Vintage 1957 Ford LAPD patrol car clone

1957 Ford Custom Custom

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When police cars like this one were in service, the City of Los Angeles, had approximately 2 million residents, less than half the people it contains today. Many freeways were yet to be built.
The city had 6 digit phone numbers. There were no ZIP codes or area codes as we know them now. Traffic signals were often "semaphore types", and the average cost of auto fuel was .25 cents a gallon. The city was growing at a dizzying rate, and things were changing fast. LAPD was no exception. The City's 57 Ford patrol car is historic, in that it was the last model powered with an inline 6 cylinder engine, mated to a 3 speed, manual (column shift) transmission. The 223 cubic inch Ford six was a strong runner, performing remarkably close to V-8's of the day. Jay Leno saw this car in 2013, and expressed an interest, primarily recognizing its significance to change. This is the only correct example of a LAPD 57 Ford known to exist.
LOW ORIGINAL MILES
90,098 original miles. Car has brake drums dated (5-10-57). Radiator dated (6-57). Windshield, ball joints, head lights, are factory original.
Original engine while still OK, was replaced with a rebuilt 57 motor having less than 10K miles. (receipts available). Engine detailed with correct decals, colors, and original components including "road draft tube". Expensive reproduction factory "Power Punch" battery, cloned to appear as original "wet cell" type, however It does not contain water. It is a dry or gel cell design, very reliable, and will not create acid damage.
Front & rear springs replaced with heavier type used in "police package" vehicles. Also installed NOS original type non-gas shocks.
BONUS EXTRAS
The following period correct items go with the sale; CO2 fire extinguisher dated 1-57, Motorola electronic "bull horn" (working), Motorola 2-way portable, Vintage Johnson & Johnson first aid kit, LAPD issued "D" cell flashlight, vintage City of Los Angeles municipal code book (1956).
(note) Some items have “property of LAPD stenciled on them. This was done for effect. The City did not own these items, except the roof can lights and flashlight.
MOTOROLA trunk mount 2-way radio
Detailed focus was placed on this equipment. The radio and associated components were all manufactured in 1957. FM roof antenna is period correct, with the phenolic base painted white to reduce cracking per LAPD specs. Second antenna is AM radio type, including modifying the radio to have AM type antenna jack. LAPD cars received dispatch calls on 1712 KHZ AM, and transmitted back to HQ on 155.01 MHZ FM. This is the reason for two different type antennas. The rare "communications equipment" brass ID plate was reproduced at considerable expense. The car is equipped with an electronic module that plays LAPD Valley Division calls through the Motorola speaker. They play in a continuous loop. These are recorded onto a SD card, and edited to eliminate any information that did not exist in 1957… Totally realistic!
GENUINE LAPD EQUIPMENT
The roof mounted "Can Lights" are vintage S&M model 757's used on a LAPD Central Division (1-983) Black & White unit. They have GE 4001R seal beams front and rear. LA did not use Amber rears until 1963). The siren, B&M model S8B (identical to the one in original LAPD 57 photo), was remanufactured by the factory under direction of the late Kevin O'Connell (RIP). Kevin searched through a number of cores to find one with a "period correct" serial number. It is a masterpiece of his work, and produces a robust, spine tingling sound. Also siren related are the deluxe horn ring (part of a police package), and a floor mounted button on the passenger side, for use by a second officer. This was helpful to the driver who was busy shifting gears and maneuvering the vehicle on code three calls.
POLICE PACKAGE INTERIOR
Interior color and materials were changed to match the Ford "police package" tan colors. This package included rubber floor mats, and new vinyl headliner.
LICENSE PLATES
Original unrestored license plates, numbered only 174 digits from the ones displayed in the original photo of a LAPD 57 Ford. Totally period correct, they could easily have been issued to LA city vehicles including LAPD. The City owned several hundred vehicles in the 1950's, which included 500 or more 57 Fords.
BODY & PAINT
This was a "body on" restoration, however the doors, hood, front fenders, and deck lid were all removed for painting and installation of new rubber seals. Front floor pans & outer rockers were replaced with new reproduction parts. Lower portion of front fenders replaced with new metal. Quarter panels, rear floors and trunk are original and solid. Paint materials are top of the line PPG products. Front and rear bumpers were triple chrome plated.
OVERALL CONDITION
The car is always kept indoors when not driven. It has only been used a few dozen miles since completion. It runs reliably, strong, and does not smoke. Condition is excellent with these exceptions; The clutch despite being new, chatters some when in reverse. The original windshield has a short crack in the lower drivers side just above the chrome molding. It is easily missed, and no one has ever made notice of it. I know of no other issues with the car. Note: Fuel tank was just drained and new gas installed. New fuel pump (including glass bowl), new fuel filters, & hoses. Fresh oil change, and new spark plugs.
WHEELS & TIRESFord Police Package cars in 57, normally left the factory with 14 inch wheels & tires. LAPD specified 15 inch wheels & tires, preferred for their handling characteristics. This car is equipped with (5) new original style Firestone Deluxe Champion bias ply tires, size 7:10 X
15. They only have a few dozen miles on them.
QUESTIONS
Seller welcomes questions .
BIDDERS: Seller reserves with discretion, the option to reject bids from individuals with negative feedback.
PAYMENT
A $500 deposit is required via Pay Pal at close of auction. Balance due within seven (7) business days from auction end. Payment is required to be by WIRE TRANSFER, conducted through a USA based bank ONLY.
SHIPPING : Seller will cooperate with shippers, and is experienced with the process.
STORAGE
Seller will provide indoor storage while awaiting pickup, not to exceed two weeks from auction close.
Buyer must provide their own Comprehensive insurance protecting the vehicle while still in sellers custody. Sellers insurance will not cover a third party (buyer).
TITLE
This vehicle has a clear Montana title in sellers name.
EBAY COMPLIANCE
Per eBay policy, siren and lights are disabled.

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• Make: Ford
• Model: Custom
• Type: Sedan
• Trim: Custom
• Year: 1957
• Mileage: 90098
• VIN: A7RG195629
• Color: Black & White
• Engine size: 223 Cubic inch
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Tan
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!