The Latvia-based automobile brand Dartz Motorz is known for manufacturing luxury and extravagant vehicles. The bespoke vehicles manufactured for the royals, celebrities and elites offer an array of impressive protective capabilities. Alongside offering bulletproof exteriors, some bespoke models of the brand are even bomb-proof. The bomb-proof exterior is paired with an opulent interior and cutting-edge safety features.
Let’s take a closer look at Dartz Motorz history and elaborates on the key milestones achieved by the brand.
Historical Overview of Dartz Motorz
The Dartz Motorz is counted among a handful of brands that produce armoured vehicles with extravagant exteriors and advanced features.
Here is the complete history of Dartz Motorz, highlighting key achievements of the brand.
The Founding Era – 1896 to 1910
The origin of Dartz Motorz can be traced back to 1869 when the Russo-Baltic Wagon Factory was founded in Riga. The company eventually grew to 3,800 employees and an automobile department was founded in 1908.
Initially, the vehicles were manufactured under the name of Department Automobile de Riga (D.A.R), which later on became the part of current name DARTZ. In 1910, the brand launched its first vehicle, after acquiring the Frese and K Coachbuild Factory.
Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing – 1912 to 1940
After the 1910s, the brand gradually moved towards aircraft manufacturing till the Russian Revolution in 1917. Soon after the revolution, the brand moved its manufacturing plant to St. Petersburg, Russia.
In the new plant, the brand started manufacturing armoured vehicles, built on the chassis, produced in Riga. However, only after 5 years, the plant was shifted to Brone Tanko Avtomobilny Zavod (BTAZ). Here the armoured vehicles by Dartz were built under the ‘Prombron’ badge.
The Era of Absence – 1941 to 1988
Dartz Motorz shifted its plant again in 1941 to Kazan, Russia. After setting up a new plant, the company remained absent till 1988.
Dartz Make a Comeback – 1989 to 2000
After 66 years of absence, the company came back under the new name Dartz and started producing armoured vehicles. In the same year, RAF LABBE, Dartz Motors’ minivan, was unveiled.
By 1992, Dartz Motors also started making aftermarket modifications for vehicles by other brands. For instance, the brand has modified vehicles like the VW Beetle into VW Froggy and a Mercedes-Benz SLK built on a G-Class frame.
Dartz Car in the Movies – 2001 to 2013
Dartz Motorz history took a turn and its popularity was boosted after the appearance of Dartz’ vehicles in Hollywood movies. The most famous is the armoured vehicle from the movie ‘The Dictator’. Besides The Dictator, Dartz Motorz models were also featured in the following movies and series.
- Die Hard 5: MRAP Stunt Car and Dartz Motorz Prombron
- House of Cards: Russo-Baltique brand, associated with Dartz Motorz
- Chernobyl: Dartz luxury vehicles
In 2012, Dartz Motorz also initiated its gaming department with the release of the iconic game ‘The Dictator’. Later on, the brand also launched games like Racing Xtreme and RockStars GTA V. In fact, Dartz Motorz is also offering gamers to order their GTA V car in reality.
The Current Dartz Cars – 2014 to Present
Continuing the legacy of more than a decade, Dartz Motorz has launched a number of models in the previous decades. These models are known for their extravagant exterior, bulletproof body and opulent interior. The brand also uses natural wood, diamonds, gold and leather to make their vehicles stand out.
- Black Alligator: The Alligator MMXX is an SUV with military-grade protection, decorated with premium upholstery.
- Prombron’ Black Dragon: Launched in 2012, the hand-built Black Dragon has a Pullman Saloon body and plush leather upholstery. With all of this, the car sets a new benchmark for luxury vehicles.
- Black Stallion: Boxy exterior, lavish interior and a powerful engine, make the Black Stallion one of its own kind.
- Prombron’ The Dictator Aldeen Edition MMXXII: Inspired by the movie ‘The Dictator’, the special edition car is not only armoured but also gold plated. The car is powered by an 8-cylinder Maybach engine producing a total of 1000 Nm torque.
- Prombron’ Iron Diamond CLV: Built on the Lamborghini Urus platform, the car features engine of Lamborghini engine and a body of Dartz.
FAQs
Who is the founder of Dartz Motorz?
Leonard F. Yankelovich is Dartz Motorz founder.
Why are Dartz SUVs so expensive?
Dartz Motorz bulletproofs armoured SUVs with military-grade safety features which inflate its prices.
Is there any Dartz gold-plated car?
Yes, the Dartz Prombron’ The Dictator Aldeen Edition MMXXII is a gold-plated vehicle.
This was all about Dartz Motorz history, manufacturer of iconic luxury armoured vehicles. The Dartz is reputed across the globe for its unconventional-looking vehicles with splendour interiors. From bespoke designs to custom engines, the brand offers all to its customers. In fact, Dartz Motorz uses the term ‘BOND’ (Bespoke Opulent Noble Drive) instead of SUV for their vehicles. However, the majority of these vehicles are armoured which may require special permission and to be driven in the UAE. To avoid the hassle, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and choose an array of military-inspired vehicles.
For conventional use, here are some top used SUVs in the UAE that you can consider.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top car blog for more information on armoured vehicles.
Cover Image Credit: dartzmotorz.com
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