Wild Rose Motors

Located in Fullerton, CA, Wild Rose Motors is a supplier of retired police interceptors. Wild Rose purchases only the best police vehicles; it services them, details them, and fits them to meet customers specific needs. Clients include the FBI, Ranger Departments, Probation Departments, Police Departments, Security and Fire Companies, as well as the general public. Wild Rose sells Ford Crown Victorias, Chevrolet SS Impalas and Chevrolet Caprices. All vehicle selections and services are done in house with 25 years of experience.

 

General Manager Seton Montgomerie talked to PFM about Wild Roses services.Once a car arrives at Wild Rose Motors, it goes through a full-service mechanical inspection. Montgomerie said he replaces anything that could fail or is nearing its end of life, including hoses, oil ring seals, radiators, or anything for preventative maintenance.

 

The company always changes the engine oil and filter and uses only premium quality products, such as Valvoline VRI, a racing-grade oil, and Mobil 1 Synthetic for transmissions. Rebuilt engines and transmissions are installed if the vehicle has a mechanical defect or if the customer requests it.Additional services include checking the spark plugs, wires, air filter; throttle body plate intake and cleaning; engine and transmission mounts checked and/or replaced; transmission service; filter and gasket change and inspection; refills with high-quality Dextron3 fluid; replace exhaust mounts; limited slip rear-end fluid replacement as required. Brake service includes a pad replacement and flush, plus diagnostic checks on all systems.The most important aspect of the Crown Victorias is the high-speed interceptor package containing a high-performance engine, twin cam, multi-point injected V-8, a high-performance computer, a 120-amp heavy-duty alternator, a heavy-duty water pump, an external, aircraft-quality engine, two transmission coolers, a double-fan radiator cooling system and a heavy-duty radiator. In addition, theres a heavy-duty, four-speed electronic transmission and an extra capacity transmission, limited slip high-ratio rear end, and super-duty ABS four-wheel disc brakes.Wild Roses Chevy SS Impalas and Caprices are equipped with the high-speed performance Corvette engine 5.7 liter, multi-point injector V-8 or V-6, a high-performance computer, a 120-amp heavy-duty alternator, a heavy-duty water pump, an external engine cooler, two transmission coolers, a double-fan radiator cooling system and a heavy-duty radiator.These vehicles also have a 700R heavy-duty Corvette transmissions; limited slip high-ratio rear end; super-duty ABS four-wheel disc brakes; heavy-duty high performance, ventilated rims that are 1 inch wider than standard; Goodyear Eagle RSA 225-70, Z rated tires; super-duty good-performance suspension package; front and rear sway bars with heavy-duty suspension bushings; heavy-duty shocks and springs; and high-performance twin tuned exhaust. Safety features include high-impact-reinforced impact bars, drive shaft and universals.Wild Rose contracts out to a paint shop for repainting two-tone police cars to solid colors, or per customers requests. All cars are sanitized in addition to being cleaned and detailed. Carpet and upholstery are replaced as needed, so the car is as close to new as the customer?s budget allows.

 

The majority of Wild Roses vehicles are from California. Montgomerie calls West Coast cars ?superior? due to the good weather and roads in that region of the country. He went on to say that a 5-year-old car in New York has had its life, whereas a car the same age in California might have many more good years left. Thats why Wild Rose does not deal with out-of-state vehicles, again due to potential problems such as corrosion.Montgomerie said legislation in California is strict, so he hand picks every vehicle to ensure that he gets the best vehicle possible. He has worked with agencies from Orange County, CA for many years due to Wild Roses good reputation for giving officers fair deals and the respect they deserve, Montgomerie said.Wild Rose sells to many different departments for both patrol use and take-home fleets. Montgomerie works with small departments on tight budgets, even giving them deals such as three for the price of one. He gives discounts to law enforcement, government offices, and the military to show the appreciation for the jobs they do. The Marines have used his cars for training purposes.

 

Montgomerie said a lot of families with teenage drivers have been buying used police cars because of the safety factor. Parents with young children also like the fact that the Ford CVPI can fit three car seats across the back seat. Many of Wild Roses customers are people who have been in accidents and now want a safer car.Vehicles found at Wild Rose typically have 50,000 to 90,000 miles on them. The company does not place a cutoff age on its cars, but it usually deals with Ford Crown Victorias from model years 1997 to 2005. Chevy Impalas range from 1993 to 1996. Nearly new vehicles are also available if a customer requests one.A 2-year-old CVPI with 85,000 miles would sell for $9,980 at Wild Rose Motors. A Fleet Replacement Program is also available. Montgomerie said his cars are all ready to go. If a customer needs 10 cars tomorrow, he can supply them. He also offers negotiated contract rates and fleet discounts for the more you buy. The company ships cars all over the country and as far as Australia.Though a small company, Wild Rose Motors prides itself on high-quality customer service. Originally from New Zealand, Montgomerie said he brought his business sense from there. He once had a client whose wife was stuck on the freeway with car trouble drove out to help her. Thats PR that money cant buy, Montgomerie said. The company sells a large volume of vehicles based on word of mouth alone. Montgomerie will pay a $100 finders fee to anyone who refers someone to his shop.

 

Jennifer Gavigan

Police Fleet Manager Magazine

Nov/Dec 2008 Issue