Return of the Flying Wedge
Restored 1988 Mitsubishi patrol car symbolises merger of MOT and NZ Police
The New Zealand Police Museum has unveiled a meticulously restored piece of motoring history: a 1988 Mitsubishi V3000 patrol car affectionately dubbed the “Flying Wedge”.
After many months of dedicated mechanical and body work, the classic vehicle is now displayed at Mitsubishi Motors, Todd Park, Porirua.
The V3000, bearing the licence plate number NX710, is no ordinary patrol car. It began its service with Upper Hutt’s Ministry of Transport Traffic Safety Service in 1988 and became part of the New Zealand Police fleet in 1992, following the merger of the Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Police.
This union marked a significant shift in the enforcement landscape of the country, as Rowan Carroll, director of the New Zealand Police
Museum, says: “This car represents the story of the people, cars and motorcycles that came across to New Zealand Police from the Ministry of Transport in 1992. It wasn’t just a physical transition but a challenge for traffic officers to become police officers, and likewise a challenge for police to learn and effectively enforce road rules and safety.”
The V3000 was initially rolled off the production line in Porirua in
1988, fitted out by Mitsubishi team member Lloyd Robinson. Decades later, the task of rejuvenating this iconic vehicle fell again to Lloyd, now the recently retired technical services manager at Mitsubishi.
Over a period of four months, the car underwent a thorough refurbishment process. Despite the significant restoration work, efforts were made to retain its original essence, to reflect its front-line role.
The decision to refurbish the car was initiated by Mitsubishi Motors, which approached the New Zealand Police Museum last year with the proposal. The company also covered the cost of the work.
“Mitsubishi suggested they would like to refurbish the car and the New Zealand Police Museum team were eager to accept their generous offer. It’s also fitting that Lloyd is the man to bring the car back to life,” says Carroll.