Police cars for sale are easy to find and are a great value. Police cars usually go for reasonable prices at GSA auctions because of the supply and demand scenario.
In this article I am going to discuss police car auctions and gsa auctions. GSA is an abbreviated term for general service administration or better known as U.S. government auctions.
But lets start with a subject I enjoy. I love to buy and drive old police cars (like the blues brothers). Why do I like police cars?
Well I have worked on many in my day and currently I am working on sheriff dept and county vehicles. A police car is built with heavy-duty parts.
This is what I love about buying old police cars. You get well-maintained vehicles with heavy-duty parts.
First what parts are heavy duty. Well this varies from each manufacture. But in most cases we are talking about heavy-duty belts, hoses, beefed up suspensions with heavy-duty power train components and heavy sway bars, links, shocks and commercial grade floor mats instead of carpeting.
The vehicle is constructed for pedal to the metal performance and handling. My favorite police car of all time is the 96 Chevy caprice with the 9c1 package.
In my professional opinion this was the cream of the crop in heavy-duty police car manufacturing. The 1996 Chevy caprice police interceptor was built with the corvette LT1 engine with a 4 bolt main block and all the heavy-duty hoses and accessories that GM could find.
This police interceptor had 16-inch tires and Gm's 3.73 or even 4.11 positraction rear differential. The engine included gm's most powerful high-energy ignition system and dual exhaust to help let the LT1 350 V8 breath.
The electrical system was also upgraded with a high out put alternator, Gear reduction high torque starter and extra capacity dual battery's to help handle all the electronics you would find on a police car.
The package was very well balanced. It was fast and handled great. I have driven these cars many times and lets just say I would smile the whole time.
I worked for a Chevy dealership in 1996 and performed warranty repairs on these vehicles. I had a police officer tell me a great story.
His department had half crown vics and half caprices. When they would patrol on I 295 in New Jersey they would sometimes get into high-speed pursuit situations.
He described in great detail how he would blow by the crown vics that had wide open throttle with his caprice not even at 75% throttle.
The officers in this department would fight over the caprices and the loser's got the Fords.The caprice I speak of can still be found at some gsa auctions and other police car auctions.
The Chevy police car reached its peak in 1996 with the 9C1. Then Chevy got out of the police car game for a couple of years because they killed the full frame Chevy caprice all together.
This left GM with no police car platform. Ford dominated the market for many years. Gm has since got back in the game with its lame 6cyl Chevy impala. Now it's the Fords that blow by the Chevy's
Also Doge has come back into the police car competition with its hemi powered rear wheel drive dodge charger police interceptor. And Chevrolet has added a super charger to its underpowered entry. So we will have to see who winds up on top of the competition in the near future.
Gsa handles federal acquisition and procurement for equipment and supplies to various government agencies. Meaning they buy and sell the equipment that all levels of government use in the name of public service.
I have added a page to my website dedicated to the 9C1 Chevrolet caprice that includes videos of the cars in action and details of where to buy the best police cars for sale
Mark R Gittelman is an ASE Master Technician With more than 24 years experience in the automotive repair business. For more free automotive information visit his car questions web site. Or you can go straight to the car auction page to find out more about land based and internet car auctions.
» left by bob hunley (2 years 198 days ago.)
hey mark i loved your article about police cruisers. im a volunteer fire fighter/police officer in a really small town in illinois and ive been lookin for a cruiser and i cant seem to find one that is in good condition and cheap. i can only find over priced cruisers at dealerships. where can you find information on retired cruisers that the public can buy at cheap prices because i havent finished the academy yet, im just a volunteer so i cant afford a new 07 interceptor. a vic or old caprice would do, doesnt matter to me. thanks for the help Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 177 days ago.)
I thank you for the kind words. There are many sites on the net that list these LT1 retired police cars for sale. You can follow the link at the end of the article for more information. thanks again Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 183 days ago.)
I have driven one of these Lt1 caprices and I agree awsome expierance Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 177 days ago.)
On my automotive news and information page (the link is supplied above) I wrote a new story about the brand new 07 police interceptor SUV. Chevy is back in the game with this strong entry. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 109 days ago.)
Hi Mark, great article and thanks for validating the conflict I am having . In my '95 9C1 I have 3.73 gears and posi , with Impala SS springs and Herb Adams sway bars front and rear. I replaced the idler arms and center link and , wow , this thing moves quickly and turns like a slot car. Also added lower profile, wider tires from Kumho. Now the conflict. I have been having CV envy for awhile. I drove one and it just doesn't have the quickness or agility of mine 9C1. What it does have is better balance through turns. And a more recognizable profile to keep the NJ drivers and NY drivers off my ass. So, the conflict for these two reasons continue. Any input you have to add is much appreciated.
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 106 days ago.)
You have a good point. The automotive public has been conditioned to see the crown vic as a posible police car. When you drive the crown victoria you get a little extra respect from other drivers. But the chevy is more fun to drive. So I see your conflict but do not have the answer to it! Respond to this comment
» left by Ron from Edmonton, Ab , Canada (2 years 76 days ago.)
Hi Mark,
Ive had 9C1's for years now. But by far I really enjoy driving my '95 9c1, it has 245,000 miles on it and doesn't miss a beat! The posi is a bit tired...that's only really an issue in winter, but studded snow tires helps. My Chevy still gets 26mpg highway. Up here most of fleet cars from RCMP are white since 1993. My car is painted 2006 Chevrolet Blue Granite Metallic, black "SS" Grille, and black wheels, it looks agressive and gets the nod from other Caprice people. Up here ocassionally there some 9C1's around for sale, so while the US dollar is still gladly accepted in Canada some people that are looking... feel free to check out north of the border. Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 76 days ago.)
This sounds like one very cool 9C1. I was not aware that the RMCP used the 9C1 so widespread. Great comment and thanks for the lesson, and heads up on where to find more of these dwindling supply of classic retired police cars.
Thanks Mark R Gittelman Respond to this comment
» left by Danny from IL (2 years 60 days ago.)
FYI: the 9C1 Caprice doesn't technically have a Corvette engine. The Corvette has Aluminum heads and a 4-bolt main block. The '94-'96 9C1 (and Impala SS, and Wagons) have Iron heads (which outflow the Aluminum heads, BTW) and a 2-bolt main. Also, the caprices all had 15 inch wheels, but the 9C1 optinally got taller sidewall tires. The cop wheels look cooler than any of the other stock Caprice wheels, though.
Otherwise, great article pointing out one of the best used car deals on the planet - I've owned several, and while I prefer the '95 due to the cheaper equipment required to program the ECM, the '96 is definitely the best in stock form.
Don't overlook the '94-'96 wagons, either. They got the same LT1 and heavy duty suspension + cooling as the cop car, but no silicone hoses or power steering cooler (which isn't a big deal). They often go for even cheaper than the 9C1s, and can carry 7 people or a full 4x8 sheet of plywood! :) The '94-'96 Caddy Fleetwood and Buick Roadmaster are also good choices for the same engine and performance potential, but a little more luxury. Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 60 days ago.)
Danny : Well done response and 100% accurate. Your comments and facts are greatly appreciated. I particularly liked the comment about the roadmaster wagon being able to carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood. I did not know that and I live in florida where carrying plywood is a must. Thanks again for your comments and schooling us up! Respond to this comment
» left by Bob from Chicago, IL (2 years 54 days ago.)
I have a 96 9c1 but it's a L99 not a lt1. It has all the heavy duty stuff, but no "umff" It was a Warrenville ,IL patrol car. I guess this agency could care less about power for pursuit since it is a almost no crime area. I never hear anything in the news or paper about the town. How often do you come across 9c1's with L99's? Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 54 days ago.)
I found a site that should interest all about the specs of the different chevy caprice from 91-96 9c1.com/technical/engineapps.htm just put www in front of it. Respond to this comment
» left by Bob from Chicago, IL (2 years 54 days ago.)
BTW I know of no 9c1's with 3.73. the GU5 code on the lable in the under side of the trunk lid means 3.23 and the G80 code is for posi Respond to this comment
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (2 years 54 days ago.)
Whoops again. My bad, your right it was a 3.23 . Man you guys are good. I'm am very glad I wrote this article. I wrote the article because I love the car and the responces have even taught me more about the 9c1's. Thanks to all who read and responded! Respond to this comment
» left by dbaskett from Colorado (1 year 243 days ago.)
Im looking inro buying a retired police car and am curious about there average mpg. As nice as a car that any retired cop car would be i cant afford my car to be gas gussleing.
Can you help me out?
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (1 year 243 days ago.)
Hello: The 1996 model year gets about 16mpg on the highway and less in city driving. This is no economy car for sure! Respond to this comment
» left by dbaskett from Colorado (1 year 243 days ago.)
Do you know if any retired police cars get decient to good mpg? Impalas, dodges, crown vics or other.
» left by Mark Gittelman(7,009) Mark Gittelman (1 year 242 days ago.)
In almost all cases police package cars have big V8 gas sucking engines. This allows them to keep pace with the common highway speeder or bad guys. Although I believe the wave of the future will bring fuel economy front and center for local law enforcement agencies. They will most likley start downsizing their power plants and when needed call in state troopers that may include air support. Respond to this comment
» left by travis from houston (1 year 234 days ago.)
want to buy classic black and white police car like 1970 ford?please help 281 804 0452 travis Respond to this comment
» left by victor from chicago heigths ill (1 year 225 days ago.)
9C1s with the LT1 had 3.08 gears and the ones with a L99 HAD 3.23s but all 9C1s had 4 wheel disc brakes Respond to this comment
» left by Anthony Campisi from Broomfield, CO (1 year 220 days ago.)
Thanks for the great write up! I really want to buy a use police car, but i'm having a hell of a time finding the auctions. I'm not really sure where to go. I went to the site on your page and didn't find any answers. Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 159 days ago.)
I've owned a '95 9C1 for 2 years now with 140,000 miles on it and it runs like it's still brand new. Keep up with basic maintenance and the car is happy. It's as tough as nails, has all the power I could ever need/want and is smoother than melted butter on the highway. Mine's special though, it's got a goofed up paint job from the factory, one of 127 total that were ever made by the Texas Plant for South Carolina's Highway Patrol. It was sold to an old man and NEVER saw Police duty. It was cared for like a baby. Look me up on Cardomain, my name is Big73Catalina. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 148 days ago.)
Anybody has a 9C1 caprice complete rear axle in good condition? Give me a call 269 343 6488
Andy Respond to this comment
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