In the 1980s, one of the scariest things you could encounter on the highway was a Ford police car. But we don’t mean one of the standard-issue LTD sedans. Many jurisdictions across America had an even more potent patrol car: the Ford Mustang SSP.
That fear-inducing cruiser—like the one recently for sale on eBay—was a special police package.
item 1 of 19
It Chases Porsches
The SSP abbreviation stands for Special Service Package. Ford developed it based on a request from the California Highway Patrol, who found the more familiar Ford sedans too heavy and slow. These vehicles were typically based on the Fox-body LX notchback coupe but boasted the 5.0-liter V-8.
LX models lacked the top-trim GT’s go-fast aero bits, which would have drawn too much attention.
The Ford Mustang SSP was built explicitly for chasing down speeders. A cheeky double-spread ad from the era made no bones about it, depicting a CHP black-and-white with this tagline:
This Ford chases Porsches for a living.
The cars, fitted with only two doors, weren’t intended for carrying scofflaws down to the station. If a particularly egregious offender was caught by an SSP, highway patrol had to radio in a sedan to pick up the perp.
Made to Order
Ford sold around 15,000 SSP Mustangs between 1982 and 1993. Each highway-patrolling jurisdiction could custom-order units for specific duties. Most SSP Mustangs had oil coolers - opens in new window or tab., heavy-duty radiator hoses, clamps, a more robust alternator, reinforced floor pans, and calibrated speedometers. This was from an era where speedometer inaccuracy was a real thing.
Some departments specified additional safety and chassis-strengthening items like roll cages. Conveniences like leather seats, sunroofs, and cassette stereos were almost always deleted.
Output was rated at 210 horsepower on early models, upgraded to 225 ponies in 1987. While that doesn’t seem like a lot today, the lightweight Mustangs were significantly faster than bulky Dodge Diplomats and Chevy Caprices - opens in new window or tab. of the time. The SSP Mustang’s zero-to-60 time ranged from 5.8 to 6.3 seconds, depending on which precinct you believe.
The top speed was a healthy 135 mph. This isn’t Ferrari territory, but it was close enough.
Undercover Cop Car
The 1986 Ford Mustang SSP for sale clocked just 31,989 miles in its lifetime. According to the seller, it was initially ordered by the Arvada, Colorado - opens in new window or tab. police department, but it was never put on duty.
This example was intended as an unmarked unit, so it comes finished in a single-tone all-white paint job rather than the standard livery of marked patrol cars. As such, you could drive it without anyone thinking you’re a real cop (even if you think that might be fun).
Ford states that AM/FM radios and cassette players were not offered on the Mustang SSP, so perhaps the stereo unit was added afterward. The listing says a spare tire is included, which should be a full-size spare - opens in new window or tab. (officers were not expected to roll around on a donut if they got a puncture).
This is an excellent, attainable example of a barely used piece of American highway-patrolling history.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.