Those who have been fortunate (or maybe unfortunate) enough to visit the Lake Orion Police Department may have noticed the historic photographs on the wall just outside the door. One in particular is of a 1941 two-door Ford sedan used as a Lake Orion patrol car.
It’s that photo Police Chief Jerry Narsh referenced several years ago in a conversation with Ron Zilka, a Park Island resident and antique car enthusiast.
‘Find us that car,? Narsh jokingly told Zilka.
Zilka left the office that day and the chief didn’t think anything of the conversation until he got a phone call months later.
‘Are you in your office?? Zilka asked from the other end. Narsh said he was.
‘Look out your window,? said Zilka.
Waiting in the parking lot was a beat-up 1941 two-door Ford sedan.
Since then, Zilka has completely refurbished the car, including ‘brand new? seating he found, still in the box in a GM warehouse, and a fresh coat of white paint. The car now resembles the one in the photo perfectly.
And he’s donating it to the village.
‘Why did I do it? I just felt like doing it,? Zilka said. ‘I’ve lived here for about 50 years and Lake Orion’s been good to me.?
The generous resident says he did much of the restoration himself.
‘I like to get my hands dirty,? said Zilka.
‘Ron has a talent and a passion for restoring old cars,? Narsh said. ‘This car will be a tremendous asset.?
Now that the council’s approved the donation, the car will be fitted with period emergency equipment, including a working siren. It will also receive door lettering to match the car in the photo. The police department plans to use the car to lead Lake Orion parades and it will accompany officers to other public events.
‘It’s a beautiful car and we’re priviledged to have Mr. Zilka donate such a cool piece of history,? Narsh said.