1:18 Jaguar 240 Police Car

[Petrolhead]

The Mark II was discontinued in September 1967 and replaced by the 240 and 340, so named to distinguish them from the old 2.4 and 3.4 which became known as the Mark I following the introduction of the Mark II in 1959.The Jaguar 240 and 340 were interim models to fill the gap until the introduction of the XJ6 in September 1968.The 340 was discontinued immediately but the 240 continued as a budget priced model until April 1969.
The affordabilty of the new 240 and 340 models came at a cost.The leather upholstery was replaced with 'Ambla' leather-like material and slimmer and more economical front and rear bumpers were introduced.Other changes included the replacement of the front fog lamps with circular vents and optional fog lamps for the UK market.The sales price was reduced to compete with the Rover 2000 TC.
The 240's performance was improved over the old 2.4 model by upgrading the 2.4's cylinder head and twin Solex carburettors to the straight port E-Type head and twin SU carburettors.For the first time the 2.4-litre model could exceed 100 mph which resulted in a slight sales resurgence.
The Jaguar MkII had gained quite a reputation among criminals as an ideal getaway car which prompted the police to adopt these as highway patrol cars.
What you see below is a 1:18 Jaguar 240 Police Car.It is a 1968 model decked proudly in Straffordshire and Stoke on Trent Constabulary livery.Worth noting is the fact that this model comes from Model-Icons,a relatively new brand.All they make so far are various Jaguar MkII models and some Ford Escort MkI and MkII Police Cars.Also worth mentioning,however,is that they have done an absolutely brilliant job on this model.Unlike the Maisto/Bburago rendition of the Jaguar MkII which is famously undersized,this mold looks more to scale.
As for how good the detailing and finish is...well...decide for yourself.







Model-Icons has taken a leaf out of Kyosho's book and included this door-opening tool.Very thoughtful.I find this little piece of plastic way more useful than AutoArt's silly little magnifying glass.And if you have to include a magnifying glass with each 'Signature' model,AutoArt,you should atleast have made the screws on the 1:18 Pagani Zonda R small enough to justify using it.
But I digress.Back to the Model-Icons gem.With all openable parts.

Engine detailing is satisfactory.Lots of empty space round the engine.But then this is a puny 2.4 in a bay that was designed to contain a 3.8.

[channabasanna]

Nice detailed pics and info Siddanth
This car looks cool in police dress

[Petrolhead]

Lovely boot.Inside...


And out.

The interior is not exactly spectacular.The cabin detailing looks quite good in this version because it is finished entirely in black.But I hear the tan interiors you get on the model of the normal civilian version better reveals the slightly plasticy nature of the materials used.One big disappointment is the absence of carpets.This is not exactly an inexpensive model.I got this for just under the price of the cheapest AutoArts and for a bit more than most Kyoshos.And the interior quality just isn't as good as you would expect after spending that much.

The front seats are quite plush.The rear is not.But then if you're riding in the back,you probably have more things to worry about.


The boot was painted red and specially built roof boxes with rearward facing flashing red lights and a large illuminated 'Accident' sign together with reflective 'Police' signs were added to all Staffordshire motorway patrol cars following the tragic death of an officer who was struck whilst getting out of his vehicle in the dark.

---

The hole in the roof in the second to last photo is for the antenna.I chose to leave it safe in its packaging for the shoot as the model had to be returned to its box afterwards.
One detail that I really really liked is that Model-Icons has very thoughtfully included a spare set of rear-view mirrors,So you needn't worry should you end up loosing the pair the car comes fitted with.It shows that they've been thinking about their product from a collector's point of view.Always a good thing.Gold star for you,Model-Icons.

[Guggga]

Model Icons have done a fantastic job on this Jaguar. The interiors may be plasticky and lacking carpet, the exterior fit and finish, lensing and extra addons more than make up for it.

Excellent addition Pacman!

[scalemodels]

Great model by Model-Icons. Love the over-all appeal of this car.
The lamp on the boot is quite a nice touch and looks splendid with the whole car. And yes the interoirs looks a tad too plain especially the rear seats.
For the price which you have seemed to pay, this is quite a detailed model and worth almost every penny spent on it.

[Petrolhead]

Thank you for the kind words,Channa and Guggga.The exterior finish really is exemplary.
Here is a parting shot.

---

And thank you too,scalemodels!!
The rear seat is plain because it's for criminals.True story.

---

Oops!!Parting shot toh ho gaya but I forgot these couple photos of the Limited Edition Certificate.Like that of the Coombs MkII 3.8 racer,this one's certificate is also signed by a man who knew the real car well.

[Diecast]

i love the white color of this car over the silver one.. again dashboard details are great with all those accessories.

[amarkatira]

Sid this one is better than the previous one.
though I don't like the police cars but the details are awesome it has to be appreciated. thanks for brushing up the history of Mk II.

[Petrolhead]

Thanks,Ravi!!
The details are all there and that is something I love about Model-Icons' effort.Just wish they had gone the extra mile and carpetted the interior.But I will still keep an eye out for their products.They could become a major player if they keep moving in the rght direction.

---

Thank you,Amar!Glad you liked it.
I,for one,love police cars and have quite a few in my collection.Mostly oldies.

[manishalive]

I had not seen this thread, thanks for directing me. This one is also good, damn good if I look only at the police stuff. But I am missing those neat and clean seat belts. Might be they were not the part of 1:1 so the ommision.