A POLICE pursuit car, famed for chasing crooks through Southend, is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The white Triumph TR4 police car was the stuff of nightmares for Essex drivers in the 1960s, and could soon be on the streets once again - although without the blues and twos.
Interior - the inside of the Triumph TR4 police car
At work - the car was supplied to the Southend constabulary in May 1962, as a speedy pursuit vehicle designed to chase down reckless or speeding drivers
The car was supplied to the Southend constabulary in May 1962, as a speedy pursuit vehicle designed to chase down reckless or speeding drivers.
Once the car was retired from the police force, it was passed around several owners before turning up in Somerset in the late 70s. Eventually, it was acquired in a dilapidated state in 1991 and the mission began to bring it back to full working order.
And now it has been restored and is set to be auctioned on Wednesday, July 24.
Roger Nowell of H&H Classics, said: “This fabulous TR4 was supplied to the Southend Constabulary in May 1962 as a fast pursuit vehicle.
“It comes with pictures of it while in service with two officers seated, copy of the Police book, ‘advanced driving explained’ in which it is featured on the cover with Inspector W H Jobson, the author and various letters and emails from the officers who drove the car whilst in service.”
The classic car has been subject to a comprehensive restoration by experts Revington TR and comes complete with working signs, Winkworth Bell, air hors and spot lamps, extended wing mirrors, Dunlop RS5 road speed tyres as well as carrying its original registration plate.
The car was well-used in its time with the force, with it regularly being used two shifts a day, seven days a week, racking up roughly 1,000 miles a week. Originally the car had no seat belts with one officer stating he “hung onto the underside of the seat whilst in fast pursuit”.
While Southend residents may have memories of officers driving the car through the streets with the top down.
The car is being auction by H&H classics at Buxton on July 24.
Pristine - the police pursuit car, famed for chasing crooks through Southend, is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel