Mobilman44
Member
Delivering Police Cars (for the "Boys")
We arrived at the dealership early Saturday morning, and after being introduced to the two bosses (one of whom was obviously armed), we realized that the "Outfit" allegations were probably true. While intimidating, that was soon forgotten when we were each assigned a brand new, 1963 blue and white Plymouth - complete with lightbar, spotlight, siren, and graphics. The only thing lacking was the two-way radio. We excitedly gave the cars a thorough critique, but were dismayed when we looked under the hoods. They only had 6 cylinder motors - rather than the hoped for 383 or 413 cubic inch V-8s.
We were given our instructions, being told to follow the leader in single file to the expressway, and then east towards downtown. And in words I can't repeat here, we were strongly cautioned not to use the lights, or sirens, and to obey all traffic laws.
Being a Saturday morning, traffic was fairly light - although what traffic there was seemed to magically move out of the way for us. And of course, once we got on the expressway, we only did what you would expect out of car crazy teenagers.
Yes, our caravan soon began to go faster and faster, and it wasn't long before I found my brand new 6 cylinder Plymouth topping out at 104 mph! I remember thinking then that this was "not exactly in line with Plymouth's break-in recommendations".
But, with the siren wailing and the lights flashing, it seemed just great to me! It was like being in a movie, with that blue and white parade snaking its way quickly and smoothly towards downtown. To say the least, it was totally exhilarating, and I've rarely had that feeling since that time.
Traffic began to build as we neared downtown and we slowed up, soon finding ourselves at the police garage. We then traded in our new cars for some old, worn out "black & white" patrol cars, which we then drove to a nearby junkyard. Surprisingly, they all made it to the yard, and a van was there ready to drive us back to the dealership so we could then make a second delivery.
Upon arrival at the dealership, we found one of the bosses waiting for us, and he was obviously not happy. It seems that our escapade had been reported, and only by calling in a few favors could he keep us from arrest - or worse. As you would expect, he then proceeded to give us a serious chewing out - the likes of which I had never known before, or since. However, considering the source and the circumstances, I was very happy that was all that happened to us.
Once he calmed down, he allowed us make the second trip - and we definitely did it right this time. And upon our return to the dealership, the two bosses, and several of their "associates" were waiting for us. Needless to say, we were a little apprehensive when they told us that they would be "taking us to dinner".
Well, they escorted us down the street to a neighborhood Italian restaurant, where we were immediately directed to a back room. And there, somewhat to our surprise, a very sumptuous spread was laid out for us - complete with unlimited "adult beverages", and two very good looking waitresses to serve them.
That was my first - and last - close encounter with "the boys". And yet, after over 60 years, it remains one of the most outstanding and vivid memories of my teenage years.
