I’m a big fan of vintage police cars that have retained all of their in-period livery and decor. Regardless of the specific make or model, this is a hard car to come by because so many were stripped of their identifying qualities once retired and sent to auction. This 1983 Plymouth Gran Fury is a former New York State Police car with a documented history that has survived with its iconic yellow and navy paint scheme intact, a color combo that NYS Troopers still use today. This Plymouth is listed here on eBay with bids to $12,100 and the reserve unmet.
The Gran Fury was a familiar site in the 1980s as a local and state police vehicle, but relatively few seemingly survived intact. Of course, many were simply retired and returned to normal passenger vehicle use with no marking intact, so who knows how many were just put into service as a commuter car and scrapped like any other old sedan? Movies like The Blues Brothers also made mincemeat out of remaining inventory, and while that ultimately represented just a small part of the national stock of Gran Fury cop cars, it certainly didn’t help with survival.
Yes, the Monaco was the predominant vehicle destroyed in that movie, but plenty of Gran Furys were sacrificed as well. This one was bought by a private owner when it was retired from the police force with just 74,000 miles on the clock. The current owner bought it from that individual and it both caretakers have placed an emphasis on preservation. The Gran Fury retains all of its A38 police package-spec bits, including a 318 – 4 bbl engine, 727 automatic transmission, 125 mph speedometer, manual fast idle, and ticket light.
You have to appreciate the effort that has gone into keeping this police car in such remarkable shape. No mention is made of a respray, so I’m choosing to believe this paint is authentic. Other photos show a remarkable amount of originality, including a Kustom Hawk radar that was apparently the radar system of choice when this Gran Fury was active. The seller notes that it has been on display in a museum and used in multiple car shows and parades, always drawing a crowd. I’m sure it will continue to be a crowd-pleaser with its next caretaker.
These rugged Mopar police pkg cars..Gran Fury, Diplomat, Caravelle….Not fast, but fast enough🚨
All the cops that thought themselves smart about car stuff started flipping the air intake cover-don’t know if it made them any faster but you sure could hear them coming!
Here’s a show you might like to see some time, Jeff, if you’re anywhere near central California at the time-
https://www.riponmenloparkpolicecarshow.com/
I know a retired Nevada Highway Patrol trooper that bought the NHP Camaro he drove before retirement; he shows up every year with the all the authentic equipment still intact!
Growing up in 1980s NY, you definitely didn’t want to see this in your review mirror. Really cool find.