One of the last Australian-made Holden Commodore police cars has come to its final stop, with ACT Policing hosting a ceremony at the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Museum to mark the retirement of the long-serving vehicle.
Welcoming the car to its new home, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentlemen said Australian-made Holden Commodores had been used by police officers in the ACT for 44 years, but the silver 2018 SSV Redline had been the last in operation.
“The iconic status of the vehicle has meant there would be no more fitting home for it than the AFP Museum,” Mr Gentlemen said.
“As a long time car lover, I am thrilled that we can commemorate a fantastic Australian-made vehicle by displaying it in the AFP Museum where it will be enjoyed by generations to come,” he said.
Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan, who drove a Holden Commodore in his first roles in ACT Policing, said the car held a special place in the hearts of many Australians and Australian police officers.
“It was a vehicle that could handle the harsh driving conditions of the country, from the straight highways of the Nullarbor to the winding roads of the Snowy Mountains,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.
“It was a vehicle built to handle Australia’s unique climate and road system.”
Chief Police Officer Gaughan said ACT Policing would also permanently retire the ‘Tango-51’ radio call sign allocated to the vehicle as a mark of respect for the last vehicle of its type and its long-time driver.
He said the AFP leased its vehicles through SG Fleet, which generously donated the Commodore to the AFP Museum when it reached the end of the lease arrangement last month.
