The nineties of the past century are often rightly called the "criminal era", not without some truth. Nevertheless, it was precisely at that time that world-famous quality cars began to appear on domestic open spaces. Many of these machines of the 90s went to bandits of various ranks. Consider a list of such vehicles, many of which are still successful.
general information
Naturally, not only representatives of the criminal world traveled along the roads. Many road users were law-abiding citizens. However, against the background of the "Muscovites", "Volga" and "Lada" any foreign car was striking, and its owner was considered a successful person. What can we say about those who possessed a really prestigious model. Let's try to find out in more detail which cars of the 90s were held in high esteem.
Below is a list of particularly popular cars of the period in question:
- VAZ-2109.
- "BMW 5".
- "Lincoln Town Car."
- Volvo 940
- Grand Cherokee.
- Mitsubishi Pajero.
- Chevrolet Blazer.
- Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
- "BMW-7."
- Audi 80
- Mercedes S-600.
We study the brief characteristics and features of these vehicles in more detail.
"Cherry Nine"
It may seem strange to young people that at that time one of the most popular cars was the VAZ-2109. Criminals especially preferred the red version. The first reason for fame is the affordable price and prevalence in the domestic market. In addition, the car had decent traction and dynamic parameters for that time. This was especially true of variations with a 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of 70 horsepower.
The advantages of cars also include reliability and good handling. Unlike the "eight", the cherry "nine" had five doors, which made it possible to quickly sit in the salon and just as quickly leave it if necessary. There is nothing strange in the fact that the VAZ-2109 fell in love with the "brothers" who performed the dirtiest work on the ground. The car was even captured in songs, and ordinary guys dreamed about it in order to become “cool boys”.
BMW-5 (E34)
Black "beha" for a long time was associated with gangster cars of the 90s. Cars from the manufacturer from Bavaria in the domestic market appeared immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They did not become massive overnight, due to the high cost. Over time, the supply of used cars of foreign manufacture was established in Russia. The "Five" was appreciated for its relative unpretentiousness and excellent dynamics, along with a prestigious exterior.
Not every representative of the criminal world could afford BMW-5, not to mention ordinary citizens of the country. On the "five" are usually transplanted criminals who have a certain authority in the relevant circles and "profitable" places of profit. As the development and growth of illicit capital continued to grow, modification became more and more popular. The black "five" often appeared in films on the relevant topics ("Zhmurki", "Brigade" and others).
Lincoln town car
Among the American cars of the 90s in Russia, the indicated brand enjoyed popularity, which is now almost not found on our roads. At that time, a whole stream of Lincoln, Pontiac, and Cadillac was coming from across the ocean. Representatives of the State traffic inspectorate also had in their reserve the American Ford Crown Victoria model.
For these reasons, these models were in demand in criminal circles. One of these cars was the Lincoln Town Car. Representatives of the first generation with a five-liter engine, with a power of 160 “horses”, and the versions of the second generation (4.6 l / 210 hp) were in demand. It is worth noting that there were no official deliveries to Russia, so most of the modifications were purchased from gray dealers. In a short time, the car managed to gain popularity, and was even shot in one commercial.
Volvo-940
At first glance, the Volvo is not particularly suitable for gangster cars. However, this one is so. Now the car is positioned as a vehicle for calm people who value reliability and safety on the road. In the 90s, the sedan in question was perceived as a powerful overall foreign car. The owners especially appreciated the 2.3-liter turbocharged version with 165 horsepower. An additional plus is the highest degree of comfort.
Most often, the Volvo-940 was found in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. This is due to the proximity of the borders of Sweden and Finland, where these vehicles were supplied from. The model can not be attributed to the cheap versions. For example, the price of the 940th Volvo ranged from 30 to 35 thousand dollars. The main owners for that period are successful businessmen with ties to criminals or reputable representatives of the criminal world.
Jeep grand cherokee
Off-road vehicles are gangster cars of the 90s that occupied a special niche. They were “polls” called jeeps, regardless of the particular brand. In this series, the favorite can be called "Grand Cherokee", which is also called "wide." Such a success of the car is not accidental. It was distinguished by its solid dimensions, inspiring respect and fear to other road users.
In addition, the SUV had high cross-country ability and reliability, powerful power units (from 190 to 245 “horses”). Well, its “cool” exterior could not leave indifferent representatives of criminal circles. “Cherokee” was shipped from America, which was another plus in its “piggy bank”, since in those days all overseas was much more valued than now. One of the most popular films of the 90s, where this car is found, is "Brother-2." He is spectacularly shot from a machine gun by one of the main characters.
Mitsubishi pajero
Among the popular Japanese cars of the 90s is the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV. He was also called "Fat". "Brothers" appreciated the car for the same as the "Cherokee", but there were a number of points. Among them - profitability due to the expanded range of diesel engines. In addition, the vehicle was equipped with an improved Super Select 4WD transmission unit with a center differential lock. The last point was very relevant for the province and remote areas. Most often, an SUV was found in the Far East, where it was delivered directly from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Chevrolet blazer
The popular car of the 90s after 1995 was sold under the name Tahoe. In general, the concept of an SUV has remained virtually unchanged. Its main purpose is to overcome the terrain and transport a large number of people. Perhaps the management of General Motors did not even assume that their “brainchild” was used to transport bandits. But the fact remained.
The pluses of the car in question include the following:
- the presence of a frame structure;
- traction engines with a power of 180-225 "horses";
- spaciousness (if desired, up to seven people fit in the cabin);
- on an extended version, the capacity indicator is even higher.
A universal off-road vehicle for gang warfare was featured in such well-known series as Gangster Petersburg and Brigade.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The love of successful compatriots for this modification has not died out now. Today, the Cruiser is chosen by wealthy entrepreneurs, representatives of law enforcement agencies or security agencies. In the 90s, cars of this brand were unambiguously ranked as gangster “cars”. Until the 97th, version 80 was mainly used in domestic spaces, and closer to the 2000s, the 100th Kruzaki began to appear.
They appreciated the SUV for what other jeeps were for. Who doesn’t like the optimal combination of a powerful motor, a high cross-country ability, reliability and prestige of Japanese quality. Not every person could afford such a luxury, most of the owners are criminal authorities or people closely connected with them.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Gelendvagen has also not lost its fans so far. In Russia, this model began to gain popularity in the second half of the 90s. He began to slowly squeeze Cherokee out of criminal car fleets. The vehicle is fully consistent with the gangster concepts of cars of the 90s. The device is made in black, had decent dimensions, high power indicators, excellent cross-country ability. Interestingly, it is the black shade that is a characteristic feature of gangster cars. If they saw modern “Geliki” in bright colors, they probably would not understand the humor.
It is worth noting that the Mercedes G-class was popular with gang authorities, although it was usually purchased for a security motorcade accompanying its leader. Later, the Gelendvagenes “migrated” to the government escort and law enforcement agencies. This is the spirit of the new era.
BMW 7
The car BMW-7 E32 was no less popular in the underworld than all of the above machines. The vehicle was not used by small merchants and street thugs. The reason is simple - a rather high price. At the time of the dashing 90s, only people of the highest criminal class could afford cars.
The specified brand was most often purchased in bodies E32 and E38. The volume of power units ranged from 2.5-5.4 liters. The power parameter of the 750i series on the V-12 engine reached 326 horsepower. After the release of the picture "Boomer", the car model in question became the dream of all teenagers and youths. It was after this film that the car became widely recognized in Russia.
Audi 80
German cars among foreign cars have become one of the most popular in Russia in the dashing 90s. The owners of the "nine" and other domestic cars, rising in financial terms, often switched to better and more prestigious cars. Among the "gangster" representatives of the Audi series, the 80th modification is most often mentioned. In the people this car was also called the “Barrel”, in the back of the “B3” version was produced from 1987 to 1991, it became one of the “early” foreign cars among the bandits.
The vehicle was equipped with a engine with a volume of 1.4 to 2.3 liters. This parameter was quite enough for “avoiding” the police chase, which mainly had domestic VAZs and Volga cars. In the early and mid 90s there were quite a few of these cars on the roads. They were appreciated for their reliability, good handling, dynamics and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz S 600
"Six hundredth" "Mercedes" has become a real symbol of the irrevocably gone dashing 90s. "New Russians" in raspberry-colored jackets that proudly sit behind the wheel of the "Merina" - an image that went into jokes, cinema and advertising.
Despite all the attendant nuances, the choice of criminal authorities Mercedes-Benz W140 is understandable and justified. In addition to the prestigious exterior design and reliability, it should be noted a number of such options that were a curiosity in those days. Among them:
- dual-zone climate control;
- adaptive climate system;
- seats with all kinds of adjustments and electric heating;
- power steering, heated mirrors and much more.
Now, such equipment of machines is taken for granted. In the 90s, not all cars could boast of such a "stuffing". Under the hood of the car was a V-12 engine with a power of 394 "horses", a volume of six liters. Among other advantages - excellent dynamics and the highest build quality. The people "six hundred" was also called "Boar." How much cars cost in the 90s, it’s difficult to answer unequivocally. These were the "nine" for a couple of thousand dollars, and such monsters as the Mercedes-600. Its price started from 100-120 thousand dollars, which exceeded the cost of the Grand Cherokee 2-3 times.
Around the model in question in the domestic market a kind of cult arose. It happened that the owners of the "lower" versions purchased the appropriate nameplates, adapting them on the body, to seem more solid on the road and in the eyes of others. In any case, on the tracks and in ordinary life, the owners of the “six hundred” were respected and afraid. One interesting and sad nuance - often such people were shot and blown up in their own luxurious "geldings". Those were the criminal reprisals of that time.
In conclusion
The car and now more refers to the symbol of a certain status, rather than just a vehicle. A little over 20 years ago, in many families, the top of luxury was considered the presence of a VCR, not to mention the car. Among the Russian cars of the 90s, the Nines and Eights were considered prestigious. However, foreign cars were the top of prosperity and respect. Naturally, given the realities of that time, quality cars were available mainly to members of organized criminal gangs. Honest labor to make money on a Mercedes or BMW was not possible. Even if it was possible to crank up such an operation, there was a high probability that the cars were “expropriated” by the same criminal groups.