Back in the early days of the park, the Autopia had a police-themed vehicle. These two shots are both from 1955. The first photo is making its debut today, the 2nd one is re-run from a previous post. I am guessing that this car might have been used to "rescue" vehicles that were in distress since there is a gentlemen in a helmet in both photos. Anybody know about this particular type of Autopia car?
See more Disneyland Autopia photos at my regular website.
That's the first I've ever heard about a police car! Pretty darn cool.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think they had more than one. I seem to remember the opening day parade being lead by about four squad cars (yes, they took the cars off the track to be in the parade). The number may not be right, but I'm sure there were several...
ReplyDeleteI am scratching my head trying to remember if I knew of the police car or not. For the sake of argument I will say no. Thank you Dave for bringing yet another (UNKNOWN TO ME) wonderful look at the attention to detail aspect that Walt brought to his park for all to share.
ReplyDeleteI just don't recall every seeing this before. Very cool.
Stu - If you have a photo, I'd love to see it. I have a picture from the opening day parade with 6 Autopia cars, but none of them are the police-themed ones.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post!!!!
ReplyDeleteAccording to "Rod & Custom" magazine from November 1955 (link) there were four police cars built from the first batch of 40 Autopia cars. They went 25mph (vs. 11mph), they had sirens, red lights and other "distinctive insignia".
"The deputies need this extra speed to enable them to unsnarl traffic jams, lend assistance to the young and sometimes bewildered rookie driver..."
I read somewhere that one of the police cars was turned into "Walt's" Autopia car but Hot Rod magazine from Oct. 1955 states the final prototype became Walt's car. In the Hot Rod article photos (same link above) you can see one of the police cars and the license plate is: DL 1000-2
Tim - you are the best! Thanks!
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