Local History

The Mini Cooper may seem an unusual choice for a police car but it was favoured because it is very fast. It can reach speeds of up to 90mph. Surprisingly, perhaps, another reason for the selection this car was its ability to carry all the police's gear in the back.

The car is a rarity and was used by Liverpool and Bootle's police force in the 1960s before being withdrawn in 1970. The Mini Cooper also celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

Noel's restored Mini still has its police radio, siren and flashing lights.

Noel on the Mini's deployment

"The introduction of 'Unit Policing', a mixture of high speed transport and men on the beat, was developed as a result of the need to police problem areas in Merseyside and Greater London. With the advent of new high-rise blocks and new motorway networks, the 'Kirby Project' that resulted was widely used. Small, economical cars were required, and at this time, 1965, no high speed cars or flying squad units were needed.

"All forces used some form of unit transport and as motorway building became more intense, Traffic cars were used in a wide variety of forms, from E-Type Jags to Sunbeam Tigers and Daimler Darts. Fine for speed, but their lack of carrying capacity rendered them  at a disadvantage when fully loaded, and so smaller high performance saloons were adopted, hence the Mini Cooper.

"Of the cars allotted by BMC, Liverpool & Bootle Police bought Mini Cooper S models in standard form. Fast and manoeuvrable, with the benefit of having done a nice bit of publicity for themselves by winning the Monte Carlo Rally 3 times between '64 & '67, they were seen to be ideal in chasing and apprehending crooks up and down the newly built motorway network.

Painted in monotone white for reasons of visibility, they were last used in May '71, when larger, more powerful cars like the Rover V8 came into being."