1929 Ford Model AA Police Paddy Wagon
Police departments across America found an effective solution for transporting criminals in Ford’s heavy-duty Model AA truck. Built with a distinctive enclosed rear compartment featuring steel window grates and locking mechanisms, these specialized vehicles served urban law enforcement from 1928 through the early 1930s.
The Model AA’s sturdy construction made it ideal for police work. Its steel chassis rode on a 132-inch wheelbase with strengthened transverse front and longitudinal rear leaf springs. The truck’s purposeful black paint and imposing presence commanded respect on city streets.
Under the hood was a 201 cubic inch inline four-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower. Early models were equipped with a three-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed manual became standard in 1930. In 1929, stamped ventilated steel wheels replaced the original welded spoke design, and improved axles were introduced for better durability.
These police wagons were geared low for city driving rather than high-speed pursuits, making them practical workhorses for daily law enforcement duties.
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