Another guy from Texas...

[bsparks72]

Hi guys/gals (probably not that many gals in this forum I suspect). I just picked up a 2012 9C1 from Chicago Motors. Talked 'em down to $12,700. Not a screaming deal, but I had to choose from what was available in my price range. I was tired of waiting. With shipping, I'm back up to $13,500. Oh well!

http://www.chicagomotors.info/2907/2012 ... ice-Police" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Like many, I've had quite a number of police cars over the last 15+ years, ranging from 9C1 LT1 Caprices, Z56 Tahoes, B4C Camaros, among other stuff. I see a few folks I recognize from impalassforum.com, like Bill Harper (Navy Lifer) and James (eagle-co94). Over there, I was VIN Guy, as I worked at a GM dealer in service, and was running a GM VIS for anyone that asked, so they could get all of the GM info on their cars. That was a long time ago. I also recognize K9Vic, as we used to hit the same auctions together a dozen or more years ago.

So, I'm back in a 9C1, as soon as it gets here. I'm anxious! My other ride is a Saab 9-7X 5.3. Many are unaware of an LS in a Saab from the factory. They made some like mine that are 5.3, and very few (700 and something) Aeros, that are basically rebadged Trailblazer SS. Mine has a few mods like CAI, Spal electric fans that replace the factory clutch fan, JBA exhaust (made for a TBSS, fits like a glove), and a PCMofNC tune. Trans has a TransGo kit, and there are other things I'm forgetting. So yeah, the Caprice will likely get some mods, but will remain a daily driver. '

I've read up on the Caprice, so I know a few things that need to happen immediately. I can see my money going out the window already.

Here's my new one, and a few old ones going way back.



Current daily, the Saab.



State of Texas B4C Camaro



2005 State of Texas Z56 Tahoe



1995 9C1



My first, a 1994 9C1. You can see my 383-powered '78 Impala in front of it.



1999 B4C from the City of Fort Worth. Came with a missing passenger seat...and a roll bar installed by the city. Really.





Then there were a whole bunch of P71 Crown Vics that don't really warrant pics.

To round it out, how about a low-budget '89 Jaguar XJ6 with an LT1/4L60e?





So, if you're still reading, hello!

[9C1fanatic]

Welcome to the forum! Those are some nice cars there. Interesting collection. What part of Texas are you from?

[bsparks72]

I'm in Katy, just west of Houston. And all of the others are long gone, except for the Saab. Easy come, easy go!

[9C1fanatic]

Wow, I was born and raised in Katy! Small world. Maybe we know each other. I bet the seat was removed in the B4C to mount equipment or my second guess is they actually used the car to transport prisoners in the back seat when needed. These cars were usually only used for traffic enforcement but the officers still need to make occasional arrests. Never seen one transported in a Camaro though. Those cars were awesome. Of course, the performance gap has closed quite a bit since those days between police sedans and pony cars which is one of the reasons I believe ford and Chevrolet got out of the business of pony cars for law enforcement.

That and Ford was embarrassed that the LT1 Caprice had a higher top speed than the Mustang GT, and even the Cobra in 94-95.

LOL!

[bsparks72]

I've been in Katy since 2000, but have been in the Houston area my whole life. Grew up in Lake Jackson. Yeah, the Camaro had equipment mount holes on the passenger side floorboard. Had to go salvage yard hunting for a passenger seat. Left the roll bar though.

You're right, with the performance you can get from any of the Big 3 in a sedan or SUV for pursuit, there's not much need to run a pony car 2-door. I know some still do it anyway. HPD has a few Camaros with ghost markings. I know there are a few Hill Country PPV guys on here. Maybe I can roadtrip out there if there's a meet or something.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/attachmen ... 1320192170" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[9C1fanatic]

That would be awesome!

Yeah, I grew up in Memorial Parkway just off Mason Road. One of the members here lives just 15 minutes down the road from me. I missed the last gathering that was in Texas but hopefully there will another soon.

San Antonio PD has a few Camaros also. But they are the base models with the 3.6L and of course they are retail not B4C. I think many of the departments that do run these cars now a days do so more for public relations or (notice I did not say AND) for traffic enforcement because they tend to blend in better than traditional police package vehicles. Even the old B4C cars were hard to tell from the other Camaros for the general public. But yeah I would say the difference between a 2014 Camaro SS L99 and a 2014 Caprice PPV L77 is not nearly as night and day as say a
1990 Camaro B4C L98 vs 1990 Caprice 9C1 with LO5

or

worse yet a 2002 Camaro B4C LS1 vs a 2002 Crown Victoria P71!

[9C1fanatic]

Also, I just looked at all of the pics of your new car on the link you posted. Very nice! I am amazed at the value these cars retain. Do you know the history of the car. Was it a demo vehicle or in service. If it was in service, I would have to guess a Sheriffs Dept or highway patrol to rack up that many miles in only two years. Either way probably not as hard of a life as most municipal cars. When you get the car, let us know how it drives. I'm sure at 100,000 miles that thing still drives like a brand new car.

[K9Vic]

I know that guy!!!

Welcome Mr. Sparks to the new Caprice world.
I remember those DPS & Fort Worth auctions back before the Internet kicked in. That Fort Worth Camero was one of their high speed pursuit cars.

Always loved how DPS painted them squiggly lines on their cars, was easy to remove with oven cleaner.

[bsparks72]

I knew it wouldn't be long before you saw this! Yes, the DPS cars were a lot of fun with the primer "racing stripes" they put on them. Ugh! Good to see you guys in this blast from the past.

[Gerome]

Welcome to the forum and that jaguar with the lt1 looks sweet . What was it like to drive ?