TOP of the COPS

Ewan Howieson’s 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police car is one of very few that remains completely original and he reckons it’s ideal for everyday use. 2011 Ford Crown Victoria P7B Interceptor

- Mike Renaut

What makes someone want to own and drive an American police car in the UK? Ewan Howieson has several answers to the question. “I really wanted one, having seen so many movies that these Crown Victoria police cars were in. It’s an iconic shape and watching them slide around in car chases looked like a lot of fun. Plus, so many have been wrecked in service or in movies that the cars are getting rare and they’re actually quite practical to own.”

Ewan’s is a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria P7B Interceptor. “I asked the owners’ club if anyone was selling one and in August 2018 one of their members, Scott Blazer from R&S Motorsports in Largo, Florida, said a local police force was selling four cars. Another club member, Matt Keefe, was on holiday nearby and offered to check the cars. We did a video call where Matt pointed out what he felt was the best example and I bought it there and then. He ended up buying two of the others. I found out later that after I’d put down a deposit another police force tried hard to buy the cars.

“Crown Vics are really in demand since they’re one of the best police cars ever made and police officers are always reluctant to let them go.