The John Wick series is a unique addition to contemporary movies, as it found commercial success despite having no prior source material. The movie centers around John Wick, a retired hitman grieving over the loss of his wife to cancer. When a Russian gangster’s son kills his Beagle puppy, gifted to him by his late wife, and steals his car, John Wick embarks on a violent mission to avenge himself. While this plot is common in revenge films, the movie stands out due to its exceptional choreography, exaggerated sequences, and Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Wick’s tactical detail and tough demeanor. Additionally, Wick’s nickname, “Baba Yaga,” comes from the Russian folklore character of the Boogeyman, though his house does not have giant chicken legs that can walk. Fans of the franchise are currently reminiscing about their favorite scenes, including Wick’s love for American cars. Notably, John Wick: Chapter 4 holds the second spot in domestic box office rankings.
The plot of the original 2014 film centers around the unexpected encounter between John Wick and Iosef Tarasov, played by Alfie Allen, at a gas station. As the son of a Russian crime lord, Tarasov develops an interest in Wick’s 1969 Mustang Boss 429 and feels entitled to it. Despite the car having some inaccuracies in its bodywork and lacking badging, it fits well into the fast-paced action scenes of the movie. Despite Tarasov’s attempts to bully Wick into selling, the latter refuses. Out of retaliation, Tarasov gathers a gang to raid Wick’s home, where they kill his dog and steal his prized possession. Little did they know that their actions had provoked an unstoppable force.
If we can confirm that the Boss 429 owned by Wick is genuine, then it would be an exceptional car since only 857 were manufactured in the first two years to showcase Ford’s 7.0-liter NASCAR engine. These engines are recognized as the top non-Shelby Mustangs and have been frequently regarded as underrated, producing 375 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.
While visiting his friend’s performance shop, Wick takes a moment to admire some of the impressive vehicles on display, such as a Porsche 993-gen GT2 and a Gulf-livery Ford GT40. During his visit, he also gets his hands on a replacement car, a 1970 Chevelle SS 396. Though it doesn’t get much screen time in the original movie, the Chevelle’s dark green custom color and menacing presence leave a lasting impression as it tears through Manhattan. However, as with any vehicle in the franchise, it’s wise not to grow too attached. In Chapter 2, the Chevelle serves as Wick’s trusty tank during the intense opening sequence as he fights to recover his doomed Mustang.
After causing havoc with some famous cars, John decides to opt for a more classic mode of transportation in Chapter 2. He spends most of his time walking or taking public transit. However, towards the end of the chapter, he makes a stunning entrance in a Series II Rolls Royce Ghost. Although it may not be highly sought after by collectors, the Ghost is undoubtedly the ideal ride for a sophisticated character like John.
While John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum may not be the strongest installment in terms of car-centric action, it still manages to deliver some noteworthy moments. One standout scene features Halle Berry and her two fierce Belgian Malinois attack dogs. The trio makes a daring escape into the desert with the help of a second-generation Range Rover. This particular model caught the attention of car enthusiasts and experts alike, as it is a 1995 version and considered a collectible item. However, the vehicle used in the movie seems to be more of a driver-quality example rather than a top-condition one. Its estimated value falls within the range of $54,000 to $68,000. Despite the lack of high-performance cars, the inclusion of Berry and her furry companions adds an exciting element to the film.
In chapter four, Baba Yaga makes a reappearance and gains control of a menacing 1971 Cuda. But as we all know, John Wick isn’t one to shy away from a challenge and he quickly takes care of the poor Plymouth. The scene where the Cuda is featured takes place at night which makes it hard to decipher what powerful engine lies beneath its hood. However, given John’s ability to obtain gold coins through illegal means, his excellent taste in cars, and the illusion of movie magic, we can assume that the car is equipped with either the expensive 440 Six Pack or Hemi engine.
