Rob's AU Forte - In Hot Pursuit:

(Back to AU Visitors Cars.)

So why on earth do we have an essentially stock AU Forte sitting on our Visitors Cars pages? Standard it may look but Rob's AU Forte actually represents one of the more curious pieces of AU folklore - as one of only a few V8 Forte's produced for Police use. Built in September 1999, this particular example spent the first two years of its' life chasing Crim's and protecting Pollies with the Federal Police in Melbourne Victoria before being sent to the Auction Yards for clearance. From there a dealer picked it up where it sat until Rob came along and picked up the keys to this desirable beast which is where we pick up the story...

Basically a standard Forte, the Police Spec included the standard 175kW V8 (which Rob says has not been tricked contrary to the many rumours), Limited Slip Differential, ABS brakes, twin air bags, sports suspension, calibrated speedo, interior light 'kill' switch and 'heavy duty' coolant from the factory for the arctic chill of Canberra. Rob has also noted extra wiring enabling the extra radios, antennas and lights to be fitted in the appropriate locations. Rob also notes that "it handles beautifully however is fairly stiff due to the sports suspension."

According to Rob, a quick call to the Ford Customer Relations Line (1800 333 306) and a check of his VIN netted the following information about his beast:

Built September 1999.

Code:
06
20
39
40
42
45
48
57
58
JN
P6
Description:
Sports Suspension.
Police Package.
Passenger Air Bag.
Air Conditioning (standard on all AU passenger vehicles).
High Capacity Cooling System.
Limited Slip Differential.
A.B.S.
Steel Silver Painted Wheels.
Heavy Duty Anti Freeze.
"Means nothing" (that's what I was told - Rob)
Power Windows on Front Doors (should be standard on all post-AU Update Fortes).

"Just as a piece of worthless trivia, the AU2 Police Cars have the interior light kill switch moved to the headlight switch so is not in the same position as the AU1." says Rob. Coming with the usual Forte 'comb' grill, the car yard quickly had it changed to the XLS item at Rob's request trying to woo a deal and it worked with Rob accepting the car minus the 4 spoke CSA 'monstrosities' fitted at the time... Believe it or not, Rob's next move is reverting to the steel painted rims of the original interceptor keeping the original flavour, although the 16" versions fitted to the AU2 may yet get the gong for their superior handling characteristics and appearance. Thanks must go to Rob for sharing this unique piece of AU history with us and our best wishes go with him as he endeavours to preserve this potential classic...

(Back to AU Visitors Cars.)

AU Home / Contact / Links / Home Page / Feedback
EL Home / EF Home / Galleries / Showcars / Visitor's Cars