Hot in the Lot
NEIRAD enilno edition
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Many of you have checked out the new Neirad online archive and commented on a popular feature from the 1960s and 1970s called “Hot in the Lot.” (See page 3 of this 1970s Neirad archival issue) Neirad Enlino always listens to its loyal readers, so in response we’re officially bringing back the automotive column, “Hot in the Lot.”
We’ve invited the owner of arguably the most prominent student parking lot vehicle to help us officially kick off the automotive column’s return.You have all seen it, and you more than likely hit the brakes the first time you saw it. Of course, we could only be talking abut that old black and white that sits prominently in the DHS parking lot.
This former cop car belongs to the man they call John Kraft. This old police cruiser is a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
Last year around this time, John Kraft pulled into the A-1 Gas Station (right next to Swanky Franks on the Post Road in Norwalk) and bought this diamond in the rough from a guy called Al. You see the 6’5 DHS senior was too tall to fit comfortably in most other rides.
The car began its life as a police cruiser in Bloomfield, Connecticut. This thing packs some serious heat: The engine is an 8-cylinder official Ford Police Interceptor engine otherwise known as a 4.6L Modular SOHC V8 for all you car nerds. When asked how fast his machine does 0 to 60 MPH, John responded: “hey, with today's gas prices, who can afford to figure that out?”
John's specific car is a P71, which means it has extra frame supports, extra door reinforcements, a certified 180 MPH speedometer and the back of the front seats have special webbing (so criminals couldn’t easily slice though upholstery), the rims are thicker than stock, suspension is heavy duty, the computer programming for its power mapping is different, and it has heavy duty cooling.
There’s just one thing it doesn’t have…a siren.
But don’t be nervous if you see it on the road. (Even I’ve slowed down at least 20 mph after spotting it perched on the edge of the DHS parking lot.) I asked John what his friends thought about it: “I think every one of my friends has been driving in front of me and thought I was a cop and slowed down to anywhere from 10 to 15 mph, even in 40 mph areas. It's too funny to be frustrating, I think. Even cops have mistaken me for cops and pulled along side and started talking."
John said the oldies are about the only ones who aren’t always big fans of his patrol cruiser. “While I've had my car, I've had plenty of fun incidents. For one, I get looks varying from a thumb’s up mildly envious glance to very angry-looking old people mouthing things like ‘impersonating a police officer’ and ‘No good lazy bum’ but I take it all in stride. I love my car, and I won't be giving it up for a very long time."
Not many kids will be able to tell the tale of having a cop car as their first ride, but I’m sure John will have this car for quite some time.
Each month Neirad Enilno Automotive Editor Mike Hickey will select a sweet ride to showcase. Next month senior Will Bruno shows off his Honda CBR in the print edition of Neirad.
If you think your car is “Hot in the Lot” shoot Mike an email at neirad@darienps.org. Happy motoring!
