1966 Union Beach Police Car Lovingly Restored By 2 Brookdale Students

UNION BEACH, NJ — After months of hard work, students studying automotive technology at Brookdale Community College proudly returned a fully restored 1966 Chrysler Newport police car to the Union Beach Police Department — just in time for the town's 100th anniversary parade this July.

The car will be named for the late Union Beach Detective Corporal Tim Kelly, a beloved member of the Union Beach Police Department. The students painstakingly restored the police cruiser and today it runs with its original 383 V8 engine, refreshed police decals, classic tailfins and vintage suspension.

The journey began when the Union Beach Police Department's vintage car broke down during a ceremonial funeral parade. Rather than retiring it, Union Beach Police Chief Michael Woodrow reached out to Brookdale's Automotive Department to bring it back to life — and the students enthusiastically rose to the challenge.

Students Steven Malo and Bishes Mulcherjee volunteered every Saturday for over seven months and were instrumental in the restoration. Both young men have a passion for restoring classic cars.

"Restoring the Chrysler Newport gave me a deeper appreciation for the engineering behind classic cars," said Mulcherjee. "Finding the right parts and ensuring everything is restored with precision has been a test of patience and attention to detail."

"Being a part of this restoration felt like living a dream," said Malo. "It's about preserving a piece of American automotive and local history — and being part of something that will last."

"This project was about so much more than just restoring a car," said George Poosikian, Brookdale Automotive faculty member and project leader. "We went through it soup to nuts — new brake lines, fuel lines, tires, radiator, and a rebuilt 303 engine with a four-barrel carburetor. It's now a running, breathing representation of a 1966 police vehicle. But real pride comes from seeing the growth of the students. Their confidence, their teamwork — it's been amazing to watch."

Here is a great video of Poosikian with the two students:

"On behalf of the men and women of the Union Beach Police Department, I want to thank George, the students, and Brookdale leadership," said Chief Woodrow, speaking during the ceremonial turnover at Brookdale's Automotive Technology Center. In fact, Woodrow drove the car back to Union Beach that day. "The craftsmanship and care poured into this project are incredible. Every time this car appears at a community event, it will honor the spirit and service of Detective Corporal Tim Kelly — his memory will never be forgotten."

"As a Brookdale alumnus, I'm proud to say that this car was built here at Brookdale," said Union Beach Police Capt. Shawn Gilkison.

The public will get to see the restored 1966 Union Beach police cruiser at the town's 100-year celebration parade coming up in July.