√Holden Commodore V8 highway patrol cars to live-on – as 1/43 scale models

Do you miss the sight of a Holden Commodore V8 highway patrol car in your rear-view mirror? How about one for your desk or bookshelf?

Rev-heads have one last chance to preserve the memories of iconic Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon highway patrol vehicles after a local firm released a limited run of 1/43 scale model police cars.

The models – which are about 11cm long, a bit bigger than Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars – are unique to Australia and have been produced by a local model car enthusiast who is donating a portion of the funds raised to NSW Police Legacy and Victoria Police Legacy, the not-for-profit groups that support families of fallen officers.

Signal 1 Model Cars is taking pre-orders for the latest batch of 1/43 model cars that includes a selection of Holden Commodore VF SS models in NSW Police highway patrol markings in white, grey, or blue.

The detail includes extra aerials, a radar unit mounted on the rear passenger-door window, and number plate recognition cameras on the light bar.

The same models are also available in Victoria Police highway patrol markings – which were accurate at the time the vehicles were in service but have since changed – but in grey or blue colour schemes.

There is also a small number of Ford Falcon highway patrol cars in Victoria Police highway patrol markings – in blue or gold.

The models are designed to appeal to enthusiasts and police alike. Customers can option specific registration plate numbers or vehicle “callsign” numbers for an additional cost, as each label is applied by hand.

A post on Facebook says the first shipment of NSW Police highway patrol cars in 1/43 scale should begin arriving this month.

The models are priced from $140 each – plus postage and handling – and come with generic fleet numbers and registration plates.

However, the website says, these details can be customised with a specific callsign and registration plate for an additional $20.