Classic Police Cars: A Journey Through Time

Classic police cars hold a unique fascination, offering a tangible link to law enforcement of bygone eras. More than just vehicles, they are time capsules, reflecting the technology, societal norms, and even the challenges of the periods in which they served. From the utilitarian robustness needed during the Cold War to the more powerful and refined machines of later decades, these cars tell a story of evolving policing and automotive design.

The Cold War Sentinel: The Austin Gipsy Mobile Column

One of the most intriguing examples of a vehicle from a specific historical context is the 1966 Austin Gipsy, registration KYP 637D. This vehicle is believed to be the sole surviving operational mobile police column vehicle from that era. Its purpose was rooted in civil defence during the Cold War, intended for use by the Home Office in the event of a nuclear attack to patrol the UK. Delivered in 1967, its service life with the official civil defence force was short-lived, as the force was disbanded just a year later. Subsequently, it was transferred to Hampshire Police. After a period of use, it was eventually superseded by the more modern Ford Transit and was placed into storage. The Gipsy has since passed through several private owners, eventually returning to the UK from Ireland in 2016. Remarkably, it has never undergone a full restoration, retaining its original interior and having covered fewer than 6,000 miles. Even the original exhaust system is still in place, contributing to its status as a true 'time-warp' vehicle.

Ernie Jupp's Remarkable Collection: A Personal Policing History

The passion for classic police cars is vividly illustrated by the collection of Ernie Jupp, a former officer with the Metropolitan Police from 1970 to 1994. His collection isn't just about acquiring vehicles; it's a curated journey through his own service and the evolution of the patrol car in the UK. Each vehicle represents a chapter in policing history, often meticulously researched and returned to its authentic appearance.

The Early Days: MG TC and the Octagon Badge

The oldest vehicle in Jupp's collection is a 1947 MG TC, acquired in 2010. Research revealed it had served with the Warwickshire Constabulary, a common practice as many Chief Constables favoured the T-type MGs. Forces in East Riding, Wolverhampton, Essex, Cumberland, Sussex, and Derbyshire also utilised them, though Kent and Lancashire were particularly associated with the 'Octagon badge'. The TC's original police fittings include a bell, or 'gong', and a 'loudhailer' ingeniously disguised as a frying pan. While wider than its TB predecessor, the TC was still a relatively cramped vehicle for two officers. Getting in with the roof up could be a challenge, but dropping the roof made access easier. In an era of slower traffic, the TC's agility and a top speed close to 80mph would have been a significant asset. Its compact size also allowed it to be less conspicuous when tailing larger vehicles, as noted by a Kent chief superintendent. Luxuries were minimal, with no heater, but this was typical for T-types. Despite the notoriously imprecise steering on pre-TD MGs, Jupp finds it great fun to drive, evoking a sense of bygone chases.

The Metropolitan Police's Jaguar S-Type Era

Upon joining the Metropolitan Police, Ernie Jupp recalls the significant presence of the Jaguar S-Type. Although he didn't drive one during his service, he now owns 'Charlie One', a 1968 Area Car in black livery (traffic cars were white). This particular S-Type served at West Central and Bow Street stations until 1971, even being present during the transport of the Kray twins to prison in 1969. The Met trialled three S-Types in 1966, leading to an order for a substantial fleet, estimated by Jupp at 266 cars, between 1967 and the end of the S-Type's production in 1968. The interior, while lacking modern comforts like armrests or walnut veneer, surprisingly includes a cigarette lighter. Jupp notes the distinctive 'special smell' of old police cars, often attributed to nicotine. The Borg-Warner Type 35 automatic gearbox was specified for police use with only Drive, Neutral, and Reverse gears to prevent overuse of lower ratios. These Met-spec Jaguars also featured a modified rear axle but lacked power steering, which could make low-speed manoeuvring feel heavy. Special production lines were reportedly required at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory for these bespoke police vehicles.

Restoring 'Charlie One'

Jupp acquired 'Charlie One' about ten years ago when it was in a less-than-ideal condition, with a tired body and an oil-leaking gearbox, though the roof beacon still functioned. The restoration process involved acquiring the correct Pye wireless set, a Winkworth bell (primarily used for pulling over motorists), and klaxon horns. The 'Mickey Mouse' spotlamps on the roof were a later addition by a film prop company after the car left police service. Jupp's son, Nicholas, assisted with the bodywork repairs and painting, bringing the Jaguar back to its authentic appearance, ready to patrol the streets of Carnaby Street.

The Rover P6: A Police Workhorse

The Rover P6 was the first large Area Car Ernie Jupp drove during his police service, though he also recalls driving numerous Panda Cars, starting with the Morris Minor, followed by the Austin 1100, and then the Allegro. He remembers the Allegro's distinctive square steering wheels on early models. Jupp's P6B is one of the later Metropolitan Police 3500 models, entering service in 1976 and stationed at Romford as Car K7 for approximately three years. When Jupp purchased it in 2010, it required attention to the floor and sills. Metropolitan Police Rovers were painted in various shades of blue and equipped with spotlamps, two-tone horns, radios, and the essential 'gong'. Like the Jaguar, the P6 featured an automatic transmission (Borg-Warner Type 65) but lacked power steering. Drivers of the era were accustomed to this, and roadholding was a significant strength of the P6. However, the Traffic division noted the limited boot space and restricted room for transporting suspects in the rear.

The Rover P6B's Competitor: The Triumph 2500 Mk2

The Metropolitan Police also extensively used the Triumph 2500 Mk2, a rival to the Rover P6B. Jupp found the Triumph more spacious than the Rovers and drove them more frequently in the 1970s. While he appreciated the Triumph's space, he felt the Rover P6 3500 had the edge in terms of driving pleasure. For those who remember the late 1970s, the sight of a Rover P6 police car can evoke strong nostalgia, conjuring images of the era's distinctive characters and the car itself responding to calls.

The 'Tomorrow Today' Rover SD1

British Leyland introduced a police-specification Rover SD1 in 1976, the same year the Met began using this car, heralded as representing 'Tomorrow Today'. Early models were V8-engined Area Cars finished in blue. By the end of the decade, London Rovers were commonly painted white with the 'jam sandwich' stripe livery. The 2600 model was used for area work, while the 3500, equipped with twin blue lamps, served in the Traffic divisions. Jupp's 1984 SD1 is believed to have served in the Chadwell Heath area. He acquired it in 2012 when it was somewhat tired but has since refurbished the paintwork and fitted a replacement V8 engine from a cancelled order. The equipment includes a video camera, a calibrated speedometer, a US-style 'wailer', and a substantial 'Police Accident' sign in the boot. Reflecting the austerity of many 1980s police vehicles, the SD1 featured manual windows, door locks, and steering, which was standard for the time.

The SD1's Famous Liver Run

The SD1 remained in service until around 1988. One particular SD1, A738 UJD, achieved lasting fame on 8 May 1987 during the 'Liver Run'. A patient in London required a liver transplant urgently, and an organ sourced in Hull had to be transported quickly to Kensington. Due to fog delaying a vital flight and all Met helicopters being grounded, a road transfer was the only option. An Essex Constabulary Ford Granada transported the package to the M11, where it was met by the Met SD1s. The crews had to cover the 27 miles to Kensington within a tight 30-minute window, navigating central London during a Friday afternoon. SD1 A738 UJD carried the liver, with A536 UJD acting as a backup and camera car. The SD1s arrived at the hospital at 12:25 pm, with navigators relying on A-Z map books for sections of the journey, as the crews were more accustomed to working in outer London.

A Second Life for the SD1

Although Jupp's SD1 was decommissioned over 30 years ago, it has had moments of continued service. In 2010, while being driven by Sergeant Neil Roberts at a community event at RAF Northolt, a burglary report came in nearby. With no other units available, Roberts and the 3500 assisted in apprehending the suspects, much to the surprise of those who witnessed the classic Rover with flashing blue lights.

The Wolseley 6/99: A Recent Addition

The most recent acquisition for the Jupp fleet is a 1960 Wolseley 6/99, which arrived in March 2018. During its restoration in the late 1990s, the original bodyshell was deemed too rotten, necessitating the fitment of a replacement. Jupp is still tracing the full history of this vehicle, which features a roof-mounted loudhailer, a common fitting on Traffic cars. The interior is basic, reflecting the standards of an entry-level Austin A99 Westminster, with a metal dashboard instead of wood, lacking the usual 'gentlemen's club' atmosphere of the 6/99. Jupp was pleasantly surprised by its road manners, particularly its lighter steering compared to the Jaguar and Rovers, though he drives it with care.

Why the Wolseley Stands Out

While Jupp professes no favourites, the Wolseley 6/99 holds a special place in the history of British police cars and popular culture. Its distinctive C-series engine note and the potential for issuing commands through the tannoy evoke memories of classic television shows and films. For many, the Wolseley 6/99 represents a pinnacle of automotive presence, and experiencing it can make other classic police cars feel like an anticlimax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the 1966 Austin Gipsy still on the road?
Yes, the 1966 Austin Gipsy, KYP 637D, is reportedly still on the road and is considered the only preserved mobile police column vehicle of its kind still operational.

Q2: When did the Metropolitan Police stop using Jaguar S-Types?
The Metropolitan Police ordered Jaguar S-Types between 1967 and the end of its production in 1968. They were in service for a number of years after that, with 'Charlie One' serving until 1971. The cars were phased out as newer models became available.

Q3: Does the Metropolitan Police have a historical vehicle fleet?
While not explicitly detailed in this article, the collection of Ernie Jupp, a former Met officer, demonstrates the existence and preservation of historical Metropolitan Police vehicles by enthusiasts. Many police forces maintain or work with organisations that preserve their historic fleet.

Key Takeaways

• Classic police cars offer a unique insight into the past.
• The Austin Gipsy represents a rare piece of Cold War civil defence history.
• Ernie Jupp's collection showcases the evolution of Met police vehicles from the 1940s to the 1980s.
• Vehicles like the MG TC, Jaguar S-Type, Rover P6, and Rover SD1 each have their own significant stories.
• Restoration and preservation efforts keep these automotive icons alive.