The true story behind John Wick’s cars from the American holy trinity of muscle carmakers
- The muscle cars in the John Wick movies were almost paid actors
- They include a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet, and Dodge
- They represent the hitman’s power, speed, and resilience
Published on Jan 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jan 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
While Keanu Reeves was supposedly the star, we think that the motors from American muscle carmakers deserved an award for their supporting role in the John Wick movie and four sequels.
The first film hit theaters in 2014 and follows the story of a retired hitman seeking revenge.
Why? His car is stolen and his dog is tragically killed.
We can all relate to wanting vengeance for that.
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The car that started it all in the John Wick franchise
Possibly the most charming and chilled man in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves loves cars – so this role will have been perfect for him.
The film series features some iconic American muscle cars including Ford Mustang, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
The symbolism was that the cars needed to represent power, speed, and resilience seen in the film’s intense action sequences.
Reeves had to do extensive training to pull off some of the stunts.
First up in the first film installment is a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.
Wick receives an offer to buy his most prized possession while fueling up from a Russian mobster (who else).
The villain goes on to steal the car from our unlikely hero, killing his dog Daisy in the process.
Modified for high performance with a 429 V8 engine, a special four-speed manual transmission, and some help from Kar Kraft to help it all fit in it can achieve up to 600 horsepower and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.
It might surprise you, however, that the car used in John Wick was actually a Mustang Mach 1 that could hit 0-60mph in 5.6.
Other American muscle carmakers
After losing his Mustang, Keanu Reeves’ character needs some new wheels.
Enter the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, a muscle car legend.
The Super Sport is a hardtop, two-door coupe with a 396 V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission packing 375 horsepower and a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds.
The final car that saw John Wick put the pedal to the metal is the 2011 Dodge Charger SXT.
The newest of Wick’s cars, the Charger SXT features a 5.7L Hemi 396 V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission packing 375 horsepower and a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
