Given the amount of time the Fox-platform Mustang was in production and the different models available, there are several desirable and hot offerings out there in the marketplace, although some of them (like the Cobra) are often priced out of reach for some would-be buyers. Not that $30,000 CAD is exactly cheap, but this 1987 Ford Mustang LX SSP is undoubtedly a high performer, plus it’s also been restored. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel, this one’s in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, and can be found here on Craigslist. Thankfully, the price converts to just over $21,000 in U.S. Dollars, so this one might be worth a trip north of the border to check out. Great find, Curvette, and thanks for sending us the tip here!
SSP stands for Special Service Package, which was available exclusively to law enforcement agencies. This one originally served in the Mesa, Arizona, police department, first as a commander’s unmarked response unit, then for aggressive-driving enforcement until 2002, so it likely didn’t lead a pampered life during its first 15 years. The car was auctioned, then sat for 4 years before the paint was stripped, followed by a respray in the original Regatta Blue. The exterior now presents beautifully, and I’m not spotting anything outside that needs any immediate further attention.
Fast-forwarding to 2015, the original 5.0 engine is said to have been pulled and rebuilt, with the automatic transmission replaced by a 5-speed manual. The rear end was also switched to one with 2.73:1 gears, and thankfully, it remains a Traction-Loc unit. Aside from these mods, the seller reports that everything else remains stock per SSP specifications and says that the Mustang has no issues. Everything in the bay looks clean and orderly, and hopefully, this one’s ready to perform reliably for the next owner.
Little is mentioned specifically about the interior, but it appears to remain in good condition, and some other fun goodies are also included for car shows. Among these items are a functional radar gun, a mobile data terminal, and police lights, along with a couple of non-functional pieces, such as an imitation stop stick and a toy shotgun. For those seeking an unusual and high-performance Fox-era Mustang that’s not going to break the bank, I’m feeling this one may well be worth the just-over-twenty-grand USD asking price and a visit to The Great White North. What do you think?
There are lots of attractive and desirable Fox Mustang models and trims, but there is something really cool about a police-spec model like this. I guess it is the notchback body, the (mostly) black wheels, and the lack of flashy trim. I like them both as jurisdiction-specific models, and “blank” like this.
Good job Mike.
I’d have to get the exhaust tips sorted, the way they’re angled down would drive me batty. Other than that, regatta blue is such an appealing color on these Fox bodied 5.0s. Nice looking car. I’ve always wanted another SSP, or regular notch, after my unfortunate slip n slide n roll off of an expressway off ramp totaled my 87 SSP back in the mid-90s. The 5 speeds are a lot of fun to drive.
All right Mike and Curvette! I love it! I am not and never have been a lover of the Fox body Mustangs. The 67-70 are my all time favorites but the Fox body just never seemed like the true Mustang spirit. But this car really caught my eye. Since I started following BF, I have a new found appreciation of simple cars and being restored to the original condition and the specialty cars such as this.
IMO you really can’t call this car a sleeper, it just looks like it is ready for serious business and can handle it, no problem. Car guys can take one look and know it’s pedigree.