Merseyside Police has welcomed the return of two former police cars to their previous home at Smithdown Lane station.



The vintage Ford Escort RS2000’s which were owned by Merseyside Police in the 1980’s have been restored by ex-police officers. They returned to the station on Thursday, 16 November and were welcomed by members of the force including Chief Constable Andy Cooke, and the Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy.

Chief Inspector Tony Jones from the Matrix Roads Policing department said: “It was wonderful to see the Escorts yesterday and I’m sure it was a real blast-from-the-past for some members of the force.



“The return of the cars was a great opportunity for some Merseyside Police nostalgia, especially for the for Roads Policing department who thoroughly enjoyed comparing the cars with the vehicles they use today- and there’s definitely plenty to compare. The gentlemen have done a great job of restoring them.”

One of the cars belonged to ex-Humberside police officer Graham Carter, who bought it at auction back in early 2015 for £14,000. He has since spent the past two years and around £2,500 restoring the car to its former glory.

Graham said: “This isn’t the first restoration I have completed and I regularly attend car shows to exhibit my collection, it’s a great hobby. I’ve always been into old Mark I and II Escorts so this one was a great opportunity. It’s great to get to come and show it at its former home and the force have been very hospitable and helpful.”

The second car was restored by ex- Greater Manchester Police traffic officer, Sean White, who is now a pilot with Etihad Airways. He is also a vintage car enthusiast and has previously restored a Ford Capri.

The Escorts were parked next to the police car of today, a BMW, which gave a great opportunity to see the advancements in technology over the years. One of the Escorts even displayed its old tax disc – dated December 31, 1981.



Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “I love the passion and enthusiasm some people have for cars and it’s wonderful to see these former patrol cars back on their old beat. These cars are a credit to the retired officers who have lovingly restored them to peak condition.

“Seeing them here at their old home on Smithdown Lane, alongside the top of the range models that are used today, is a reminder of how much policing has changed in the last 40 or so years and the strides forward that have been made in policing our roads and keeping our communities safe.”

RS 2000 Awesome car... <3