A 1946 Pontiac with 12,700 miles, only driven on Sundays...Sure we believe it!

THE FIRST COUNTY OWNED PATROL CAR           
                                                                          

Shortly after World War II, San Joaquin County purchased two 1946 Pontiac Streamliner 4-door sedans as the first county-owned patrol vehicles.  As was the custom of the day, you could buy them in any color you wanted...as long as it was black.  With addition of red lights, siren, and a state-of-the-art tube type two-way radio, these cars patrolled two beats - the North half and South half of the county - only 700 square miles each!  The day of mobile law enforcement had finally arrived. 

In 1996, the Historical Preservation Board considered taking on the ambitious project of finding and restoring the patrol cars to their original glory.  Sadly, both vehicles have long since gone to the patrol car graveyard in the sky.  Not to be disillusioned, a nationwide search was started to find a '46 Pontiac Streamliner in restorable condition.  And, as hard as it is to believe, we found one!   AND, BELIEVE IT OR NOT...it was only driven by a older couple to and from church on Sundays?   WELL>>> for the true story...  CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY AND MORE PHOTOS!

Now, the fully restored (and operational) vehicle is available for public presentations and events in Northern California.  It has been on display for several months and has been admired by both law enforcement officers and car enthusiasts alike.  It will be on display in local exhibits and parades and at the Stockton Asparagus Festival in April of each year.

HELP US FIND A HOME FOR THIS REMARKABLE PIECE OF HISTORY!

Back to Home Page

More photos and car history