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Bought by the Fuzz
24 August 2006 The loud sirens and flashing lights of a police car are as much a part of Auto Trader’s Adrian Hearn looks at the cars our coppers have had the privilege to drive. Wolseley 14/56 Series 2 – British carmakers Wolseley started making cars in 1905. Until the 1960s they were THE police car. Check out any 50s or 60s film and a Wolseley will be carrying the cops. This 1.8-litre, 56bhp 14/56 could hit 75mph – astonishing for 1937.
Ford Anglia – Brought back into the limelight thanks to Harry Potter, the Ford Cortina – The classic family car was also a quality police car until the Sierra replaced it in 1982. The mark three Cortina is back on our screens in BBC cop drama Life on Mars.
Jaguar, Rover and Triumph images courtesy of Keith Adams |
Jaguar S Type – The S Type was the bank robber’s favourite – so the police thought ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.’ The S Type was announced in 1964 and was produced until 1968. In 2000, Jaguar re-launched the motor, with huge success.
Triumph Dolomite –The Dolomite was produced from 1972 to 1980 with four engine choices including the rapid 2-litre Sprint, which was capable of 119mph and 0-60mph in an impressive 8.4 seconds. So good, ITV used one for their cult crime show The Professionals.
Rover SD1 – It might be inspired by the Ferrari Daytona but there are very few similarities between the Italian supercar and the British Leyland executive barge. The model to have was the stonking 210bhp, 3.5-litre Vitesse. The SD1 was on active duty from 1976 to 1987.
Ford Focus – As popular with Joe Public as the police, you won’t go a Saturday night without seeing one of these hurtling down the High Street; lights beaming and sirens deafening.
Skoda Octavia vRS – Skoda used to be the brunt of motoring jokes but it’s the police who have the last laugh when they get behind this 180bhp saloon. Criminals aren’t going to get far when they try to copy Grand Theft Auto in a stolen Escort with this 140mph motor bearing down on them.
Smart Car – We’re just going to have to sit you in the front of the car sir. It isn’t exactly suited for a riot and is used to reassure residents in Staffordshire. One of the tiny two-seaters is driven by 6ft 3ins tall Police Officer Marc Fortin-Tobin..jpg)
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