Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen, Police/Emergency
Volkswagen Beetle police cruiser, the "bug-erceptor"
It's a rather undignified process, being pulled over by the police. Next time you're sitting at the side of the road with the lights flashing in your rearview mirror, just think of this: at least you weren't pulled over by a VW Beetle. Unless you reside in Blount County, Tennessee, where Archie Garner, a 40-plus-year police veteran, nabbed this 1972 Beetle in a DUI case and summarily converted it into an Interceptor. Not that it does too much intercepting, being capable of only 70 miles per hour or so using the stock air-cooled 1600cc engine.
The "bug-erceptor", as it's affectionately referred to, just so happens to be car 53, wearing the same number as the lovable bug from the Herbie movie enterprise, and sees most of its duty in parades and on public relations missions. Wouldn't it be fun, though, to see your buddy pulled over in his souped-up Camaro by a Beetle? That's a story he'd never be able to live down.
[Source: USA Today, Knoxville News Sentinel]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BLS 4:03PM (3/25/2008)
So that 302 on the front isn't for the engine displacement?
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Avalanche 4:07PM (3/25/2008)
The cop driving this better have a rack with generous amounts of cleavageon display.
I guess it also could be a guy in short shorts like on Reno 911.
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_Jon 4:10PM (3/25/2008)
Great, they confiscate property and use it themselves, rather than auction it off - like the law requires.
"Like you and me, only better."
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NYChic 4:18PM (3/25/2008)
Police departments use confiscated vehicles to show the public what could happen to their vehicles if they are caught dealing, using, what have you. It's meant as a deterent. A good number of forfeited vehicles ARE auctioned off, while the higher profile ones make a bigger statement, especially when emblazoned with "THIS VEHICLE COURTESY OF YOUR LOCAL DRUG DEALER", or "DRUG FORFEITURE".
Disgruntled Goat 4:44PM (3/25/2008)
Since when could the gov't take your property for a DUI anyway? The drug rationalization was that the property was purchased with illegally obtained drug money therefore subject to confiscation by the state. There's either a lot more to this story or we're living under a far more tyrannical gov't than I thought.
Guenther 4:49PM (3/25/2008)
It never ceases to amaze me how more holes are poked into your rights in the name of fighting drunk drivers. No, I'm not trolling. If you decide today that its OK to take someone's property, because they committed a crime, how long will it be before the same applies to some other crime. Speeders are dangerous- maybe they should hand over their cars, too. But if you don't own a car, then you don't forfeit it????
No one should drive while impaired in any way- I'm not arguing that point. There are better ways to prevent it- and penalize for it.
Yggdrasilly 4:20PM (3/25/2008)
...there's a Scout Troop short a child,
Kruschchev's due at Idlewild--
"Car 53, where aaaaare yooouuuuu?"
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Farris 4:20PM (3/25/2008)
Curved windshield, huh? That means it's a Super Beetle, more specifically a 1302, which I believe were first produced in 1973... I could be wrong though.
And unless he made it really heavy with a ton of police gear, it should be good for about 80. I used to drive my old 73 Beetle to school, and would usually go about 75 on the highway.
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Tim 3:48PM (3/31/2008)
Actually, that is a 1303; 1302's were built between 71-72 and had a curved windshield and smaller taillights. 1303's were built between 73-79 for the NA market, '03 for the rest of the world via the Mexican VW plants.
Rick 4:24PM (3/25/2008)
Would have been cooler if you were pulled over by the volksrods.com Rat Patrol
http://tinyurl.com/2lrycg
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Keith Griffin 4:30PM (3/25/2008)
With more and more departments engaging in no pursuit policies they don't need cruisers that can go much faster than this Beetle (local - not highway departments). Maybe VW could bring back the VW Thing as a police vehicle. Would make more sense than those gas hogging Explorers departments are growing fond of.
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CarbonBlack 6:18PM (4/07/2008)
I agree. The VW Thing would be an easy profile to watch for.
With the light bar's size decrease, us speeders need a need more visual cop detection clues.
iamhoff 4:41PM (3/25/2008)
The City of Brawley, CA in Imperial County (near the Glamis Dunes) used to have a late 60's Beetle done up in black & white, with the logos, light bar and some tasteful, vintage 5 slot mags. They used it mainly for community events, but it was technically a line-capable patrol vehicle. I tried to find a picture, but it kind of predated the intertubes. Fun stuff, though.
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UhOh 5:00PM (3/25/2008)
This is nothing new in most of Mexico...
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CarbonBlack 5:01PM (3/25/2008)
I would do an engine swap, and suspension upgrade!
1.8T from a GTI
V6 From the R32-with AWD powertrain
Remove the rear seats and make it mid engined with the GT Speeds W12 engine.
talk about a lightweight sleeper!
-nick
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L.Wood 5:10PM (3/25/2008)
I am with Guenther. There is a better way to punish DUI types. I read a few years ago that the progressive country of Bulgaria executed their DUI types. Sounds like a plan. I would extend it to those who think stealing cars is a valid career pursuit.
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ThreeDubJeenyus 9:08PM (3/25/2008)
Absolutely beautiful Beetle. It's a gorgeous color...I don't know what the Top Gear crew is on about when they say they hate these things.
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Sean 3:57AM (3/26/2008)
Well, VW has a lot of possibilities, maybe they will make it in the USA: http://www.beyondthekm.com/2008/03/26/vw-coming-to-america/
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shawn 7:09AM (3/26/2008)
I'm glad to see others are upset that the government can take your property away for a DUI. Sure take their license and registration but property and keep it for law enforcement!
I don't condone DUIs but MADD has become the largest lobbiest group in US history that keeps getting the DUI alcohol percentage lower and lower with no gaining affects.
DUI laws are the only ones "on the books" where you are guilty until proven innocent.
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javamon 7:17AM (3/26/2008)
They can use this as their newest enforcement vehicle on the dragon!
(i.e.: this livery should look very familiar to recent tail of the dragon visitors)
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