A company in the UK has recently started
bringing fully refurbished 2009 and 2010 Ford P71 Police Interceptor law
enforcement cars into Britain, complete with a raft of US police equipment
including roof-lights, PA systems, and even detailed recreations of US
law-enforcement liveries to individual customers' requirements.
These
stars of modern American screen, incorporating 4.6-liter Mustang engines and
Ford's F150 pick-up truck suspensions, will sell in United Kingdom for 23,000 - 29,000
GBP ($36,000-$46,000 / 25,000 - 32,000 EUR).
Each car has completed about 2-3 years of US police duty before retirement.
Among the many special US police-spec features included are:
* Heavy Duty Braking Systems, Electrics, Shocks, Batteries, Alternators
*
100dB PA/Radio re-broadcast & Airhorn systems
* Kevlar-plated, stab-proof
front seats
* Vomit-resistant rear seats
* 'PIT-maneuver' steel pushbar
bumpers
* Pursuit-rated tires and all-steel 17" wheels (including spare)
Mr Lindsay Groves, a former shipping business owner, set up USA Cop Cars Ltd
after spotting a niche in the market and completing extensive research into the
modifications necessary to ensure the cars are fully street-legal throughout
Europe, whilst retaining their authentic appearance.
He said: "Neither
Ford or US Agencies are allowed to sell 'Interceptors' to civilians - most see
post-police service as cabs or with other US agencies. There are also many other
hurdles to overcome before they are legal to drive here in Europe, which
explains their rarity here."
Each vehicle undergoes rigorous checks when
VOSA consider 50 different aspects of the car's safety. Groves has also liaised
with many EU authorities to ensure full compliance with emergency vehicle laws.
For instance, terms such as 'Police' and '999' can only be legitimately used
on genuine 'emergency' vehicles in the UK, while the use of reflective blue or
red markings is extremely limited on civilian UK vehicles. Blue lights (even if
non-functioning) are a definite 'no-go'.
Each 'Interceptor' is supplied
with a detailed InfoPack documenting its own unique history, including an
original Ford police-specification 'Interceptor' manual, and replicas of its
previous US State License (i.e. Registration) plates and Ford delivery
documentation.
"You don't need to be a fan of Americana to own one,"
explained Groves. "They are tremendous fun to drive - the reactions from men and
women, young and old alike is amazing - they love them! They are also very safe
- the only car in America that withstands a 75mph rear impact, whilst the
civilian version received the maximum 5-star crash resistance rating from the
American federal road safety organization for 14 successive years".
Running on unleaded fuel (and E85 Ethanol/Biofuel where available),
"Interceptors" can be taxed for around 200 GBP per year and insured for
approximately 500 GBP.
USA Cop Cars already has a selection of
'Interceptors' in the UK (together with spare parts), and
has plans to expand its range of genuine US law enforcement vehicles
for the UK and Continent in coming months.
