1946 Ford TudorBob Riley pictured with a 1946 Ford. The post-war Highway Patrol cars displayed a new style emblem. The new design was larger and featured an image of the state of Minnesota with the words
MINNESOTA HIGHWAY PATROL within its borders. The vehicle's unit number was placed just below the driver's window. Notice the frost shields on all the windows. |
1949 Ford TudorThe first body design change since before the war, the 1949 Ford was pretty sleek looking compared to its predecessors. Ford continued to use the Flathead V8 displacing 239 cubic inches. However, the cars of the Highway Patrol may have been powered by the slightly larger 255 cubic inch Mercury engine.
The door shield was modified again this year with the addition of the vehicle’s unit number below the Highway Patrol legend; a configuration that would remain in use through 1959. |
The first true Police Package car was introduced by Ford in 1950. In prior years, police agencies special ordered many heavy duty components when purchasing their vehicles. Beginning in 1950, checking a single box on the order form would get you much of the severe service equipment agencies wanted most; heavy duty radiator, bigger brakes, heavy duty suspension, even heavy duty seats with special upholstery, to name a few.