Since we have been discussing car dealerships I thought it would be interesting to see the evolution of Los Angeles police cars.
LAPL
Ed Hunt, park policeman for Griffith Park, in open terrain, holding the reins to his saddled horse. Photo dated: 1912.
LAPL
Photo of Los Angeles' first horseless patrol wagon, which also served as an ambulance. It was bought in 1904, was driven by electricity and boasted 20 miles per hour. At right is George Home, who became Chief of Police in later days. Captain C. L. Johnson is second from left. Photo dated: June 27, 1927.
LAPL
No date. 1900's? Long Beach's first police patrol wagon. "Police Dep't" is painted on the bottom of the windshield.
LAPL
A driver is receiving a traffic ticket in 1926 from motorcycle police. Next to the car is a truck marked "Justice Court," perhaps with a judge to dispense instant justice?
LAPL
No date. Various units of the police department are lined up one behind the other in rows. In front are horses. Next comes a row of bicyclists, with the riders standing beside their cycles. Behind them are travel cars with several passengers, but marked "Police Department City of Los Angeles".
H.A.M.B.
New Los Angeles police cars lined up in front of Albertson Motor Company building, circa 1925
LAPD Museum
LAPL
1927 The L.A. Coliseum was used to present police and equipment for review and inspection. Here the police cars are lined up in a row around part of the infield.
LAPL
A police car of the Pasadena Police Department equipped with a radio, in 1930. View l: A worker points to parts that will be installed into the police car. View 2: A worker installs the wiring on the police car. View 3: Two officers look at radio parts to be installed into the police car.
LAPL
View of a late 1930s police car.
LAPL 1947
Los Angeles Police Department officers J. A. Burnett and C. J. Keeton on patrol, checking a list of stolen automobiles.
flickr
LAPD West Valley 1947 Ford
flickr
1947 squad car radio.
Washington Post
A 1947 Plymouth police car joins a parade of vintage police cars.
LAPL 1950
Officers display some of the equipment used by the Pasadena Police Department. Some of which are: a camera, safety flares, clip boards, shot gun, rifle, a broom and a police car.
Silver State Peace officers Museum
Los Angeles (LAPD) Officer Ingram poses with his 1950 Ford Custom police car in 1951.
LAPL 1961
nterior view of a Los Angeles Police Department freeway interceptor car with a special speedometer on the dashboard, a police radio which not only communicates with downtown headquarters but also listens to other cars' broadcasts on his channel, and microphone.
flickr
1961 Dodge Seneca LAPD (last year of the tail fins)
List of LAPD cars since 1956:
1956 Chevrolet 4 door sedan
1957 Ford 4 door sedan
1958 Chevrolet 4 door sedan
1959 Ford 4 door sedan
1960 Patrol: Plymouth Savoy 4 door sedan
Interceptor: Pontiac Catalina 4 door
1961 Patrol: Dodge Dart 4 door
Interceptor: none purchased
1962 Patrol: Plymouth Savoy 4 door
Interceptor: Pontiac Catalina 4 door
1963 Patrol: Ford 300 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 4 door
1964 Patrol: Plymouth Savoy 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile 88 4 door
1965 Patrol: Plymouth Belvedere 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 4 door
1966 Patrol: Plymouth Belvedere 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile 4 door
1967 Patrol: Plymouth Belvedere 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile Delmont 88 4 door
1968 Patrol: Plymouth Belvedere 4 door
Interceptor: Oldsmobile Delmont 88 4 door
1969 Patrol: Plymouth Belvedere 4 door
Interceptor: none purchased, last year of Interceptor program
1970 Mercury Montego 4 door
1971 Plymouth Satellite 4 door
1972 AMC Matador 4 door
1973 AMC Matador 4 door
1974 AMC Matador 4 door
1975 Plymouth Fury 4 door
1976 Plymouth Fury 4 door
1977 Plymouth Fury 4 door
1978 Plymouth Fury 4 door
1979 No patrol cars purchased
1980 Plymouth Gran Fury 4 door
1981 Plymouth Gran Fury 4 door
1982 thru 1991 a mix of Chevrolet Impala/Caprices and Ford (LTD) Crown Victorias were used.
1992 unknown if cars purchased
(LAPD a few 1992 Chevrolet Caprices, they got them from MTA Police that were merged into the LAPD)
1993 Chevrolet Caprice
1994 Chevrolet Caprice
1995 Chevrolet Caprice
1996-2007 Ford Crown Victoria
2008 Dodge Charger
Ford Crown Victoria
2009-2011 Ford Crown Victoria
Police Car Web Site