METROPOLITAN POLICE AREA CAR, JAGUAR s-type 3.8, SUU 409F, IN RESTORATION, PRESERVATION AND SERVICE.

In the 1960s Jaguar cars were much favoured by UK Police, but outside of London it was almost always the MK2 or similar 340 saloons that were used. The Metropolitan Police believed however that the ageing Wolseley 6/110 needed to be replaced by something at least as spacious but considerably more powerful, so they settled on the S Type Jaguar.

Batches were bought in 1966, 1967 and 1968, totalling s

The cars were fitted out with a Pye Vanguard VHF radio set, a Winkworth bell and a set of two-tone horns, whilst a calibrated AT speedo replaced the standard fit Jaguar item. A Heller blue light and two Butler spot lamps adorned the roof whilst the Jaguar leaper was removed from the bonnet for safety reasons. The Jaguars were eventually replaced with  Triumph 2000 and Rover P6’s in the early 1970s

SUU 409F had the fleet number 1809 and was manufactured on the 20th June 1967 and delivered to the Met on the 21st August 1967. As it was a black 3.8 automatic it was assigned to Area car duties although it’s not currently known at which station. The car was retired in 1969 having clocked up 90,000 miles. SUU 409F was purchased as a complete wreck  in 2010. It had no engine, seats or window glass.