ABOUT THE SHERIFF'S CAR MODELS

As my interest in the Dukes models continued to grow, I began looking for a 1977 Dodge Monaco model that I could convert into Sheriff Rosco's patrol car (because where there's a General Lee, there's usually a sheriff's car in "hot pursuit"). I actually found a couple of the original "Sheriff Rosco" model kits on eBay, but the auctions were way too expensive for me (these kits are rare).

While browsing through an old model catalog, I came across a Batman "Joker/Gotham City Police Car" model that had long since been discontinued. It was essentially the same kit, though it had different decals and was molded in black. I looked it up on eBay, and several were up for auction. After a few bids, I had the beginnings of my own Rosco car.

After building the model and cleverly making my own decals out of gold foil (it was the first time I had tried this), I finally had the perfect companion to display with my General Lee model. A couple of months later, I bought an identical kit, and made Enos' car (Hazzard County just wouldn't be right without two police cars).

There are a couple of subtle differences between Rosco's car and the Enos model. The chrome side trim is painted white on Enos' car (both chrome and white versions were used on the show).

Another difference between the two cars is, of course, the license plates. They are exact replicas of the ones used on the show. Rosco's number is "83522," and Enos' is "83502."

In the fall of 2002, I was sent an original Rosco model, which was old, yellowed, and assembled poorly. I was able to restore the model, and it is pictured in the first photo below.

I ordered accurate lightbars from David Panek and replaced the one on Enos' car (see photos 2 and 4 below). I also replaced the tires with slimmer ones, as the Goon car's tires looked more like truck tires.

UPDATE:
On February 27, 2003, I received some custom-molded headlight parts, and I converted one of my Rosco models from a '77 Monaco to a 1976 Coronet. I also detailed the taillight panels differently, to reflect the '76 style (see photo #13 below, center of third row). I've always been fond of the round headlight style, as it is less common on the show (although that style was used). I added the David Panek lightbar as well. You can see the conversion in photo #10 (second row, far right), #11 (third row, far left) and #15 (third row, far right). Thanks for the custom headlights, Chris!

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