VA12503 1/43 Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.3GL, Hertfordshire Police

Surprisingly the Fiesta was initially not that popular in the Panda car role as the British Police are cautious when considering the purchase of their workhorse cars and time spent in the workshop is seen as wasted time.

The Fiesta was Ford’s first ever front-wheel-drive car and that was a technology that had proven less than durable on other manufacturer’s offerings.

Therefore forces all over the UK stuck with the tried and tested rear-wheel-drive Escort Mk2.

However Hertfordshire Police realised the packaging, economy and comfort virtues of Ford’s new billion dollar baby and were among the first to adopt the Fiesta as a regular Panda car. Unsurprisingly they found it very reliable.