You’re staring at a text from Lester Crest. The "Heist Setup: Gauntlets" mission is active, and suddenly, the sprawling map of Los Santos feels way too big. You need three specific muscle cars. Not just any Bravado Gauntlets, but the ones Lester marked in those grainy email attachment photos. If you're like most players, you probably opened the emails, glanced at the landmarks, and thought, "I'll just find them."
Then reality hits. Los Santos has a lot of parking lots.
Finding the GTA 5 Gauntlet locations is technically optional if you have enough heist crew talent to just buy them, but why waste millions of dollars? Doing it the hard way—the thief’s way—is part of the fun. Plus, if you're aiming for the "Gold Medal" on the Big Score (Subtle Approach), you actually have to steal them without damaging them too much. It’s a classic GTA scavenger hunt that tests your knowledge of the city’s geography more than your shooting skills.
The Rockford Hills Gauntlet: High-End Thievery
The first one is tucked away in Rockford Hills. It’s basically the Beverly Hills of San Andreas, so expect lots of palm trees and expensive storefronts.
You’re looking for a multi-story parking garage. Specifically, it’s the one right next to the Portola Drive jewelry store you robbed earlier in the game. Look for the "Caesars Parking" sign. Drive up to the top level. The car is usually sitting right there in the open, often painted in a sleek black or dark color.
Honestly, this is the easiest one to grab because the exit is straightforward. Just watch out for the tight corners on the ramps. If you clip a wall, you’ll have to pay for repairs before you can drop it off at Los Santos Customs, which is a total vibe killer.
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Why the Rockford location matters
Rockford Hills is high-traffic. Sometimes, NPC drivers will cut you off right as you're exiting the garage. If you're going for the 100% completion or the gold medal, the "not a scratch" requirement is frustratingly sensitive.
Pillbox Hill: The Downtown Maze
The second of the GTA 5 Gauntlet locations is in Pillbox Hill. This is the heart of downtown Los Santos. It’s crowded. It’s noisy.
Lester’s photo shows a parking lot surrounded by skyscrapers. You want to head toward the area near the FBI (FIB in-game) and IAA buildings. There’s a specific parking lot located at the corner of Vespucci Boulevard and Peace Street. It’s a surface-level lot, not a garage, which makes it easier to spot from the road but harder to escape from if the cops catch a whiff of what you’re doing.
Usually, this car is parked right in the middle. It stands out because it looks way nicer than the beat-up sedans the NPCs usually drive to their office jobs. Once you hop in, take a second. Check your map. The path back to the mod shop through downtown can be a nightmare during the daytime "rush hour" cycles.
Mission Row: The Tightest Spot
The third car is in Mission Row. This is arguably the trickiest one because of the local environment. It's tucked away in a small parking lot off of Fantastic Place.
The building nearby has a distinctive "Templar Hotel" sign. You’ll find the Gauntlet parked in a gated-off or recessed parking area. It’s south of the Legion Square park. If you find yourself near the police station, you’ve gone a little too far east.
What’s annoying about this spot is the narrow alleyways. One wrong turn and you’re stuck behind a garbage truck or a bus. The Mission Row car is often a brighter color—I've seen it spawn in yellow or red—which makes it easy to see but also makes it a magnet for attention.
The Modding Phase: Don't Cheap Out
Once you have the cars, the mission isn't over. You have to take each one to Los Santos Customs. Lester is very specific about the upgrades.
- Suspension and Tires: You need these for the heist's high-speed getaway.
- Armor: Don't skip this. The "Subtle Approach" involves a lot of heat, and you don't want your getaway car turning into a coffin.
- The Gold Requirement: If you want that Gold Medal, you have to spend roughly $11,000 on the specific "Heist Prep" modifications.
The game will give you a specific menu option for the heist mods. It’s not just about making the car look cool; it’s about making it functional for the specific job of hauling heavy gold bars.
Common Misconception: Can I use any Gauntlet?
Technically, the game wants these specific cars. If you find a random Bravado Gauntlet driving around in traffic, you might be able to use it, but the mission triggers specifically for the ones at the GTA 5 Gauntlet locations marked in the emails. It’s safer to just stick to the script.
Pro-Tips for a Smooth Getaway
Speed is your friend, but patience is your best friend. When you're driving these back to the hideout, the game likes to throw "random" events at you. A car might pull out of a side street, or a pedestrian might jump in front of you.
- Switch Characters: If you’re bored of driving all three as Franklin, remember that Michael and Trevor can help.
- The Repair Trick: If you ding the car, don't keep driving. Stop at any Los Santos Customs. Repair it for a few hundred bucks. It’s cheaper than failing the gold medal objective.
- Avoid the Cops: Stealing these cars shouldn't trigger a wanted level unless a cop is literally looking at you. Keep an eye on the mini-map.
The "Big Score" is the climax of the game's narrative. Using the stolen Gauntlets instead of buying them saves you a massive chunk of your final payout. We're talking millions of dollars extra in your pocket at the end of the game. That’s the difference between buying a single penthouse and owning half the businesses in the city.
Actionable Steps for Success
To wrap this up and get your heist moving, follow this exact sequence:
- Check your phone: Open the emails from Lester and keep them open. The photos serve as a visual compass.
- Start with Rockford Hills: It's usually the closest if you're starting from the north or west side of the city.
- Use Franklin’s Special Ability: If you get into a tight spot or a high-speed chase while delivering the car, activate Franklin’s slow-motion driving. It ensures you don't take damage.
- Save after each delivery: Don't risk a game crash or a random death ruining your progress. Run to a safehouse or use the quick-save feature on the phone after each car is safely tucked away in the garage.
- Check the Mod Menu: Ensure you see the "Heist Upgrades" category at LS Customs. If you just put a turbo on it and leave, it won't count.
Once all three are delivered and prepped, you’re ready for the biggest payday in Los Santos history. No more hunting for parking spots—just high-speed racing with trunks full of bullion.