PNYXPRESS

What exactly is a "Q" car? I cant find any info on it and never heard of it before in the mustang world other than the older cars where it designated the engine or the steeda cars which aren't "stock".

BabyGT

He's police, its got something to do with the fact that its an unmarked car, like "Q"uite or something like that.

PNYXPRESS

So am I so if that's it, it must be their dept name for it.

BabyGT

Ah, you cops have good taste in vehicles lol

TfcCDR

It derives from the "Q ships" used in WWII -- these looked like ordinary freighters to lure attackers, who discovered that they were traps. We inherited the designation from a former LA detective who retreaded with my agency, decades ago. We still use a few of his phrases, such as calling HTs "CC units" and our all-white radio cars are "night cars."

Our Q cars don't look like copmobiles unless you REALLY know what you're looking for (like the itty-bitty black "salt shaker" antenna on the trunk lid, or if you notice that the "AM/FM" antenna is a little unusual). We have a guy in this area who is a real magician at hiding radios, lights, etc. Our Qs are so not-a-cop-car in appearance that my guy in the Mustang routinely cites Vs who tailgate (at posted limit) then rocket past him when they get an opening in traffic. Apparently they like showing up a Mustang!

TfcCDR

Work traffic division for a while, and fancy cars cease to impress you. Seriously.

There are only two people who really care how fast your car goes -- you, and the motorcop behind you.

BabyGT

I wasn't necessarily speaking of speed, more along most police vehicles are Fords!

TfcCDR

That number has been plummeting in the last few years, since the Crown Vic went out of production. Fortunately, we still have a few of those so when weather forces me off my motor and into a car, I don't have to drive a Dodge.