Mustang SSPs aren’t exactly common, and this is definitely the case with the older, “four-eyed” models like this one that previously did duty as a member of the state police force in Oregon. Cherished for their beefed-up drivetrains and sleeper status with the plain-jane bodies and steel wheels, the SSP Mustangs have always been modern-day collectibles you can drive without fear of damaging your investment by simply driving the car as intended. Plus, it will never not be cool to imagine yourself running down unsuspecting speeders in a car that could likely reel in most commuter vehicles with ease. Find this 1986 example listed here on eBay with bids approaching $8,000 and no reserve.
The seller notes the cosmetics are somewhat rough, with chipped paint, a damaged rear bumper cover, dings and dents, and a strange impact to the bottom of the core support, which the seller speculates is from a tow truck. Speaking of which, the Mustang is able to move around under its own power and still wears the original police-spec wheels. The mufflers and tailpipes have been replaced with stock components, and the seller doesn’t note any other major alterations from stock. Obviously, the original police equipment – siren, strobes, spotlights, etc. – have all been removed prior to the Mustang going into civilian life. The seller does note that the hole left by the spotlight was filled in and the bodywork was seemingly done to a high level.
The interior is all business, and you can see how the SSP models really weren’t designed for rustling up criminals but rather shutting down speeders on the interstate. To see a copy car equipped with a manual transmission really does make you do a double-take, but police departments could order them with three pedals or two. The stick shift, despite undoubtedly being a cool find in a cop car, wasn’t always the most practical solution for an officer of the law who was trying to maneuver with some ease while also having a full uniform and holster in their way. Still, a surprising number of SSPs have the row-it-yourself option, which is a testament to some seriously cool policemen and women who wanted to hunt down speeders in the purest form possible.
The seller notes the Mustang is highly original, save for the replacement exhaust components, and a K&N filter. So, presumably, the engine is numbers matching, The SSP sat for a number of years with an owner who continued to register it each year but never really drove it, and it needed some basic R&R to be a reliable driver once again. The seller has installed a new fuel pump, flushed out the fuel and brake systems, and installed new rear wheel cylinders. Rust is said to be exceedingly minimal, which isn’t a surprise considering the Mustang is located in the Pacific Northwest. The heater cable is frozen and the AC doesn’t work, so it will need some attention to the HVAC controls. Overall, a cool example of a rare, early edition of the classic Mustang pursuit model.
Is it just me or does this look like a regular lx 5.0..something ain’t right
That’s all they were. They were basically Lx 5.0’s with a spot light.
Not really. They actually had a lot of upgrades. There’s a list here..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_SSP
This one has the certified 140 MPH speedometer and SSP rims. The silicone SSP radiator hoses are blue and they aren’t present here, though they could have been replaced during the car’s life. You’d have to look for the other features such as single key, engine oil cooler, full size spare, high capacity alternator, reinforced floor pan, etc.
Drivetrains were not “beefed up”. They were standard 5.0’s. In this case, about 200 hp.
Amazin how well the seats, steerin wheel, door panels & carpet have held up, considering how faded the door mirror is.
I would have thought all exhaust systems were stainless steel by 1986. Amazing u have to replace parts of a galvanized steel system say every 4 years, but i have original stainless exh on my ’91 car which is always outside!
From the cat pipes to the stainless extensions, the exhaust was aluminized steel, and from first hand experience (twice), it’s prone to rust. First the factory and then a DynoMax setup. Funny that the second DynoMax setup has not rusted in 15 years although made from the same material.