[Wirenut]

I received an e-mail from my brother-in-law who is a cop in FL. He is investigating a homicide and a witness thought they saw a Ford four door with a wavey stripe down the side. He was asking me if I knew possibly what year and model that could be to narrow it down. The only thing that came to my mind was I thought that the mid to late ninties Tracers had that. I was wondering if any of you could help with this and if so post a pic if possible. Thanks!!

 

[escortrestorer]

I have seen those as stock graphics primarily on 2nd gen tracers, along with some other cars offered by different manufacturers. Those kinda graphics were kinda an early 90s thing. The witness didnt provide ANY other details? Cause so far you have only narrowed it down to around a hundred thousand cars.

From the sound of the description you have given so far, it sounds like the witness's memory is unreliable, as I dont believe the witness would have recognized the body style and been able to associate it with Ford, without giving a more accurate description of the vehicle. Especially as a tracer would not have had a blue oval on it except in odd cases.

Sorry if I cannot be more help, if you have any other information, I can research it further.

 

[Wirenut]

I know it is not much to go on. That is all I got via e-mail. I have no idea what the circumstances were of the witness. I thought Tracer too but I can not find any pictures to send to compare.

 

[escortrestorer]

sorry. Of course there is the possibility that the graphics were added in aftermarket.

I would recommend he shows pictures of the different body syles of ford focus and escort available from 91+. Stick to 4 door sedans and 5 door hatchbacks both.

Anything ealier than that and a person would have a harder time distinguishing it as ford, not only that but the likelihood of someone adding those types of graphics or purchasing it with those types of graphics from a dealer would be extremely low.

Please note though, that he should add in early 90s J-body cars like the cavalier and early 90s dodge spirits as well. I dont think he would have to worry about neons, as they are fairly easy to distinguish as a unique look to dodge, however the cavalier and dodge spirit are vehicles that I often see some degree of confusing involving. Not only that but those are the most likely candidates for that type of graphics package.

If the witness is unable to pick a similar car from that lineup, then I am afraid that the search will be fruitless. However, it may be possible that as I said earlier, the witness's memory is unreliable, however your brother, I am sure as a police officer, is aware of the inherent problems in line-ups.

Good luck