Not only do I struggle with identifying the cars of the 1970s, but I’m also not well-versed in the equipment used in police pursuits back then. I believe most of you watching aren’t either. These cop cars were essentially beefier versions of their civilian counterparts, modified to handle the rigorous demands of law enforcement. Be sure to watch until the end of this video to gain a deeper understanding of these classic cars. There will be a poll in the community tab for you to vote on your favorite.
The Context of 1970s Police Cars
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that the cars mentioned were produced right before the oil crisis and before emissions standards severely impacted the automotive industry. Comparing full-size LTDs to downsized Novas isn’t fair.
Additionally, many cop cars post-1974 were heavily detuned to comply with new regulations. This list focuses mainly on vehicles from 1970 to 1973, when police cars were built to endure high-speed chases, perform pit maneuvers, and carry large cargo loads.
From the factory, these cars received various upgrades like heavy-duty shocks, coil springs, torsion bars, stabilizer bars, bigger brakes, and stiffer body mounts.
While these performance enhancements were crucial, what truly set these cars apart was their engines and transmissions. People today still admire these vehicles, often purchasing retired police interceptors at auctions.
AMC Matador Enforcer
The AMC Matador Enforcer was predominantly used by the LAPD, Georgia, and Alabama police forces. Under the hood, it packed AMC’s largest V8—a 401 engine producing 330 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds. The Matador came equipped with Chrysler’s Torqueflite transmission, which was highly regarded for its reliability.
Although LAPD officers praised the Matador for its superior handling and braking compared to Plymouths, AMC eventually exited the police car market in 1976 due to limited demand. While not as popular as other brands, the Matador remains a standout choice from this era.
AMC Javelin
In 1971, the Alabama State Troopers introduced the AMC Javelin as the first pony car used in law enforcement. Initially, they ordered just two units but soon expanded the fleet to 130 cars. The Javelin featured a 401 V8 engine paired with AMC’s Borg-Warner transmission.
However, the Javelin’s short wheelbase and low-profile tires made it challenging to handle. It gained a reputation for being “almost too responsive,” leading to frequent accidents. While not heavily modified compared to other police cars, the Javelin’s story remains an interesting chapter in police car history.
Dodge Polara Pursuit
By 1970, Chrysler dominated the police car market, with Dodge Polara Pursuits being among the most popular choices. The 1969 Polara Pursuit, equipped with a 440 engine, held the top speed record for a four-door sedan until 1994.
However, by 1972, emissions standards caused the engine’s power output to drop significantly. Despite the reduced performance, many police forces favored the Polara for its durability and reliability. The phrase “Mopar or no car” still resonates with enthusiasts today.
Ford Police Cars
Ford was the first to offer a dedicated police package in the 1950s, and their vehicles were popular in media, like the 1968 Custom 500 featured in “Dirty Harry.” During the early 1970s, Ford’s lineup included the LTD, Galaxie, and Custom 500. The 1971 Galaxie 500, with its 429 Police Interceptor engine, was particularly noteworthy, producing 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
However, Ford police cars of the time faced criticism for having unreliable brakes, which impacted their popularity among law enforcement agencies.
General Motors Police Cars
General Motors (GM) also produced several police cars during this period, including the Bel Air, Biscayne, and Townsman wagons. The 1971 Bel Air, with the Police Package, could be equipped with a 454 V8 engine, delivering 365 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. However, like other manufacturers, GM’s engines were detuned in the following years to comply with emissions regulations.
Despite the initial decline, GM’s police cars gained popularity in the mid-1970s with the introduction of the Nova and Impala 9C1, which became mainstays in police fleets.
Conclusion
These classic cop cars from the early 1970s represent a unique era in automotive history, showcasing the blend of performance and durability required for law enforcement. From AMC’s Matador and Javelin to Dodge’s Polara and GM’s Bel Air, each car brought something unique to the table. While many of these vehicles have faded into history, they remain beloved by enthusiasts and collectors.
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite in the community tab poll! I’m excited to see which car takes the top spot. This was one of the most challenging videos I’ve made, but I hope you found the information insightful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll see you all next week!
