Highway Patrol

Here's some recognition of Wisconsin's contribution to the Highway Patrol.  

The 1972 AMC police patrol cars, the Ambassador and Matador, were specially designed law enforcement vehicles offered by American Motors Corporation (AMC). These vehicles were built to compete with police packages from the "Big Three" automakers—Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler—offering durability, performance, and affordability.

1972 AMC Ambassador Police Package

The AMC Ambassador was the larger of the two police models, featuring:

• Wheelbase: 122 inches
• Length: 210.78 inches
• Width: 77.24 inches
• Trunk Capacity: 18.2 cubic feet
• Turning Circle Diameter: 40 feet 5 inches
• Engine Options: Likely included the 360, 401 CID V8 engines, providing high torque for police pursuits.

The Ambassador was used by many police departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which needed powerful, full-size patrol cars for highway and city duty.

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1972 AMC Matador Police Package

The AMC Matador was a slightly smaller, more maneuverable police vehicle, featuring:

• Wheelbase: 118 inches
• Length: 206.05 inches
• Width: 77.24 inches
• Trunk Capacity: 18.2 cubic feet
• Turning Circle Diameter: 39 feet
• Engine Options: Similar to the Ambassador, the Matador could be equipped with 360, 401 CID V8 engines for high-speed pursuits.

The Matador became more widely used by police departments across the U.S., especially in city patrol roles. It gained significant recognition when the LAPD adopted it as their primary patrol car from 1972 to 1975.

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Performance & Legacy

Both AMC police cars were known for:

• Powerful V8 engines suitable for high-speed pursuits.
• Spacious interiors accommodating police equipment.
• Durability & reliability under tough patrol conditions.

The Matador, in particular, gained a strong reputation and was even featured in various TV shows and movies depicting law enforcement. By the late 1970s, however, AMC faced stiff competition from Ford and Chevrolet, leading to a decline in AMC's police vehicle sales.