Law enforcement agencies typically avoid high-speed pursuits because they represent a risk to officers and the general public. However, these are sometimes unavoidable, and having the appropriate tools for the job maximizes the chances of success. Ford came to the party with its Fox-Body Mustang, producing the SSP model. Those cars featured mechanical and structural upgrades to cope with the life they would inevitably lead. This 1987 Mustang SSP is an unrestored survivor that retains many of the features required during its years of active service. The auction action so far confirms that many people view this car as desirable, and will happily give it a new home.
SSP stands for Special Service Package, which Ford introduced to its Fox-Body Mustang range in 1982 to provide agencies with effective pursuit vehicles. Mechanical upgrades formed only part of the package because the company added additional structural bracing and reduced overall weight so these cars could cope with the rigors of active service. Those characteristics made these cars a prime target for buyers when they entered civilian life, with many buyers using them as the foundation for a race or drag car. However, the growing desirability of these classics has seen many preserved in their original form. Such is the case with our feature SSP, which retains its correct signage and lights, with the latter currently disconnected as per the appropriate agency’s request. The distinctive Black and White paint presents well, with a healthy shine and no significant defects. Close-up shots reveal paint swirls, but careful work with a high-quality polish should eliminate those problems. The panels are straight, and life in a dry climate has left this classic rust-free. The stickers and glass are excellent, and this Mustang rolls on its original wheels.
Ford focused on more than structural improvements and weight reduction with the SSP, upgrading the drivetrain to cope with the rigors of high-speed pursuits. The 5.0-liter “HO” V8 engine received an external oil cooler and distinctive blue silicone radiator hoses for improved reliability. The V8 produced 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, and while the SSP modifications brought no increase in either figure, the lower curb weight produced slight performance gains. One point of difference with our feature car is that it was ordered with a five-speed manual transmission. Most agencies found the optional automatic unit more user-friendly, removing one task from the driver’s hands when things became hectic. This car is unmolested, and this YouTube video suggests it is in excellent mechanical health. The engine fires into life the moment the key turns, sounding crisp and clean. It appears potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
I am pretty impressed with this car’s interior presentation, considering the life it might have led. Its Sand Beige cloth trim is free from significant wear, although it appears there might be a few marks and stains. The plastic is in good order, and the dash hasn’t been cut or drilled to mount the radar. The sirens are connected, and not only do they work as they should, but the video featured above confirms they are loud. It retains the correct 140mph speedometer and relocated trunk release button. The winning bidder also receives air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
The auction details confirm that this 1987 Mustang SSP hasn’t ventured far from the area where it served taxpayers so effectively. The seller listed it here on eBay in Baytown, Texas. Twenty-six bids have pushed the price to $14,100 and, unsurprisingly, that figure is below the reserve. These cars hit the market occasionally, but rarely are they as complete and unmolested as this one. Recent sales results suggest the price may need to double before the hammer falls if it is to find a new home. Do you think it will make it, or is a lower figure more realistic?
No mention of the miles. Bet it’s a ton.
My bad on that one, Bob! The listing and a shot of the odometer in the YouTube video both indicate 109,000 miles. Thank you so much for the heads-up on that.
Yeah but they are all highway miles. 😁
What “tweaks for more power”? I remember in the day being told they were stock.
Correct – the engines were stock 225 hp units. Great to see this one has the silicone (not silicon) upper radiator hose yet – those are hard to find these days.
The Goodyear kit part #5001 is still available from several specialty retailers for $145 – $150, Continental shows an identical kit, with the same part number available on Amazon for $141. It looks like Goodyears has either ceased production or it’s going to be a limited run item in the future.
Steve R
Take 2, no, no, my Mustang LX bashing days are over. While researching, I found, there was another( in my best Yoda voice), apparently there was a SSP LTD that predated the Mustang that officers really liked. The Mustang could have been ordered with an automatic, or a 5 speed. Most depts. went with an automatic, as the 5 speed proved difficult in a chase. Also, with gear, there was no room for the perp, and another full size squad had to be called. They’re fast, no doubt, a Neb.(?) trooper was clocked at 146. They proved dangerous at those speeds and crashes were rare, but they did happen. I’m surprised they still Selma cop cars with all the whistles. Be advised, “public safety” is just another name for a police officer, so don’t pixx them off either. Generally relegated to city doins and county fairs, why a SSP was needed is unclear.
Oh, just one,,,I hated my Mustang LX,,oh, oh, is that a drop of coolant on the passenger floor mat? Why? When it happens, you’ll know.
Not sure where “Selma” came from, sorry, time for a nap. :)
Back in my younger dumber days I was given a ride in one of these and I was put in the front seat. I was a big corn fed farm boy also, 6′ 1″ 260# I was not comfortable. Last time I rode in one of them.
Texas DPS on the doors means the highway patrol of Texas, the state troopers. Absolutely they needed a pursuit vehicle, although these days on some Texas highways anything under 90 will get you ran over.
These Mustang SSP’s are super cool, especially when a group of them with the livery from different states get together at a national Mustang event. With lights and sirens blazing, they make for quite the show. The Texas version may be my favorite, because of the no-nonsense old-school black and white paint.
When I lived in Daytona back in the 90’s worked with a guy who owned one of these. That one had a fresh air intake with about a 1” opening and about 1’ wide located underneath the front right bumper. Surely that added some additional power and improved fuel mileage? Anyone else here remember or know what I’m referring to?
March performance, the same company that makes pulley kits, has offered a ram air kit that fits your description. It’s opening is about 1 1/2” high and 8 to 10” wide and is located under the passenger side bumped. The company I worked for started carrying March around 2001 and we stocked it from that date going forward. It’s part number P1410 and is listed on the Summit racing website for $218.99.
Steve R
Worth double with the stick. At least to me.
And even yet ANOTHER car I want, want, want. This one is kind of special to me as my dad was a career Texas State Trooper for 34 years. But he retired in 1978 way before this car came out. I live in the Dallas area and I’m sure if I got it and drove it the local PD’s, SO’s and the Highway Patrol would have fits.
highway miles plus unstated idle time
The true value of anything, car, piano or cuff link is what someone is willing to pay for it.
Special vehicles? ‘Way back in the ’50s and ’60s the NJSP used Chrysler 300s to patrol the NJTPK and GSP. It still took two of them side-by-side in the wee small hours at full chat to provide a running road block to stop a diplomat in his 300SL. With diplomatic immunity he was ushered off at the next exit where upon he promptly did a u-ie and went on his merry way at better than 30 second miles.
Sigh…
The SSP Mustang was Fords answer to a 1979 special purpose vehicle study conducted by the California Highway Patrol in which a Chevrolet Camaro was used. The study was conducted because by 1981, not a single American made police car had a top speed of over 120 MPH. The catching of speeders and pursuits were very much a thing into the late 1990’s. The Camaros did not do well in the test. So in 1982, the Ford that chases Porsches was born with a top speed of 126 MPH. The CHP bought 406 of the 1982 SSP Mustangs. The 1982 engine was a 5.0L HO 2-bbl engine with 157 horsepower. By 1987 the 5.0 HO had multiport fuel injection and 225 horsepower with a top speed of 139 MPH.
Serious stains on the driver’s seat. Westlake Donuts was only 12 minutes away (6.4 miles).
I thought Texas cars were Black/Beige?We had one of these
in our small city (Eureka,CA).I even saw it in a book of the history
of police vehicles.
I always wanted to buy one of the used from the CHP and use
it to race in SCCA Showroom Stock class,with one of those State-
of California license plate frames that says “STATE VEHICLE”-
“FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” (Highly illegal on a civilian vehicle).
Back in the day, Police Auctions sold these cars for a few hundred $. Now these seem to be collectors items and worth much, much more!
Very true. It’s funny what becomes collectable. We used to get clean Jeep Cherokee XJ’s at the federal auction for a thousand bucks and now people are paying crazy money for a clean XJ.
buddy of mine on South Carolina HP had one, five gears, nasty fast, had HD sway bars, fat tires, went for $1500 at state auction–wish I’d bought it then!!!
The most difficult thing about owning one of these is that wherever you go everyone goes 24 miles per hour. Bought a retired county car with 5 speed and did the open road races in Nevada. Bone stock with 140,000 miles the car got clocked at 149 mph. After some aero and suspension mods and a 347 cu in swap the car was clocked at 174 mph. Would average 150 for 130 miles.Great car!
When we lived in Nevada we had a pair of Porsches. You think we didn’t have fun out on those no speed limit roads? You betcha!
Didn’t some police cars come with a mercury box for better cornering ?