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(6/13/2014) Headlines Recap NYPost.com
https://nypost.com/2024/06/13/lifestyle/new-yorkers-are-armoring-and-bulletproofing-cars-to-drive-to-the-hamptons/
New Yorkers are armoring and bulletproofing Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes and Lambos — to drive to the Hamptons
Doree Lewak
Welcome to Fear City.
Amid spiking crime and violent carjackings involving luxury vehicles in NYC — like last month’s “great first date” turned action movie, complete with guns shoved in the face of a $150,000 BMW-driving Romeo — well-heeled Gothamites worried about getting to the Hamptons this summer are clamoring for their own exclusive, secure “supercars.”
Among the most sought-after armored automobile suppliers is a former Austrian commando who helps give billionaires peace of mind by fortifying their homes, helicopters, superyachts and Range Rovers — to the tune of millions of dollars.
“People need to understand one simple fact: they need protection,” Matthias Fitzthum, CEO of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security, told The Post of the souped-up security measures he says any “ultra-high net worth” family would be crazy not to follow. “An alarm system isn’t protection — they need hardware to protect their family and themselves.”
Fitzthum said the goal is for the luxury vehicle to be armored but not stand out. 10
Fitzthum said the goal is for the luxury vehicle to be armored but not stand out. NYPost Photo Illustration
“Families and executives are worried about ambushes or random acts of street violence while driving,” reads the company’s site, detailing cinematic scenarios usually reserved for James Bond movies not a leisurely drive to one’s summer compound.
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“Armored cars have to withstand a pipe bomb exploding from point-blank range and weather rounds of bullets shot by AK-47s, AR-15s and 9mm pistols,” per the site, which notes “security remains a precondition to freedom.”
Features include bulletproof glass up to 3 inches thick that can stop 9 mm handgun bullets or Kalashnikov sniper projectiles, ballistic steel and an oxygen overpressure system — should a pesky gas or smoke attack occur.
“People need to understand one simple fact: they need protection," Matthias Fitzthum, CEO of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security, told The Post. 10
“People need to understand one simple fact: they need protection,” Fitzthum told The Post. Bespoke Home Security
When the air pressure inside the car is higher than outside, passengers can breathe pure oxygen inside — no gas or smoke can get through the car’s ventilation system.
Microphones can project outside the car to address criminals and passengers can pick up sound from anyone sinister. Windows on the driver’s side only open 10 centimeters wide ever, wide enough to pass a document. Rear windows don’t open at all.
Every aspect of the interior and exterior is meticulously super-enhanced to withstand any foul play from the roof to the run-flat tires.
And in true “Fight Club” fashion, the chief rule of having an armored car is not talking about it — let alone Instagramming it. 10
In true “Fight Club” fashion, the chief rule of having an armored car is not talking about it, and not Instagramming it. Bespoke Home Security
New Yorkers driving to their Hamptons homes are so worried about their safety, they’re turning to a former Austrian commando who helps armor Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes and Lambos. Matthias Fitzthum of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security told The Post he has a waiting list of clients extending through the middle of 2025. Services start at $250,000 and can crack $1.5 million for armoring. 10
New Yorkers driving to their Hamptons homes are so worried about their safety, they’re turning to a former Austrian commando who helps armor Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes and Lambos. Matthias Fitzthum of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security told The Post he has a waiting list of clients extending through the middle of 2025. Services start at $250,000 and can crack $1.5 million for armoring. Bespoke Home Security
Best of all? None of these warzone-ready upgrades are visible to the naked eye, according to Fitzthum, who blames today’s “absolutely insane” climate of crime for a waiting list of clients extending through the middle of 2025.
And in true “Fight Club” fashion, the chief rule of having an armored car is not talking about it — let alone Instagramming it.
“The main goal is that the armored car doesn’t look like an armored car,” said Fitzthum, who doesn’t want the car to draw attention or even have a black finish, lest it appear in any way official.
Every aspect of the interior and exterior is meticulously super-enhanced to withstand any foul play from the roof to the run-flat tires. 10
Every aspect of the interior and exterior is super-enhanced to withstand foul play from the roof to the run-flat tires. Bespoke Home Security
“The moment you leave the property, you’re taking full risk — it would be very dangerous not to be driven in an armored car,” he warned Fitzthum.
The 53-year-old father of two and military vet said “several” satisfied clients have survived shooting attacks in their armored automobiles and delightfully “no one’s been injured and they’re happy.” Plus, his company monitors extra high-risk clients by satellite 24/7.
“They celebrate two birthdays every year — they know they would have died without my cars,” he added, noting they also sell armored cars like the BMW 760i VR9, too.
Features include bulletproof glass up to 3 inches thick that can stop 9 mm handgun bullets or Kalashnikov sniper projectiles, ballistic steel and an oxygen overpressure system. 10
Features include bulletproof glass up to 3 inches thick that can stop 9 mm handgun bullets or Kalashnikov sniper projectiles, ballistic steel and an oxygen overpressure system. Bespoke Home Security
When the air pressure inside the car is higher than outside, passengers can breathe pure oxygen inside — no gas or smoke can get through the car's ventilation system.
10
When the air pressure inside the car is higher than outside, passengers can breathe pure oxygen inside — no gas or smoke can get through the car’s ventilation system. Bespoke Home Security
Beyond installing the fear-reducing features, Fitzthum personally trains each client who armors their car in tactical response — including the family chief of staff, nanny, parent and anyone who drives their children.
“The kids in a normal car are unprotected if the driver is not trained in combat,” he said.
For services that start at $250,000 and can crack $1.5 million for armoring, it’s a “waste of money” if the client freezes during crunch time, he explained.
Microphones can project outside the car to address criminals and passengers can pick up sound from anyone sinister. 10
Microphones can project outside the car to address criminals and passengers can pick up sound from anyone sinister. Bespoke Home Security
Windows on the driver's side only open 10 centimeters wide ever, wide enough to pass a document. Rear windows don’t open at all. 10
Windows on the driver’s side only open 10 centimeters wide ever, wide enough to pass a document. Rear windows don’t open at all. Bespoke Home Security
If clients are shot at, they must be “able to survive,” explained Fitzthum, who said there’s no need to abandon the car, even if under fire or if the tires are shot down.
“If someone should shoot inside or at the tire, you can keep driving — 80 to 90 kilometers per hour — the goal is to get out of the line of fire. The main goal is that whatever goes wrong, nothing can happen to clients inside the car,” he said.
“You can drive away and get to a safe spot,” said Fitzthum, who dispensed practical advice even for the have-nots: “You’re not John Wayne and you will never be.”
In the event of targeted attacks, carjacking or kidnappings — a major concern of his clients — Fitzthum said that driving, say, a standard Bugatti is akin to taking your life in your hands.
Beyond installing the fear-reducing features, Fitzthum personally trains each client who armors their car in tactical response 10
Beyond installing the fear-reducing features, Fitzthum personally trains each client who armors their car in tactical response. Bespoke Home Security
“Sometimes it’s random and sometimes thieves are looking particularly for a special car,” Fitzthum said. “You’re a moving target in a car.”
No one balks at his prices, Fitzthum said of his clients. “These clients never talk about the price. At what level do you value a price for a human being, for your kids? It’s a very small price to pay to protect themselves and their families.”