jesse Pinkman drives a 1982 Chevrolet El Camino, which was a later model but still represented the timeless El Camino design.
4 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was a second-generation pony car that was introduced in February 1970. It was available in several trim levels, including the high-performance Z28 model. Its aggressive design, featuring a long hood and short deck, was ahead of its time and still turns heads today. The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 high-performance muscle car is equipped with a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine. This engine produced an impressive 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
The '70, Camaro has been featured in several gangster movies and TV shows like the "The Sopranos (1999-2007)" and in movies like "The Departed (2006)," "Faster (2010)," and "John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)". Featuring in Blockbuster Gangster movies and TV shows this muscular car earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the most sought-after classic cars on the market today.
3 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS was another true classic Chevy and one of the most iconic muscle cars of the era. With plush bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster, the interior of the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS was designed with the driver in mind. The Chevelle SS made a statement wherever it went, thanks to its aggressive lines, bold chrome accents, and massive engine.
It was available with a variety of powerful engines, including the legendary 454 cubic inches big-block V-8, which produced over 450 horsepower. The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS has been featured in various gangster movies and TV shows such as The Fast and the Furious franchise, including Fast & Furious (2009) and Furious 7 (2015), Shaft (2019), The Sopranos (1999-2007), Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014), and Goodfellas (1990). Both car lovers and collectors still like the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, and it continues to be a classic example of American muscle car heritage.
2 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS is one of the most classic Chevy's of all time. As part of the second generation of Novas, the 1972 model featured a sporty, aggressive design that turned heads and made a statement. Its muscular, rectangular body and wide, low stance gave it the look of a true muscle car. Under the hood, the SS packed a wallop, with an impressive 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, that produces up to 200 horsepower.
The 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS has appeared in various movies and TV shows over the years. In TV shows Like “The Americans,” "Pulp Fiction," and "Breaking Bad," and in movies like “The Last Stand,” “Gran Torino,” and “Cobra.”
1 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo was a classic muscle car with a dash of luxury and had gave off a true gangster vibe in the 70s. The 1972 Monte Carlo featured a comfortable and spacious interior with room for up to six passengers. It had a luxurious dashboard with wood grain accents, bucket seats, and a center console. The 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo had a range of engine options: a 350 cubic inch V-8 engine two-barrel carburetor to a 454 cubic inch V-8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor producing from 165 horsepower to 270 horsepower.
Moreover, not only does the 1972 Monte Carlo hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide, but it also made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows. It was featured in movies, like Training Day (2001), and the classic gangster film Goodfellas (1990). It also appeared in several TV shows, including Luke Cage (2016-2018) and The Sopranos (1999-2007).