- The Jumping Car in Cape Town
- President Kennedy’s Limousine
- The Phantom Funeral Train of President Lincoln
- The Silver Arrow Train in Stockholm
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s Limousine
- London’s Ghost Bus Number 7
- James Dean’s “Little Bastard” Porsche
- The Evil Dodge “Golden Eagle”
- The Black Volga
The world of automobiles is not without mysterious stories and legends that evoke both curiosity and fear. Over the decades, some cars have been linked to strange incidents or repeated tragedies, turning them into symbols of horror in popular culture. In this article, we explore the ten most famous "haunted" cars in history and recount the eerie stories surrounding them that made them icons in the realm of mystery.
The Jumping Car in Cape Town
In 2004, a family in Cape Town, South Africa, woke up to the sound of their Renault Megane’s engine starting on its own. They rushed outside to find the car jumping in place despite the keys being absent and the handbrake engaged. Even the police who arrived witnessed the car starting and jumping again. Although Renault attributed the incident to a starter fault, the event remains a mystery to many witnesses.
President Kennedy’s Limousine
This luxury car witnessed the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. After the incident, the car remained in service for years before being moved to the Henry Ford Museum. Many visitors reported strange feelings or sightings of a gray man standing beside the car, especially in November, reinforcing the belief that Kennedy’s spirit remains linked to this vehicle.
The Phantom Funeral Train of President Lincoln
Legend says that President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train appears as a ghost every April, retracing its last journey between Washington and Springfield. Some have reported seeing a mysterious train amid fog, accompanied by skeletal soldiers, with clocks stopping as it passes.
The Silver Arrow Train in Stockholm
Residents of Stockholm warn of a ghost metro train called the "Silver Arrow" that appears randomly at night. Those who board it may find themselves at the "station of the dead," returning only after weeks or years, or disappearing forever. The train is characterized by its silver color and lack of advertisements on its walls, adding to its mystery.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s Limousine
The car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 became associated with a series of fatal accidents afterwards. Within 12 years after the assassination, 13 people who owned or drove the car died, including generals, drivers, and passengers. The car is now displayed at the Military History Museum in Vienna, still in good condition despite its bloody istory.
Bonnie and Clyde’s Car
The 1932 Ford in which the infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde were killed after a violent chase was riddled with over 100 bullet holes. The car is now exhibited in a Nevada casino, where many visitors feel uneasy or notice strange phenomena around it, reinforcing the legend that the spirits of Bonnie and Clyde are still present.
London’s Ghost Bus Number 7
In London, a red bus numbered 7 is known to suddenly appear at night in the Cambridge Gardens area, causing fatal accidents when drivers try to avoid it. The bus always appears at the same time and disappears suddenly without a trace, baffling police for decades.
James Dean’s “Little Bastard” Porsche
Actor Alec Guinness warned James Dean about his new Porsche 550 Spyder, telling him he would die within a week. Indeed, Dean died in a horrific crash seven days later. The car caused fatal accidents to everyone who owned parts of it later, survived a devastating fire, and then mysteriously disappeared.
The Evil Dodge “Golden Eagle”
Known as "America’s most evil car," it was linked to a series of murders and suicides of three police officers who drove it, followed by mysterious accidents involving anyone who tried to steal or tamper with it. Even after being dismantled, some involved in the process died under mysterious circumstances.
The Black Volga
A black Soviet car that terrified Eastern Europe during the 1960s and 70s. It was associated with child disappearances, and it was said that anyone who approached it would die within 24 hours. Although it vanished, its stories continue to provoke fear and debate to this day.
These stories raise the question: Are they mere urban legends, or are there truly supernatural forces linked to these vehicles? Perhaps we will never find a definitive answer, but certainly, the world of cars holds much mystery and horror that rivals ghost stories!
