Ford Mustang Ssp

History

In 1982, the California Highway Patrol asked the Ford Motor Company to produce a capable and lightweight police car due to the bulkiness of current police cars like the Ford Fairmont and LTD/Crown Victoria and the problems incurred with Chevrolet Camaros with their camshafts and engine problems at pursuit speeds. Taking the Fox 5.0 Mustangs in production at the time, Ford produced the Ford Mustang SSP (originally labeled Severe Service Package, renamed in 1983 to Special Service Package) and modified them to suit the needs of the police and law enforcement departments.

Nearly 15,000 of these special units were made from 1982 until their discontinuation in 1993 to over 60 law enforcement organizations and government agencies. Their roles ranged from general patrol to pursuit units, with some used in special duties like drug interdiction to academy training units. Several units were specially tasked to help land the Lockheed U2 Spyplane.

Specifications

The Mustang SSP was essentially a more rugged version of the 5.0 Mustang, with added features not available to the general public. Available options included:

Engine, 5.0 L HO V8 with Sequential Multi-Port Injection

Forged pistons, roller cam (Hypereutectic pistons 1993)

Engine oil cooler

Aircraft-type silicone radiator hoses and clamps

5-speed manual or 4-speed AOD transmission

Auto transmission fluid cooler

Brakes, power disc front/drum rear with rotor shields

Stainless steel factory headers

Dual exhaust system w/stainless tips

Fuel tank capacity 15.4 U.S. gallons (58 L)

Heavy duty stabilizer bars, front and rear

Full instrumentation with in-dash tachometer

130 and 135 amp internally and externally regulated heavy duty alternators

2 Piece VASCAR speedometer cable

Certified calibrated speedometer 0-140 mph(1982-early 1989) and 0-160 mph (late 1989-1993)

Non-operational courtesy lights (safety feature)

Relocated rear deck release

Single key locking doors/trunk

Reinforced floor pans

Full size spare tire

15″ X 7″ cast aluminum wheels

Depending on which agency bought them, extras like rollcages (installed by Oregon State Police) and power windows (requested by New York State Police) made each SSP unique to their respective departments. The original configuration of the civilian Mustang with its small rear seat and manual transmission were generally considered ill-suited for a law-enforcement vehicle. Many SSPs had automatic transmissions, to free an officers hand from using the manual transmission stick so that they could use the hand for other duties, such as speaking on a radio.

All of the 15,000 Mustang SSP’s were of the coupe or “notchback” style cars.

Usage

Some of the known users of the Mustang SSP include:

United States Government

Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Immigration and Naturalization Service

United States Air Force – Used as a chase car for the U2 Spy Plane.

United States Border Patrol – Drug interdiction; resides at USBP Museum in Texas.

United States Customs Service

US Fish and Wildlife Service

State governments

Alabama State Troopers

Arizona Department of Public Safety

California Highway Patrol – Initial Purchaser of the Mustang SSP

Colorado State Patrol

Connecticut State Police

Delaware State Police

Florida Highway Patrol – Second biggest user of the Mustang SSP.

Georgia State Patrol

Idaho State Police

Indiana State Police

Kansas State Police

Kentucky State Police

Louisiana State Police

Massachusetts State Police

Michigan State Police

Minnesota State Patrol

Mississippi Highway Patrol

Missouri Highway Patrol

Nebraska State Patrol

Nevada Highway Patrol

New Mexico State Police

North Carolina Highway Patrol

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Oregon State Police

Pennsylvania State Police

Rhode Island State Police

South Carolina Highway Patrol

Tennessee Highway Patrol

Texas Department of Public Safety – Third biggest user of the Mustang SSP

Utah Highway Patrol

Washington State Patrol

Wisconsin State Patrol

Wyoming Highway Patrol

Local/municipal governments

Arlington, TX Police Department

Atlanta, GA Police Department

Clearwater, FL Police Department

Fort Worth, TX Police Department

Jonesboro, AR Police Department

New York City Police Department – Highway Patrol Branch

Pensacola, FL Police Department

San Francisco Police Department

[Winter Park FL Police Department]

Beverly Hills, Ca Police Department

Portland Police Bureau, OR

Canada

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Disposition

Many of the Mustang SSPs have been retired from service, with a few examples still on the rosters of police departments as display or DARE cars. A few law enforcement agencies still keep them on active duty. Most examples have found their way into either racing or restoration.

With its stiffened frame and beefed up suspension, many Mustang SSPs were modified for use in Drag Racing. The plentiful aftermarket of parts for the 5.0 Engine made the SSP platform a desirable frame to work on, but with the dwindling supply and rising prices of genuine Mustang SSPs, these factors have limited racers from converting SSPs for racing purposes.

Restoring Mustang SSPs have become a growing hobby as of late, with car clubs and websites devoted to the restoration of the law enforcement workhorse. Most enthusiasts strive for accuracy in their models, with many scouring for OEM parts, including police radios, shotgun holders, lights, sirens, and other related equipment. However, the hobby is limited, as many states have regulations on private citizens owning cars that could be mistaken for real cop cars. Some get around the regulations by using magnetic decals and removable lights.

Distinct models

CHP Hatchback

Out of the initial batch of 400 units for the CHP, five were of the “hatchback” variety. These were produced under a Fleet DSO and retained for use and evaluation by the CHP. They are not Special Service Mustangs. One exists in private hands.

CHP EVOC

Several Mustang SSPs were heavily modified and used as training units at CHP’s EVOC facility.

USAF U2 chase car

Due to problems with landing the Lockheed U-2, a system was implemented where a second pilot would chase the U-2 (termed “mobile”) and help guide the aircraft down to earth. The USAF usually utilized a performance car for this task.

In 1986, the USAF was looking for a replacement for the Chevrolet El Camino as a chase car for the U-2. Beale Air Force Base asked the local California Highway Patrol to provide a Mustang SSP for testing. The test proved the Mustang SSP superior to the El Camino and the USAF ordered 20 for work with the spyplanes.

Their career lasted until the late 1990s, when they were replaced by “Special Service” B4C Chevrolet Camaros.

One of three examples from RAF Alconbury is preserved: 1988 Mustang SSP 88B 9971 “Mobile 1″, serving with the 17th Reconnaissance Wing and the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron until its disposal in 1999. It is currently in the hands of a private collector in the United States after being ferried from its last operation in Italy to England.

Saleen connections

Noted Mustang tuner Saleen contributed to the history of the Mustang SSP. The Oregon State Police had ordered 34 coupes in 1988, but cancelled the order at the last minute. The dealership that ordered the coupes, Damerow Ford, scrambled to find a way to get rid of the order, and Saleen took custody of 13 of the cars. Saleen returned the cars, and also added vehicle ID, rear spoiler, ground effects and interior upgrades. The dealer then resold them.

While not considered a true SSP, Saleen modified another 5.0, a 1989 5.0 LX Hatchback, this time for the Seal Beach, California Police Department. Designated as an S442 model, this model served Seal Beach until its retirement in the late 1990s.

Ford Mustang Ssp

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