The world’s uber-rich will stop at nothing to protect their loved ones. As a result, a large number of celebrities and those who rank in the affluent one percent are demanding luxury armored cars. While a typical armored vehicle may be uncomfortable, a personalized armored car feature plush amenities that make the ride to the destination quite cozy.
In-demand amenities include items such as interior flat screens TVs, massage chairs, suede upholstery, premium paint jobs and night vision cameras, as well as the conventional protective essentials that keep passengers safe from bullets and blasts.
In the past, armored vehicles were only utilized by government officials. However, more and more celebrities and VIP clientele are investing in armored automobiles. According to Germany’s Alpha Armouring, 40 percent of its clients are superstars, who demand luxury amenities. As a result of a growing clientele, there are more than 100,000 armored vehicles currently in use worldwide, as stated by International Armoring Corporation.
In 2013, Kanye West, one of hip-hop’s highest paid rapper, purchased two Iron Diamonds, a Dartz Motors’ armored vehicle. West reportedly spent $2.4 million on the armored vehicles. The Iron Diamond, which is one of the seven types of Dartz Motors’ Prombron, features bulletproof windows, an auto climate control, an internal information system, full electric options and more. Some models have completely done away with the driver’s door to avoid kidnapping, hijacking and other problems.
Other celebrities who have opted for an armored vehicle include Atlanta rapper T.I., formerly known as Clifford Harris Jr., former Spice Girl Mel B and Steven Segal, who all are customers of Texas Armoring Corporation.
A luxury-armored vehicle may take three months to complete and starts around $100,000 with some vehicles such as the Bugatti costing over $3 million.
(Featured photo via Dartz Motors)
