10. International Paddy Wagon (Baltimore)
Though America may be the the country that nurtures the individual, we sure like to get arrested in groups. That's where the paddy wagon comes in handy. Part truck, part temporary jail, there have been a lot of them throughout the history of American law enforcement. This 1947 International wagon is a particularly beautiful example and a reminder of International's long commercial history in America. That cop is totally riding the wagon.
[Baltimore Police Vehicle History]

9. Chevy Bel Air Police Car (Texas)
Nothing says U.S. of A. like a Chevy Bel Air. This Chevy had the size and power to meet the duties of a civil servant and the look to scare criminals into pulling over. Topped with a big red cherry, you'd know what to do when you saw one of these bad boys. This particular Texas-badged 1955 Chevy Bel-Air is a prime example of the timeless design [BillWindsor.com]

8. Border Patrol Dune Buggy (Arizona)
Specifically, a Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV), these are some of the most extreme police vehicles used for active patrolling duty. Typically, a DPV is fitted with a VW engine capable of nearly 200 HP. These vehicles can travel up to 80 mph and generally encounter some of the roughest terrain in the country while enduring severe temperature conditions. These go fast in places that Border Patrol SUV's can't even reach.

7. Ford Fairlane
The forerunner to the Crown Victoria, the Fairlane may look even better than the Chevy Bel, and its low cost meant that it would provide police services for a large part of the country. The Fairlane is particularly noted for its powerful big-block V8, popular with the authorities around the country. In black-and-white it is one of the more iconic police cars ever built. This Wilmington, DE "Bureau of Police" squad car is an exceptional example.
[Flickr: Triborough]

6. Chevy Camaro Z28 B4C
The Chevy Camaro BC4 was one of the fastest police cars ever used in the United States thanks to a simple formula: Take a stock Camaro and add a mix of the strongest parts from the Z28 and other racing packages, as well as the Chevy 350 V8. They were a particular favorite of the California Highway Patrol, which knows a thing or two about pursuits. As great as they are at high-speed chases, they're great for deterrence as well. Who would want to get put in the backseat of that thing? [Photo: Sattler.org]

5. Dodge Coronet 440 (California)
There were many great Mopar police cars throughout the years, but we've got a soft spot for the 1970 Dodge Coronets. Not only do they have the 440 Magnum V8, good for in excess of 400 horsepower, they also feature that killer squinting headlight design that looks mean head-on. Oh, and the one above was featured in the original Gone in 60 Seconds giving it almost as much movie cred as the Dodge Monaco.
[IMCDB]

4. Ford Mustang LX Highway Patrol Edition (Texas)
The original Mustang LX highway patrol car, a favorite of the Texas DPS, haunted our dreams with its sharp facade, red interior and 5.0-liter V8 power. Though the hatchback Mustang would, theoretically, have been useful, the DPS stuck with the notchback 'Stangs. Mustangs were used in the DPS fleet between 1983 and 1993, with the 1986 model, pictured, our personal favorite.
[Photo: Police Mustangs]

3. Dodge Charger Police Edition (Michigan)
As you can probably tell from Mark's glowing review of the Dodge Charger Police Edition, we're big fans. Just look at it. Probably more the successor to the Coronet than anything, especially with the recurrence of the angry headlights, the Hemi-powered Charger is gorgeous, features a stalk-based Autostick, and has great road manners. Numerous police officers lusted after the ride, which is the best kind of accolade. In Michigan State Police blue with a cherry on top, it's even better looking.

2. Dodge Diplomat/Fury Police Car(NYC)
The M-bodied Dodge Diplomat and its twin, the Plymouth Gran Fury, aren't here purely out of nostalgia. Look at them. It's hard to believe they were anything but cop cars. What they lacked in power relative to some of the Dodge fleet vehicles of the 1960's and early 1970's, they more than made up for in durability. You couldn't kill them if you tried. Most models featured the 318 V8, though a few pursuit models included a 360 four-barrel. Imagine any upset renegade cop from an 80's police movie kicking the quarter panel of one of these bad boys.
[LSE]

1. Ford Crown Victoria P71 Interceptor (Everywhere)
P71 Crown Victorias never die, they just become taxis. Due to the disappearance of American-made RWD V8 sedans for nearly a decade, the Ford Crown Victoria became more ubiquitous than any other police car we can think of in any era since the Model T, despite the occasional deadly fire. Powered by a modified version of the Ford 4.6-Liter SOHC V8, they'll practically run forever, thanks in part to the oil-to-coolant heat exchanger. Even with the introduction of the Charger Police Package and the occasional Impala police car, Ford still plans to carry about 80% of the police market. Is there anything that reminds anyone more of the long arm of the law than a P71 Interceptor sitting on the side of the road? We didn't think so.

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Of course, if you don't like any of those choices, you can always write-in your favorite in the comments.

First up is what appears to be a '40 Ford Mercury with a towbar semi-permanently attached. It looks like it runs under its own power, so perhaps it lives behind a giant RV most of the time; bet that makes an impression at the campground! The chainsaw manual on the front seat is an interesting touch.


Now here's a pack of three Ford products- technically, two Fords and a Lincoln- that live together in EJacobs' neighborhood. Looks like we've got a '68 Fairlane 500, a '53 Ford, and a '77 Lincoln Continental Mark V coupe. Fords from three different decades, and virtually no parts interchangeability!


Last up are some photos of a matched set of three Fairlane 500s, clearly owned by the same person. It seems to be a Denver tradition to own three similar old cars and park them on the street, and the owner of these Fairlanes might well have more of them stashed in the garage and/or the back yard. I believe we're looking at two '65s and a '67, two coupes and a sedan. The rough-looking '65 in the middle is clearly the hot rod of the trio, with traction bars, dual exhaust, the half-Cragar treatment, and a floor-shift manual transmission. It's got 289 emblems, but there's no telling what's really under the hood; let's hope it's a 427!

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This is the star of the show; the top seed. A seemingly indestructible 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 that runs from the law in a glorious 40-minute chase scene.
The local country radio reporter's ride, a Ford that might as well have "dorky" painted all over it.


A drop-top Ford with questionable structural rigidity that gets hit in the side so hard it splits neatly in half. Ridiculous, but funny.
The Belvedere rent-a-cop with a German Shepard. Attempts to chase down a tow-truck stealing a Challenger, and fails.


A burgundy Roller stolen in broad daylight from the airport drop-off curb; chauffeur left the key in it.
A Fleetwood serving as personal transportation for the ring-leader of the operation. An arranged assortment of sunglasses on the dash, and enough room for the whole crew to cruise around.


Stole a Challenger right off a dealership lot, then outran security even with the Challenger still attached. The star of the second best chase in the movie.
A poor little Type 3 that got flipped on its roof by Eleanor, starting a huge pileup. Cute car, humiliating role.


The Dodge carries the flag for all the cop cars in the movie. They're cool rides burdened by somewhat inept drivers.
One of the "girls" on the hit list, though it only appears on film for a moment. Not a hearse, but a custom station wagon.


License plate reads "OOO GAL." The Dodge was a stolen car wearing VIN tags from a wrecked donor; An identity thief before it was popular. Sadly, it had to go to the crusher once people started getting wise.
A new Plymouth out on a test drive gets smashed by a cop in pursuit of Eleanor.


Lyle Waggoner's Intermeccanica Italia swiped from spaced-out stoner cleaning it.
A stolen Corvette in a sizzling color. Not on film very long, but it leaves an impression.


The undercover cop that started the epic chase with Eleanor. It Went toe-to-toe with the Mustang, but couldn't quite keep up.
A nice bright green Dodge that suffered the fate of being crushed by a garbage truck rolling onto it.


An old sedan DeVille ridin' low. Occupants seemed to enjoy smokin' the herb so much that they drove the Caddy to self-destruction.
A Rolls limo big enough to carry a fully-assembled bicycle in the back seat with room to spare. Just wait for the chauffeur to leave the car unattended, insert the bike you rode up on, and drive away. Petty theft made high-class.


Don't get distracted by the girl, this DeTomaso is what you really want. She's just askin' for it, leaving the keys in the car like that.
This Jensen Interceptor is practically good enough for JFG, and it's apparently good enough to make the South American client's, list as well.


Fantastically obscure Manta Mirage stolen during a test drive. Salesman gets out to switch seats, thief slides behind the wheel and takes off.
The Maserati is another car on the list only appearing for a moment, but it's pure style.


A Cadillac filled with drugs, one of the few things to survive in the remake movie from 2000. How do you get rid of all that white powder? Burn it. Who cares if it's worth a million bucks on the street; these are responsible criminals.
The hopped-up Plymouth was on the screen for only a quick flash, but we're sure it's even quicker down the strip.


Parnelli Jones' Baja Bronco is the icon of off-road racing. But that didn't stop anyone from stealing it in the movie.
The Lamborghini is elegantly beautiful, but forgettable in this context.


Epic cool car and JFG resident, but it's too bad we can't see it's wacky suspension in action.
Who needs a high-tech anti-theft system? Just keep a tiger in your Cadillac.


Another limo left unattended and vulnerable. All the coolness factor of death with none of the emotional struggle.
Hard to say what exactly has been done to this Chevy Vega, but it sure ain't stock. Another one we'd like to see actually driving.


It looks plain on the outside because it's supposed to. There were two identical Fords used for scouting out all the cars on the to-be-stolen list before the day of the big hit. Equipped with walkie-talkies too!
Nothing says "Malaise Era" more than a Stutz. And this one was stolen right in front of a confused old lady. Classy.


[Screenshots are property of the movie's copyright holders; not Jalopnik]

1965 was the first year for the LTD — a higher trim level of the Galaxie 500 that competed with the also-new Chevy Caprice (a higher-trimmed Impala) — offered in a two door or four door hardtop only. Ford sold about 68,000 of the four-doors, at a base list price of $3300 — $700 more than the equivalent Galaxie 500. This one is an original black-plate California car that started out in Banning.
The LTD model designation gets its own emblem on the C-pillar. Note the bold type font and classy crown detail.
Since the LTD didn't become a stand-alone model until 1967, this car also carries Galaxie 500 nameplates. It also has the optional factory wire wheel covers similar to the ones you could get on the Mustang (though this one is missing one of its spinner "ears.")
It's a big-block car with the optional 390 V8, available that year with either 300 or 330 horsepower. The 289 200-horse small block was the standard engine but it would have felt anemic in a car this size (though at 3500 pounds it's only about the same weight as today's Mustang GT). The new fender engine emblem for 1965 combines Thunderbird and racing cues, as did the 1962-64 emblems.
Except for the faded paint, this car is in great shape for a 42 year old vehicle. It even has factory air and a cool deck-mounted radio antenna.
Overall, a classy survivor.

Not bad

Not bad at all

Actually, this 1978 Volvo Bertone 262C isn't chopped; that crazy roofline is exactly how Volvo and Bertone wanted it. No doubt the bigshots from both companies had eaten some of those funny blue mushrooms in the Västergötland countryside prior to the design meeting and gibbered the ensuing psilo-riffic brainstorm to the confused designers. But that doesn't matter; what does matter is that you can buy this strange-looking machine for the hard-to-believe price of 1200 American dollars. It needs new "altanator paint" (sic) and four years of back registration payments, and the seller isn't exactly clear about the whole running versus not-running question. But who cares when you get 4-speed transmission? Not only that, its got overdrive! Since it shares a lot of parts with your ordinary garden-variety 200-series cars, you'll have no problem grabbing junkyard bits for this thing... but the special Bertone-only stuff might- nay, will- be another story. Imagine this thing dropped about 5" with a Chevy small-block under the hood, with the help of the Jaguars That Run swap kit. Or you could stay Swedish (well, Swedish-French) and simply stuff ludicrous amounts of boost into the factory V6. Either way, we recommend Cherry Bombs.

Have we mentioned that we love vintage Detroit station wagons? Yes, indeed, it was a sad day when the one-two punch of the minivan and the SUV killed off the wagon, but the good news is that you can still grab yourself this 1967 Ford Fairlane station wagon for a paltry $1100. Now, even a six-banger Fairlane wagon would be just fine, but this one sports a 289 under the hood. Best of all, it's a 3-speed manual car with bench seat and floor shift! Yeah, sure, the flywheel teeth are shot and the engine is hard to start (the seller seems a bit evasive about whether the car can be started at all in its present state), but you won't worry about that when you realize it has the original yellow-on-black California plates. The suspension was primitive in 1967 and it's probably downright scary now that all the components are worn out, so those who dislike understeering into telephone poles or looking like weaving drunks on the highway might consider a thorough suspension rebuild/upgrade. And if the 289 isn't enough engine, why, the good ol' 351W will fit with enough room left over for a nice centrifugal supercharger (er, just be patient when you try to install headers in that narrow engine compartment). Just as long as you keep a floor-shift manual transmission in the picture, it's fine with us.

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Sure, the fastback shape was pretty much all about winning NASCAR races and selling cars to rabid Southern race fans, but is there any better reason for a body style?
To be honest, these cars have handling best described as scary; with leaf springs in back and Ford's patented crapola 60s front suspension, they lean alarmingly in fairly mild turns and understeer like cement mixers. But with great big gobs of V8 torque under the hood, who the hell cares?
One quirk of the NASCAR-friendly fastback design was the crazy trunk setup. The trunk itself is freakin' huge, extending forward about six feet. However, the trunk lid is an absurdly tiny hatch, which means that any object that's going into the trunk needs to fit through a very restrictive slot (even medium-sized cardboard boxes won't fit). That's bad enough, but the real problem comes when you put some object within easy reach of the opening and then brake hard during a drive; the object will slide all the way forward, which means you need to climb into the trunk to go fetch it. This is especially fun when you have a bunch of groceries knocking around in the trunk. Argh!
This is pretty much the same front body as the '68 Ranchero we saw a while back.
The Fairlane 500 trim level was a notch below the snazzier Torino models. You could get the base Fairlane 500 with 2-barrel 302 for $2543; however, with the base '68 Road Runner with 383 going for $2870, I might have been tempted to spend the additional few hundred for the Plymouth.
But wait! The 280-horse 390 was just an extra $284; another $184 got you the 4-speed. Hmm... Road Runner or big-block fastback Ford? And let's not even talk about the GM options (except to mention that you could get a new '68 Chevelle with 325-horse 327 and four-speed for only $2829).
Toyota imitated this rear-side-glass/trim setup with their mid-70s Celica fastbacks; since they also imitated the grille and taillights, the overall effect was of a 2/3-scale, 10-year-old Fairlane.
This one is missing some minor components, but it wouldn't be a bank-breaker to get it in fairly straight condition. Fortunately for Fairlane owners, Ford stuck with many of the same components well into the Granada/Monarch era, so lots of parts are quite common.
This car definitely needs way more rubber in the rear wheelwells, preferably on widened factory rims with dog-dishes. A 427 would be nice, too.

There's just something about the sexy lines of the '58 Fairlane that more or less forces designer-threads-clad Frenchwomen to caress its flanks with their white-gloved hands. We can only only assume that the same women would feel compelled to rub their entire bodies over the even sexier '58 Simca Chambord. – Murilee Martin

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford Fairlane Mule Spotted? [internal]

Everyone likes a quick GM wagon, but it's hard to resist the appeal of a genuine Ford Squire wagon. With a soundtrack right out of an anti-VD educational film and cute puppies galore, this ad reminds us why the station wagon was the best weapon Uncle Sam had in the fight against godless communism. – Murilee Martin

Related:
The Forgotten Squire: The Ford Country Sedan [internal]

And as long as the lens of the mechanics with the most friends might be, the Flex is longer. Like, weirdly long. Like, Ford's new minivan replacement looks as if it were built on the same frame as the Expedition EL. Don't worry, it's not. The Flex actually shares a lot of componentry with livin' on the Edge, including the well-sorted 3.5-liter V6 and the even weller-sorted 6-speed auto. Much of the spizarkle from the Fairlane concept (including the suicide doors!) seems to have been bled out of the vehicle. Even the little baby bunting found on the NY Auto Show piece is mostly absent. All that is length left is bigness. Sigh. Pop over to Pop Mech and have a look for yourselves. – Jonny Lieberman

Ford Flex: Spy Report [popularmechanics.com]

Related:
New York Auto Show: Ford Does The Minivan Muscle Flex Live! [Internal]

Paukert the Exclaimer, in collaboration with Bothan spies, has uncovered photographs of what's believed to be a development mule of the new Ford Fairlane. And okay, fine, it's a mule, there's preproduction, subterfuge and whatnot, but it appears to lack the pizzazz of the really-quite-cool concept Fairlane. Or it could just be an example of the Freestyle refresh. Literally, we're getting more and more annoyed with this whole Dave business. Not since Cheech & Chong's "Dave's Not Here" gag have one man's words hurt so many Daves. Mrs. McCave is pissed. –Davey G. Johnson

Spied: Ford's 2008 "Don't-Call-Me-Fairlane" Freestyle [Winding Road]

Related:
The Adventures Of The Ford Fairlane Continue: No To Detroit, Yes To Design, No To Zuzu Petals [Internal]

...claim that they never even planned to show it there. So, when the industry media folks have been making claims that the Fairlane would be shown, and DADA's saying they thought it would be shown — why is the only person FoMoCo can conjure up to state their case for them is industry punching bag Ford shill expert pundit AutoPacific's Jim Hall? He claims he never expected it to show up in Detroit. Of course, Jim's being paid by FoMoCo, and has an agreement signed with them about what he can and can't say. But his argument is of course that

"The last thing you want to do is show a vehicle too early because it'll kill sales of your current vehicles...they still have to get a year of sales out of the Freestyle..."

Fairlane appearance scrapped [Freep]

Related:
How Many Drinks Was That? Jalopnik Detroit Editor Takes A Ford-Sponsored Divorce-Courtin' Commercial Break; Apres Minivan: Ford's New Crossover SUVs; Betting the Farm: Ford's Post-Minivan Play will Be Monday Announcement [internal]

Ford's made entirely clear its intention to abandon the minivan game in favor of crossover SUVs like the upcoming Edge, as well as engage in left-field thinking about the genre, like the iffy Freestyle wagonover (or whatever). Now, according to AutoWeek, the company announced it will build the blocky Fairlane, which it showed off last year in concept form. Conceived as a kind of picnic vehicle for families too cool for vans shaped like panty-hose dispensers, the Fairlane (or whatever it will be called) appears to split the difference between the Land Rover LR3 and the Ford Explorer. A Lincoln version is planned as well. Both will be built at the company's Oakville, Ontario works.

Fairlane will Fly [AutoWeek]

Related:
Apres Minivan: Ford's New Crossover SUVs [internal]

Ford's got an announcement to make. (No, you'll have to wait until this coming Monday to hear it from the Boss's mouth.) But press outlets are already reporting that company will divulge its upcoming minivan stratagy, which, according to USA Today, involves flight from the minivan segment altogether, leaving plant closures, layoffs and executive departures in its wake. The Detroit Free Press's message is more optimistic — that the company will announce a minivan replacement based on the Fairlane concept (pictured) unveiled last year. One Jalopnik tipster, a Ford insider who says he knows some of the project staff, confirms the story. Good news. Bad news. Old news? Hmm.

Ford to reinvent sluggish minivans [Detroit Free Press]

Related:
Apres Minivan: Ford s New Crossover SUVs; Ford to Drop Current Freestyle After 2007; New Product Plan Emerges [internal]