http://jalopnik.com/5373645/exclusive-the-chevy-caprice-police-car-is-back?skyline=true&s=i
The Chevy Caprice is Back
After a 15-year absence patrolling U.S. streets, an all-new law-enforcement-only Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) joins GM's fleet in 2011. Although it's built on the same rear-wheel-drive Camaro and dearly-departed Pontiac G8-spawning Zeta platform, it's not a G8 sedan.
wasn't bob lutz forced to eat his words that the caprice would be coming back... and now it is coming back?!?!?!?!
That it's built on a rear wheel drive platform is good, but it still looks awfully small. The two biggest complaints about the Impala is front wheel drive and interior room. They've fixed the first problem, but I'm as of yet unconvinced in regards to the room issue from those pics (yes, it's bigger than the CVPI, but the Crown Vic doesn't have much room in the back...not that I care if the dirtbag has leg room).
If they do this right, then GM may garner a big fan base. The Chevy Caprice with the LT1 engine is a car of legend in LE and is sorely missed by those of us who drove them. And, quite frankly, I think it's about time that there was a legitimate contender to Ford's monopoly of the LE vehicle market with the CVPI.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 06:29:16 AM
If they do this right, then GM may garner a big fan base. The Chevy Caprice with the LT1 engine is a car of legend in LE and is sorely missed by those of us who drove them. And, quite frankly, I think it's about time that there was a legitimate contender to Ford's monopoly of the LE vehicle market with the CVPI.
Does Chrysler still offer the Charger with the police package? I thought they did.
Anyway, with Ford planning to leave the rear-drive market come 2011, it looks to be perfect timing for GM to swoop in and fill this niche. Ford can't possibly make a business case for updating the Panther platform anymore and it helps keep utilization levels high at the GM plant where they build the Zeta cars, so I guess it's a relative win-win situation for both companies.
I guess there's no civilian version because of CAFE and some other reasons I can't fathom.
Quote from: 3.0L V6 on October 05, 2009, 07:34:27 AMDoes Chrysler still offer the Charger with the police package? I thought they did.
Anyway, with Ford planning to leave the rear-drive market come 2011, it looks to be perfect timing for GM to swoop in and fill this niche. Ford can't possibly make a business case for updating the Panther platform anymore and it helps keep utilization levels high at the GM plant where they build the Zeta cars, so I guess it's a relative win-win situation for both companies.
I guess there's no civilian version because of CAFE and some other reasons I can't fathom.
The police Charger is still around, but it really hasn't caught on in LE like Dodge was hoping. I think they're still struggling primarily with an image issue in regards to reliability, and that's a huge hurdle to overcome when you're talking about the LE market. I doubt Dodge's financial issues helped any. In reality, the Charger has barely put a dent in Ford's dominance of the market. I'm willing to bet that the Impala is actually a bigger threat because it fills the cost-effective/high fuel economy niche with police administrators in these tight economic times.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 06:29:16 AM
That it's built on a rear wheel drive platform is good, but it still looks awfully small. The two biggest complaints about the Impala is front wheel drive and interior room. They've fixed the first problem, but I'm as of yet unconvinced in regards to the room issue from those pics (yes, it's bigger than the CVPI, but the Crown Vic doesn't have much room in the back...not that I care if the dirtbag has leg room).
If they do this right, then GM may garner a big fan base. The Chevy Caprice with the LT1 engine is a car of legend in LE and is sorely missed by those of us who drove them. And, quite frankly, I think it's about time that there was a legitimate contender to Ford's monopoly of the LE vehicle market with the CVPI.
That's a Holden Statesman, and this is your rear legroom:
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/Holden-WM_Statesman_2006_photo_29.jpg)
I was checking out this pick of the in-dash computer, which would deal quite well with any space issues, when I noticed that that they didn't put the lower center console trim back together right before taking the picture...
(http://cache-03.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_Chevy-Caprice-PPV-Aus-07.jpg)
See if you can spot it.
Well, I guess from the pictures posted, it's actually a pretty big car, nice.. would make a great taxi too.
Quote from: omicron on October 05, 2009, 08:45:29 AMThat's a Holden Statesman, and this is your rear legroom:
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/Holden-WM_Statesman_2006_photo_29.jpg)
Rear legroom disappears quite quickly when you put a screen behind the seats. A Crown Vic with no partition looks like it has plenty of legroom too...but with a screen, even the smallest people have to sit sideways to fit. Not saying that it won't have enough legroom, just that it'll be tough to really tell until I see a properly-equipped version.
I also didn't notice the center shifter until R-ing posted his pic...that's gotta go. Column shift is a must in a LE vehicle...we have too much stuff to mount on the center console for space to be taken up by a shifter.
Is the partition in a cop car much different from one in a cab?
What is all this shit cops 'need' such that a column shifter is necessary?
Quote from: 93JC on October 05, 2009, 02:59:44 PM
What is all this shit cops 'need' such that a column shifter is necessary?
Computer, shotgun, gumball machine, doughnut holders, badge-shiners (they're like those stand up shoe shining machines you see in hotel rooms), video camera, et al.
Quote from: Raza on October 05, 2009, 02:54:33 PMIs the partition in a cop car much different from one in a cab?
There's no credit card swiper or touchscreen TV. :huh:
Quote from: 93JC on October 05, 2009, 02:59:44 PMWhat is all this shit cops 'need' such that a column shifter is necessary?
At the least, you're looking at control boxes for the lightbar, siren, and radio...all of which have to be mounted in such a way that the driver can use them easily while driving (sometimes at high speeds). Most departments also have computer mounts and some mount shotgun and patrol rifle vertically between the seats and behind the center console.
Based on photos at C&D, looks like they fitted a shotgun/rifle mount just behind the center armrest and in front of the barrier screen. It also appears they've mounted the radio and some other police electronics/communications equipment in the center armrest (skewed to the right to allow some armrest space for the driver).
Lets's face it, there are very few vehicles other than the CV which are really anything resembling ideal for north-american LE, but this is a good effort and the most likely successor to the CV when it goes out of production in 2012.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 02:08:05 PM
I also didn't notice the center shifter until R-ing posted his pic...that's gotta go. Column shift is a must in a LE vehicle...we have too much stuff to mount on the center console for space to be taken up by a shifter.
The stuff is integrated into the dash. Don't mount anything.
Quote from: MX793 on October 05, 2009, 03:34:48 PMBased on photos at C&D, looks like they fitted a shotgun/rifle mount just behind the center armrest and in front of the barrier screen. It also appears they've mounted the radio and some other police electronics/communications equipment in the center armrest (skewed to the right to allow some armrest space for the driver).
The setup they have is less than ideal. You don't want to have to twist sideways to work the radio or lightbar controls at 100 mph...they are two things that have to be easily usable during high speed vehicle operation. There are other mounting options for shotgun, rifle, computer, etc, but positioning the radio and lightbar/siren controls is a safety issue.
Quote from: Galaxy on October 05, 2009, 04:04:28 PMThe stuff is integrated into the dash. Don't mount anything.
Things like radios and lightbars and their controls tend to be reused, not replaced every time a new car is bought. So they have to be remounted. They're bought separately from the vehicles and aren't standard equipment with the cars.
I think this car coming out pretty much signals the end of any chance Carbon Motors had of carving out the niche in the US after the Crown Vic left. They just took too much time to get here.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 06:29:16 AM
That it's built on a rear wheel drive platform is good, but it still looks awfully small. The two biggest complaints about the Impala is front wheel drive and interior room. They've fixed the first problem, but I'm as of yet unconvinced in regards to the room issue from those pics (yes, it's bigger than the CVPI, but the Crown Vic doesn't have much room in the back...not that I care if the dirtbag has leg room).
If they do this right, then GM may garner a big fan base. The Chevy Caprice with the LT1 engine is a car of legend in LE and is sorely missed by those of us who drove them. And, quite frankly, I think it's about time that there was a legitimate contender to Ford's monopoly of the LE vehicle market with the CVPI.
This car will have to get some pretty good gas mileage to be really considered by most places these days. That's the only reason our dept. is using now only v6 cruisers- 17.3 mpg avg vs. 10.8 the CVPI got and the Charger V8 was only about 12.5. There'll be lots of room for the ppl who matter. I for one don't want our folks under arrest to have more than enough room to put their feet on the floor. I don't want them to have room to move around and I don't want them to have room to be able to resist inside the car or kick at the screen like the could do in the Caprice and lots of times in the CVPI. It's one of the reasons I like the Charger so much. I could'nt give a shred of care about their comfort- in fact I want them to be as uncomfortable as possible so it makes it more memorable and difficult to cause harm to deputies or property.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 02:08:05 PM
Rear legroom disappears quite quickly when you put a screen behind the seats. A Crown Vic with no partition looks like it has plenty of legroom too...but with a screen, even the smallest people have to sit sideways to fit. Not saying that it won't have enough legroom, just that it'll be tough to really tell until I see a properly-equipped version.
I also didn't notice the center shifter until R-ing posted his pic...that's gotta go. Column shift is a must in a LE vehicle...we have too much stuff to mount on the center console for space to be taken up by a shifter.
That will probably get moved- and the installed integrated stuff won't work for most places because every one has their own computer systems and have spent hundreds if not millions on the current computers which are in most places less than 5 years old. Our county dispatch just bought new computers for every patrol car and firetruck in the county on federal and 911 surcharge money. I can't imagine we'll even consider that system unless it is equal to what we have and doesn't cost us a dime. We also won't allow any of those departments to use our system without using our equipment. If GM won't make the car available with space between the seats no one in this county will be buying one. And that's alot of lost business. There are probably 300-400 police cars in this county alone.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 05, 2009, 09:28:48 PM
I think this car coming out pretty much signals the end of any chance Carbon Motors had of carving out the niche in the US after the Crown Vic left. They just took too much time to get here.
CM was never going to really happen- it wouldn't/couldn't work. Although I like the idea of having a diesel if it got decent performance and was as clean as the other modern ones out there like the VW and BMW ones.
Quote from: Galaxy on October 05, 2009, 04:04:28 PM
The stuff is integrated into the dash. Don't mount anything.
Cost- it woul dhave to be cost effective for LE to even consider it. I have a hard time believing that built in computers and emergency equipment controls could be inexpensive. The lightbar switch bank our department uses is $69.99 plus shipping for new ones.
Siren control is about $200. It doesn't seem to likely it would be cheaper then that especially since we only replace them when they can't be repaird.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 07:20:53 PM
Things like radios and lightbars and their controls tend to be reused, not replaced every time a new car is bought. So they have to be remounted. They're bought separately from the vehicles and aren't standard equipment with the cars.
Quote from: rohan on October 06, 2009, 11:44:31 AM
Cost- it woul dhave to be cost effective for LE to even consider it. I have a hard time believing that built in computers and emergency equipment controls could be inexpensive. The lightbar switch bank our department uses is $69.99 plus shipping for new ones.
Siren control is about $200. It doesn't seem to likely it would be cheaper then that especially since we only replace them when they can't be repaird.
I am not sure how the rest of the european countries handle it but the German police no longer buys police cars and the related equipment. They are on three year leases. The exceptions are specialty vehicles and some older vehicles that they still own.
It used to be the polar opposite, up to the mid 90s they had their own garages to work on cars.
I have no idea what they spend though compared to US departments.
Quote from: rohan on October 06, 2009, 11:39:44 AM
This car will have to get some pretty good gas mileage to be really considered by most places these days. That's the only reason our dept. is using now only v6 cruisers- 17.3 mpg avg vs. 10.8 the CVPI got and the Charger V8 was only about 12.5.
Considering how I've seen some LEOs drive.. I wouldn't be surprised. I don't they they'll get good mileage regardless of what cars they drive. There's one that runs down the main street by where I live at WOT every night. It's annoying to hear the V8 fly down a residential street.
It seems they drive only in 3 modes, Stop, WOT, and then piss slow because they're doing something on their computer or texting on their phones.
Quote from: Galaxy on October 06, 2009, 01:57:49 PM
I am not sure how the rest of the european countries handle it but the German police no longer buys police cars and the related equipment. They are on three year leases. The exceptions are specialty vehicles and some older vehicles that they still own.
It used to be the polar opposite, up to the mid 90s they had their own garages to work on cars.
I have no idea what they spend though compared to US departments.
With the mileage they put on them, I dont' think it'll make a good deal for the departments to lease the vehicles.
Quote from: rohan on October 06, 2009, 11:39:44 AM
This car will have to get some pretty good gas mileage to be really considered by most places these days. That's the only reason our dept. is using now only v6 cruisers- 17.3 mpg avg vs. 10.8 the CVPI got and the Charger V8 was only about 12.5. There'll be lots of room for the ppl who matter. I for one don't want our folks under arrest to have more than enough room to put their feet on the floor. I don't want them to have room to move around and I don't want them to have room to be able to resist inside the car or kick at the screen like the could do in the Caprice and lots of times in the CVPI. It's one of the reasons I like the Charger so much. I could'nt give a shred of care about their comfort- in fact I want them to be as uncomfortable as possible so it makes it more memorable and difficult to cause harm to deputies or property.
If uncomfortable is the goal, maybe they should use rear seats like in this older Commodore Australian police car
(http://www.inthejob.com/AFP_Brett_VX_Module_4.jpg)
At least there appears to be halfway decent legroom...
A police car test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtTnfFH2Hjc
:lol:
Quote from: Galaxy on October 06, 2009, 04:33:47 PM
A police car test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtTnfFH2Hjc
:lol:
What a jerk... :lol:
An in dash monitor is certainly possible for a reasonable expense.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 05, 2009, 06:29:16 AM
That it's built on a rear wheel drive platform is good, but it still looks awfully small. The two biggest complaints about the Impala is front wheel drive and interior room. They've fixed the first problem, but I'm as of yet unconvinced in regards to the room issue from those pics (yes, it's bigger than the CVPI, but the Crown Vic doesn't have much room in the back...not that I care if the dirtbag has leg room).
The new Caprice will also have significantly larger interior volume ? 112 cubic feet ? than the Ford Crown Victoria, including ? thanks to the longer wheelbase ? nearly 4 inches more rear legroom to help give handcuffed suspects a much more comfortable experience. The Caprice PPV's long wheelbase also gives it 18 cubic feet of free trunk volume. That's enough room for a full-size spare located under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area and any number of shotguns, RPGs and whatever other riot gear an officer feels like fitting into a trunk.
Quote from: Catman on October 06, 2009, 08:08:38 PM
The new Caprice will also have significantly larger interior volume ? 112 cubic feet ? than the Ford Crown Victoria, including ? thanks to the longer wheelbase ? nearly 4 inches more rear legroom to help give handcuffed suspects a much more comfortable experience. The Caprice PPV's long wheelbase also gives it 18 cubic feet of free trunk volume. That's enough room for a full-size spare located under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area and any number of shotguns, RPGs and whatever other riot gear an officer feels like fitting into a trunk.
Need moar room for prisoners to chill out.
(http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/fail-owned-limo-cop-fail.jpg)
Terrible. What a great way to destroy the heritage of the Caprice. The Caprice was always a FULLSIZE car.
To me there will only ever be one true Caprice sedan. The '76. :wub:
(http://m-steinmetz.de/opener.JPG)
I'm partial to the earlier models, too:
(http://automotivehistoryonline.com/1965%20Chevrolet%20Caprice.jpg)
:wub:
Quote from: omicron on October 08, 2009, 08:10:37 AM
I'm partial to the earlier models, too:
(http://automotivehistoryonline.com/1965%20Chevrolet%20Caprice.jpg)
:wub:
:wub: :wub:
Quote from: cawimmer430 on October 07, 2009, 02:06:42 PM
Terrible. What a great way to destroy the heritage of the Caprice. The Caprice was always a FULLSIZE car.
To me there will only ever be one true Caprice sedan. The '76. :wub:
Well, there's only one caprice of legend in the LE community.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2175420653_f1cdf4de9a.jpg)
Plenty of room and a Corvette LT1 engine. :rockon:
Quote from: bing_oh on October 08, 2009, 10:44:31 AM
Well, there's only one caprice of legend in the LE community.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2175420653_f1cdf4de9a.jpg)
Plenty of room and a Corvette LT1 engine. :rockon:
Except that's not it. Look closer. :nono: :lol:
Quote from: omicron on October 08, 2009, 08:10:37 AM
I'm partial to the earlier models, too:
(http://automotivehistoryonline.com/1965%20Chevrolet%20Caprice.jpg)
:wub:
My grandfather has a 65 Impala convertible in that exact same color.
My roommate has a Caprice 9C1. Maybe I should tell him that he'll be able to pick up a newer one in a few years. He'll be excited.
Quote from: rohan on October 08, 2009, 04:43:08 PMExcept that's not it. Look closer. :nono: :lol:
What did I miss? :huh:
Quote from: MX793 on October 08, 2009, 05:04:28 PM
My grandfather has a 65 Impala convertible in that exact same color.
He's a man with excellent taste.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 09, 2009, 06:24:36 AM
What did I miss? :huh:
One tailpipe- it's either a v6 or it's a pre-LT1 with the 4 bolt main 350.
But yeah it was a good car. it wasn't as realiable as the CVPI's (cracking pass side exhaust manifold- heater core issues- overheating when it got a couple years old- low alternator output- rear diff that would go bad at about 80k miles) and the latest Vic's match it's performance and you had to throw a boat anchor out the window to stop it - but it was a GREAT patrol car. Even with the stuff the Vic has over it now- similar acceleration- better brakes- better reliability- it was still a better car. and the exhaust just sounded more cool to. It was just a badass car.
Quote from: rohan on October 09, 2009, 01:34:54 PMOne tailpipe- it's either a v6 or it's a pre-LT1 with the 4 bolt main 350.
But yeah it was a good car. it wasn't as realiable as the CVPI's (cracking pass side exhaust manifold- heater core issues- overheating when it got a couple years old- low alternator output- rear diff that would go bad at about 80k miles) and the latest Vic's match it's performance and you had to throw a boat anchor out the window to stop it - but it was a GREAT patrol car. Even with the stuff the Vic has over it now- similar acceleration- better brakes- better reliability- it was still a better car. and the exhaust just sounded more cool to. It was just a badass car.
Ok, I didn't even notice the tailpipes. :huh:
The Caprice definitely had its flaws...but so does every other LE vehicle. The biggest was definitely braking. I'm not sure that I can agree that the current CVPI's have similar performance, though. I've always been unimpressed with the CVPI's acceleration, while you could smoke the tires off the line with a Caprice (even after it had been "broken in" with a little patrol time). I'm also not sure that the current CVPI's can match the Caprice's top end speed. The Caprice had alot of pedal...even when you were hauling some serious ass, it seemed the Caprice had more to give.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 09, 2009, 05:49:26 PM
Ok, I didn't even notice the tailpipes. :huh:
The Caprice definitely had its flaws...but so does every other LE vehicle. The biggest was definitely braking. I'm not sure that I can agree that the current CVPI's have similar performance, though. I've always been unimpressed with the CVPI's acceleration, while you could smoke the tires off the line with a Caprice (even after it had been "broken in" with a little patrol time). I'm also not sure that the current CVPI's can match the Caprice's top end speed. The Caprice had alot of pedal...even when you were hauling some serious ass, it seemed the Caprice had more to give.
The Caprice had a better top end. Ford limits the speed on the CVPI due to drive shaft harmonics or something. Even the V6 Charger will outrun it.
Quote from: Catman on October 09, 2009, 08:47:35 PM
The Caprice had a better top end. Ford limits the speed on the CVPI due to drive shaft harmonics or something. Even the V6 Charger will outrun it.
The V6 Charger (presuming we're talking about the 3.5) has more power than the CV, so I'd expect it to be the faster car whether the Vic was limited or not.
LOL. There are still a handful of those last-gen Caprice police cars floating around. My town actually uses them to this day for the Code Enforcement department. Another town around here (80,000 residents, so a larger department) uses them for their "Special Police" which is basically a citizen volunteer force.
Quote from: TurboDan on October 09, 2009, 09:20:39 PMLOL. There are still a handful of those last-gen Caprice police cars floating around. My town actually uses them to this day for the Code Enforcement department. Another town around here (80,000 residents, so a larger department) uses them for their "Special Police" which is basically a citizen volunteer force.
My department got rid of its last Caprice about 2 years ago. It was long retired from patrol work and was usually used for Code Enforcement or as a daily driver for the officer assigned to our Drug Task Force. You could tell it had a rough career on the street and it was on its last leg when it was sold at auction.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on October 07, 2009, 02:06:42 PM
Terrible. What a great way to destroy the heritage of the Caprice. The Caprice was always a FULLSIZE car.
As is this new one. :huh:
Quote from: rohan on October 09, 2009, 01:34:54 PM
One tailpipe- it's either a v6 or it's a pre-LT1 with the 4 bolt main 350.
No such thing as a V6 Caprice of that vintage. The only available engines were the 350, 305 and 4.3 L V8.
Are we at the point where I need to test drive and review my roommate's LT1 Caprice 9C1?
Quote from: 93JC on October 10, 2009, 05:53:43 PM
No such thing as a V6 Caprice of that vintage. The only available engines were the 350, 305 and 4.3 L V8.
Yep.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 10, 2009, 06:32:50 PMAre we at the point where I need to test drive and review my roommate's LT1 Caprice 9C1?
Unless it's in pristine condition, I can't imagine that it retains the power that the LT1 Caprices had back in their hayday. The ones at the end of their fleet life just weren't the same vehicles they once were.
Quote from: bing_oh on October 09, 2009, 05:49:26 PM
Ok, I didn't even notice the tailpipes. :huh:
I was raggin on ya. Just pointing out that one in the picture didn't have LT-1.
QuoteThe Caprice definitely had its flaws...but so does every other LE vehicle. The biggest was definitely braking. I'm not sure that I can agree that the current CVPI's have similar performance, though. I've always been unimpressed with the CVPI's acceleration, while you could smoke the tires off the line with a Caprice (even after it had been "broken in" with a little patrol time). I'm also not sure that the current CVPI's can match the Caprice's top end speed. The Caprice had alot of pedal...even when you were hauling some serious ass, it seemed the Caprice had more to give.
I had to dig back into my notes to find it but the 04 LT-1 9C1 tested by MSP was
0-60
High 8.4
Low 8.1
Avg 8.25
top speed 143 but most agencies chose to buy the governor which put it about 125 if I remember right.
08 CVPI
0-60
High 8.76
Low 8.59
Avg 8.63
Ford governs them to 130 I think so who knows what it'll really do. Maybe 140?
That's pretty close. You're right it doesn't match the numbers but you gotta admit that's pretty insignificant. the standard for stopping was different then they had to stop within 160 feet and the testing was completely different than now - easier and not nearly as hard on the brakes. the old 9C1 wouldn't come close to passing the new standard on the brake testing but that wouldn't be a fair test because none of them would from then.
I'm not advertising for the Crown Vic- you all know my feelings on it. But it's not the dog everyone thinks it is. Well it is but it's not that much slower than the 9C1 LT-1 was. Slower yes I was wrong about it matching but it's not that much slower.
Quote from: 93JC on October 10, 2009, 05:53:43 PM
No such thing as a V6 Caprice of that vintage. The only available engines were the 350, 305 and 4.3 L V8.
hmmm. Interesting I didn't know they even made a 4.3 v8 I always assumed it was the 4.3 v6. Learn something new everyday. Why even bother to make the 2 engines that were identical in power at 200 hp and about the same torque of 240 ish ?? doesn't even make sense to me.
Quote from: rohan on October 11, 2009, 07:16:55 AM
hmmm. Interesting I didn't know they even made a 4.3 v8 I always assumed it was the 4.3 v6. Learn something new everyday. Why even bother to make the 2 engines that were identical in power at 200 hp and about the same torque of 240 ish ?? doesn't even make sense to me.
The old 305 was only offered up to 1993. The 4.3L L99 V8 replaced the 305 as the base engine in '94 (the L99 being a newer, GenII small block motor compared to the older GenI 305).
Quote from: bing_oh on October 11, 2009, 06:41:28 AM
Unless it's in pristine condition, I can't imagine that it retains the power that the LT1 Caprices had back in their hayday. The ones at the end of their fleet life just weren't the same vehicles they once were.
It only has 73,000 original miles, but I'd imagine you're right. The car looks like it's seen better days.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 11, 2009, 08:24:17 AM
It only has 73,000 original miles, but I'd imagine you're right. The car looks like it's seen better days.
If it was formerly in police service, those were likely very hard miles (and a lot of idling).
Quote from: MX793 on October 11, 2009, 08:25:36 AM
If it was formerly in police service, those were likely very hard miles (and a lot of idling).
It was. The rear seat is vinyl, it has car numbers on the dash, and it still has the bull bars and spotlight on the front. Oh yeah, the rear doors only open from the outside, too.
I wouldn't doubt it being a rougher experience on a car than what most rental cars go through.
Quote from: the Teuton on October 11, 2009, 09:09:14 AMIt was. The rear seat is vinyl, it has car numbers on the dash, and it still has the bull bars and spotlight on the front. Oh yeah, the rear doors only open from the outside, too.
I wouldn't doubt it being a rougher experience on a car than what most rental cars go through.
Yea, I'd say it's probably had a rough life, though 73,000 miles on a cruiser is actually relatively low. It's not unusual for many cruisers to still be in service at 100,000+ miles, though major repair work is a common thing at that point.
By the way, those Impala police cars don't seem to hold up well at all. My town bought a fleet of them a few years ago and they've pretty much all been replaced, with the ones remaining looking like they're falling apart. And my town, for the record, is only 20 blocks long and three blocks wide, as it's on an island. The highest speed limit is 35, and there's no real crime to speak of. So it's not like these cars are being put through the ringer.
In one humorous situation this summer, an officer was hiding out behind the "Welcome to Surf City" sign to catch speeders and he perched the car on a grassy, tree-lined median in between two lanes of traffic. Well, an hour later, the car refused to start, and what looked like the whole department was milling around the car with the hood open. They actually decided, in the end, to just leave the car for a couple weeks as a dummy car to slow people down on their way into town. :lol: :devil: