NAMPA -- The Nampa Police Department is adding a refurbished Crown Victoria in their fleet in an effort to save the city some money on police vehicles and provide more room for officers.
During a visit to Victoria, Canada earlier this year, Mayor Bob Henry learned that a taxi cab company had purchased old Crown Victorias and refurbished for their fleet.
Henry asked Nampa Fleet Superintendent Doug Adams to explore the idea. Three months later, the first of about 15 aging Crown Victorias has been overhauled and is being returned to the road this week.
Adams said it cost $12,837 and took 88.5 hours in the city's garage to rebuild the car that was destined for disposal this year. It had more than 127,000 miles on it.
"We replaced everything we know or thought would be a failure or problem," Adams said, explaining that the parts list included custom axles and the transmission.
"It looks, runs and drives like a new Crown Victoria," Adams said of the police car that was unveiled Monday night at the City Council meeting.
"This is exciting that as a city we're able to refurbish police vehicles," Police Chief Craig Kingsbury said Monday.
Ford quit making Crown Victorias in 2011. Since then, Nampa Police purchased fully equipped newer model sedans for about $34,700, but officers said the smaller option was uncomfortable. The City Council approved the purchase of six fully assembled SUV Ford Police Interceptors at $37,709 to provide a little more space for officers.
With the potential savings of about $24,000 and a durable vehicle with more comfort for the officers, Henry said he is excited to see how the pilot program plays out. It should take about two to three months to determine if the program is a success.
Adams said he has already purchased the parts for a second car and his shop will start that rebuild within the next two weeks.
