In addition to Chrysler, Ford was a big supplier of vehicles for police use. The LTD Crown Victoria from 1980 to 1991 was especially popular when equipped with the Police Package (aka Interceptor). These cars came with everything heavy-duty which made for a more durable product for police departments and the highway patrol. This 1991 edition looks to be a solid candidate for a restoration, having spent its life on the road in California. Now in Tucson, Arizona, this High Output Ford is available here on eBay when the reserve is unmet at $5,500.
The 1991 model year was the last for the LTD Crown Victoria, with its rear-wheel-drive and carbureted H-O 351 cubic-inch V8. The odometer says 62,000 miles, but 162,000 would not be out of the question and we’re told this car hasn’t been molested since it retired from the “force”. It runs and drives fine, but a thorough inspection of its complete mechanical condition is advised before pressing it back into any kind of service.
No reported rust is apparent on this Ford cruiser and the paint is still acceptable though all the police decals were not removed very well. Naturally, there are a few little dents, scrapes, and scratches, but they simply show that the auto earned its stripes while in action. And the chrome and glass don’t look bad, either. The car was involved in an accident about 10 years ago which was repaired for the most part. One of the first things the next owner will need to do is replace the tires which appear to be old.
One thing that seems odd but was apparently SOP is that the front seat is made of velour and looks like the one you’d find in Grandpa’s LTD. But the rear seat is all vinyl, probably necessary in case an unruly detainee has to ride in the back, although no role cage was part of the equation. If you dig the cop spotlight, you’ll have to figure out why it doesn’t work along with a few other (but not all) electrical doodads. If you want air conditioning, that will require some tinkering, too. If you’ve ever wanted to have a real former cop car, this one could be in better shape than others that may still be around.
The phrase Police Interceptor is being exploited and misused. GM, Chrysler and FORD supplied police fleets which were stripped down to the bare bones land yachts that couldn’t catch a Z-28 Camero if it wanted to. These crates usually were maintained badly and beaten up with high milage. Then somebody decided the police auction was a good return on their dollar so they offered these junkers for pennies on the dollar to the public. Somehow the words Police Intercepeter makes them sound faster. In reality $500 is about right for this beat up old cop car
jv -smash palace
$500 is right for a Bluesmobile.
And these Crown Victorias played a sweet tune when in full pursuit.
Factory 🏭 dual exhaust.
Wonderful looking cars.
These were the only way to get a CV with a 351 after 79′. They were mainly held back in acceleration by a 2.7 differential, but when they started to unwind at top end, a whole bunch of Camaros and Mustangs were game. Ford also made an interceptor with a 302 which came with a 3.55 ratio. Taxis and cars with Trailer package also had a 302 with a 3.55 ratio. You don’t want any parts off a cab, but look for a civilian with dual exhaust, that indicates TT pkg and also includes limited slip dif. I personally replaced a Variable Venturi carb with an intake and Edelbrock 4bbl on an 82 Merc. It worked very well. Change the distributor also. I sold a few of these cruisers.
I had an ’87 Interceptor with the Motorcraft variable venturi carb AND the thin-film transistor ignition. Argh!
I don’t know what the Ford police package included. But normally, there were a lot of upgrades and reinforcments with a police or taxi package. But yeah, I agree with your general promise that these weren’t super fast, and also usually led a rough life.
Police package included Engine Oil/Transmission/Power Steering Coolers, “Cop Shocks, Tires, Suspension” my 1984 had SW Oil Pressure/Amp/Water Temp gauges over on the right side of the dash, and the Super Cool 140mph “Certified Calibration” Speedo, and big “Pie Plate” dome light
With about 60 more Horsies, my 03 Crown Vic is quicker than my 84 was, which isn’t saying much.
Frank
Another awesome looking LTDCV, this one a Police Interceptor. I’ve always loved police interceptor vehicles. They’re one of my favourite cars, next to taxicabs. Assuming everything is all there and in safe driveable condition, I’d be willing to pay around $6,000 for it.
Me too. On line.
You may just win it for just under $6,000 or close to it if you bid on it now on ebay.
Never buy a ex cop car for a daily driver I’ve seen how they are treated, yes they are generally maintained well but they have lots of idle hours and are driven hard
This particular model of the LTD police package is very light in the back. They are squirrelly as heck at any kind of speed on dry pavement, and deadly in the rain. But they were comfortable! A lot of guys with permanently assigned cars put bricks in the trunk to add some weight and traction in the back
I have to disagree with you in certain cases. I have an 04 Crown Vic that an Arizona Highway Patrol car. I’ve had it 5 years, nothing but dependable. I now also own a 2015 Explorer City of Scottsdale unit AWD and an awesome vehicle. No issues yet. A 2012 Charger City of Holbrook car. It’s been great too. Sure, some are beat to death. Key thing is check them thoroughly before buying.
Very true, SD. I’ve had several P71’s and been around several others and as BB and Frank point out, they generally include beefier suspension, transmission coolers and some other upgrades.
My cop Vics have been extremely reliable. One of the best used car buys out there.
Assuming an in-person inspection goes well, this one is a bargain at anything less than $6k.
It’s been years since I’ve seen one, but I used to love seeing these cars in the junkyards with their certified/calibrated 140 mph horizontal sweep speedos, heavy duty power steering coolers and oil coolers, and one of the last carbureted engines in the US – the 351W found only in these cop cars.
This one I believe had been for sale years ago and were known for carb issues.
Yes, the 351 H.O. and the infamous “Variable Venturi” (VV) carburetor. Holley made a replacement, bolt-on 2BBL that made these cars run perfectly. These kits were sold by Holley and, occasionally, they pop up on EBay. They are like gold, if you own one of these cars and want to drive it regularly. The VV worked great when new, but quickly wore out and sucked, really bad, lol.
Can’t wait for the comments and misinformation on this one, lol. This is, actually, a really cool car but, it takes someone with the desire to own and restore one to make it right. They are a labor of love. This is not a “fast” car by today’s standards but, they did their jobs well. This was the last of the carbureted V8’s and, although it was deemed a “351 H.O.”, it only put out 180-horsepower at the rear wheels. They were great road cars but, with a 2.73 axle ratio, left a lot to be desired off-the-line. The true-dual exhaust was a plus and the huge sway bars definitely made the cars handle pretty well. They had pressed-in front steel control-arm bushings that made them really solid. Many of these Police Interceptors were equipped with the standard 5.0 Liter 302, which was the standard, passenger car engine, albeit equipped with dual-exhaust (which was also optional on civilian cars). The 302 was more reliable but nowhere near as cool to have as far as bragging rights go, a little less horsepower and, of course, lots less torque. The ’91 is the most difficult year to restore as it has a one-year-only dash pad that is a bear to replace and, impossible to find uncracked. The floor pans in the ’91’s are the same as the ’92-newer as they were beginning to switch the dies over in preparation for the new “Aero” body-style in ’92 so, interesting trivia, ’92 seats will bolt into a ’91…but not a ’90 or earlier. That being said, this was the last of the “square” Crown Vics and, arguably, the best looking iteration. When they kicked into overdrive they would sail, effortlessly, at 120-122 mph but, that was about all they had. Physics took over, at that point. You will never see a LTD Crown Victoria from this era that has a working odometer. The plastic gears crumbled by the time the cars hit the 60-70K range and none ever worked. They can be fixed but, normally, these cars will have two-three times the mileage that they show on the odometer. They can be fixed but, whats the point, at that juncture, lol?
The beauty here is that you get the heavy-duty platform with a carbureted 5.7 litre motor already in place. I’d not want to restore this treasure as much as I’d like to turn it into a solid, daily runner. And with a carbureted big Windsor already in place how hard would it be to upgrade it with todays aftermarket? Including the rear end gearing.
Makes me wonder what the reserve is.
No reserve! Somebody could get a cheap monster of ford fun.
Thanks for all the great history! The front suspension bushings and the floorpans were not something I was aware of.
I came from Ia. and the law enforcement had the HOTTEST cars around. Remember 1 st. cruiser was a ’63 Ford Galaxie w/390 ci and 4 speed. Total sleeper till they hit the lites! I left Ia long ago but came back for family. on a trip in ’92 saw a Cruiser at the Ford dealer. HS friend sold cars there, and I ended up flying back out a couple weeks later to pick up the County Sheriff’s cruiser. OD showed 70K, but sure was more. Drove it back the same day,(to PA.), and after stopping for nap at rest stop on turnpike, headed out again. Crossed the line going into PA, and decided to check out that 140 mph speedometer. Was dropping down a hill on the turnpike when my Fuzz Buster went off. Was hitting about 125 and decided to just let it ride. Came upon the State PD, he looked at me, and I waved at him. He waved back. Probably because he was driving the same car I was, down to the full hubcaps. A true cruiser can lite the tires up easily and show other your taillights. We parted company when girl friend borrowed it and rearranged the front end when hit a pick up. Over 280,000 miles and never used a drop of oil. Wish this one was closer, have a place in my heart for these.
I always thought the carbureted 5.8 H.O. had a Holley style 4 barrel carb on them! Quite frankly, what’s so H.O. about a 351 Windsor with a 2 barrel??? I can vouch for the power in those old Vic’s though, I tried to out run one once in an 89 Mustang GT (had some bolt on goodies) and I thought I could spank his ass without any problem since I was already doing 72 in a 55 and he was sitting still! I floored it and before I hit the next exit just over a mile down the road (doing well over 100 mph) he was just about Pushing me! Stupid me turned a simple ticket into a Careless Driving & Attempted Eluding charge! Never tried anything that stupid again!
Thought the same thing, remember an Alabama State Trooper in 1986 telling me they had “429 Interceptor Motors” When finally got to pop the hood on one a few years later….but they were better than the LTD version of the 302. I think 185 HP tops.
“…It’s got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it’s got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.”
I was waiting for this; not bad, misterlou! But the phrase closes with “made the year before converters so she runs just fine on regular gas.”
fix the lighter.
OK, I’ve only seen “The Blues Brothers” 4 or 5 (Hundred) times, but it’s
It’s got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it’s got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?
“Fix the Cigarette Lighter”
I had one of these… same year and color. Got it at a Crown Assets sale in BC. It was a blast to drive but the repairs where expensive because of the heavy duty parts. Kind of annoying to see all the cars I used to have selling for thousands of dollars now. People are pricing project cars like they’re worth once restored… shouldn’t even be half that price!
I always wanted to intercept the police to see the look on their face! You know why I’m pulling you over officer?
Based on its condition and being rust free I feel its current going price is fair. Not too common to find anymore especially a police model. You can still find grandpas model of this car everywhere in good shape. But these cop cars were mostly driven to the ground. Most served second lives as cabs then scrapped, this one survived. I feel you on the seeing all the cars you used to own selling for thousands now. Imagine what grandpa thinks seeing the cars he owned and drove sell on here and Barrett… Just part of life. Now I wish I had hoarded all mine. It’s like they say you don’t like the price, try find another one and let me know.
I’d love to have this one. Police Interceptor. Curious about that accident repair. But for that price, getting a rear drive, rounded corners crown Vic with a carbureted 351 under the hood. What’s not to like!
Of course I wish it were closer.
If you click on the ebay listing. The seller does go into a little more detail about the accident and repair.
My department used to buy used RISP cars with 100k on them. Ran like new. They had cloth seats front and back. Maaco painted them white for $200-$300. Speed wise they were OK. Used police cars aren’t a bad buy-you can tell by looking at them and driving them. The Feds used to year their cars out-I saw like brand new CVPI with miles in the 30s though my department was too dumb to snap them up-even gave special prices to PDs.
I had a friend who bought one of these from a police auction in the early 2000s. Got it for $50!! It was missing the alternator and Noone else wanted to bid on it. Replaced the alternator and put a new set of tires on it and rode for several years before selling it off for a decent profit.
Clean heavy duty, 5.0 sedan.
5.7 sedan.
5.8l
Correct. My mistake.
Auction ended with final bid of $5,950.