Montana: All the dry climate benefits of the desert, but the lack of searing heat makes for really great project hunting. As an added bonus, you get to go to Montana: drop-dead gorgeous scenery and the kinds of highways that are so awesome that even the State Patrol will ignore the speed limit most of the time. I know. (By the way, officers, thank you for your understanding. That was the most effective wave in the history of hand signals ever.)

Today’s Rough Start really isn’t all that rough. Actually, it’s in pretty damn good condition for the most part. I’m a sucker for cop cars, and although there was a Polara for sale, it’s lack of title made me skip it. Next up was this 1983 Ford LTD Crown Victoria. Doesn’t this bring back memories of watching these things slide around all lit up on COPS? While it’s not a cop-package car itself, that helps as it was never treated like a cop car. This one has the 5.0L V8, and while the 130hp isn’t going to scare the guy in the Prius at all, you have the base for a good building motor that I highly doubt has ever been apart. The paint looks great, and the Whorehouse Red interior is in near-perfect condition. Cruise control and air conditioning reportedly work, and the only known items needed are a new windshield and possibly two new front tires.

The price is $2000, but I’ve featured far worse for more. I’d find any other wheels, or even the cop-car poverty caps Ford used in the ‘80s and throw on some good rubber, uncork the exhaust because every 1980s car needs better exhaust systems, hunt around eBay for suspension pieces, and start saving my money for a hotter small block Ford to shove in. In short order you could have an evil slick-top unmarked-style cop car, but for now, on a budget, you have a decent barge to cruise in comfortably.

It might be bright red inside, but at least this time you won’t be in the handcuffs! Where do I need to look next for my next Rough Start?