Highway Patrol

 

Is this photo a still taken from a Blues Brothers movie?  I dunno.  It appears to be a 1967 Chevrolet Impala Police Cruiser.

In the mid-1960s the Chicago Police Department favored the use of Impalas of this era for their size - sufficient room for two officers and their equipment, winter driving capability, ability to engage in high speed expressway pursuits and their over-all reliability.

This vehicle was produced by GM's Chevrolet motor division as a spec-built fleet vehicle for taxi and police department use.  Consequently, it was assembled with 'beefier' components including: a heavy-duty rear axle including a limited slip differential, heavy duty suspension, springs and shocks, larger sway bars, a reinforced frame, power steering and plain steel wheels with bias-ply tires including 'dog-dish' hub caps.  Later models included experimental front disc brakes but virtually all vehicles produced included heavy duty drum brakes all-around.

 

Tennessee State Trooper 1966 Biscayne model 

I'm familiar with this vehicle line as our household ride in the 1960s included a 1965 Chevy Belair later replaced by a 1967 Chevy Impala SS (Super Sport).  Both of those vehicles were equipped with a 283 (4.6L) V8 and the police version was powered by a 327 (5.4L) V8 rated at 275 hp.  Pursuit-model law enforcement models were generally equipped with a 396 (6.5L) V8 rated at 325 hp.

Hitched to the rear-wheel drive was a 2-speed 'Slush Box' Powerglide automatic transmission - same as my 1968 Pontiac Le Mans convertible.  Later years witnessed the introduction of a 3-speed Turbo-Hydromatic transmission.  

Police units came factory-equipped with a single 'Gumball' red rotating beacon, dash-mounted or column siren control, a Motorola radio console, drive side spotlight and sometimes a steel [partition between the front and real seats. 

From a post just about a couple of years ago is a Wisconsin State Patrol 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne.

This is not a police model but it is a most excellent surviving restoration of a 1967 Impala Super Sport (fully loaded).

Vroom!

Highway Patrol

Dodge was a significant player in the the highway patrol and police cruiser marketplace over the years.  Here's a classic for you.

A 1965-66 Dodge Polara in dark blue and white livery sporting a Wisconsin State Patrol shield.  The officer in the photo is sporting the traditional State Patrol dress uniform of the era and a Smokey Bear hat that persists today.  

Chrysler's C-body lineup was a favorite of police departments for their durability and reliability, straight lines and wide stance and in Wisconsin for wintertime performance.  Powered by a standard 383 V8 rated at 330 horsepower; a 413 V8 and 440 V8 were also available.  A heavy-duty, police spec, Tourqueflite automatic transmission tied it all together.  

Naturally, the suspension, alternator, radiator, brakes, wiring harness and more were higher capacity and heavier duty that civilian models.  Upholstery was vinyl.  These vehicles were factory-equipped with a Motorola two-way radio (with a whip antenna), shotgun rack, a single red rotating "gumball" roof beacon and exterior siren.   

This smiling dude is the proud owner of a restored 1965 Dodge Cornet police cruiser...

 

   

Highway Patrol

The police car in the image is a

1961 Plymouth Savoy used by the Chicago Police Department.   Additional trimlines that year included the Belvedere and Fury.

While we don't know what's lurking under the hood Plymouth models were available with a 225 Slant-Six and V8 options like the 318, 361, or 383 cubic inch engines.  These cars typically came with a 3-speed manual or a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, often with push-button controls for the automatic in Plymouths of that era.

Police versions featured a reinforced suspension, heavy-duty brakes (drum brakes were standard), and upgraded cooling systems to handle the demands of patrol work.  Police cruisers had basic interiors with vinyl upholstery and rubber floor mats for easy cleaning.  

This vehicle sports a single dome light and possibly an under-hood siren, like the Federal P-280 pulsator siren used by the Chicago Police Department around that time.

Fun Fact:  Car 54, Where Are You?, the classic American sitcom that aired from 1961 to 1963, featuring the misadventures of two mismatched New York City police officers, Gunther Toody and Francis Muldoon. 

The iconic patrol car in the show, Car 54, was primarily a 1961 Plymouth Fury 4-door sedan, though other Plymouth models like the Belvedere and even a 1962 or 1963 Plymouth Savoy were also used during the series' run.

 

One of my all-time favorite childhood shows..... 

 

Highway Patrol

The 1961 Ford Fairlane Police Interceptor was part of Ford’s strategy to compete in the police fleet market by offering powerful V8 options in relatively light, midsize sedans.  The 1961 Fairlane Interceptor was part of the transition era in American police cars — lighter than the postwar tanks, but still muscular.  Ford’s use of the “Interceptor” branding predates the famous Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and was used as early as the 1950s.

The Fairlane was Ford’s full-size car until 1962, slotted below the top-tier Galaxie.  It was often used by police departments as a more affordable alternative to the heavier Galaxie, while still being able to house big engines.

The Interceptor package included:  Heavy-duty suspension, brakes, and cooling.  Reinforced frame, 12-volt electrical system with high-output alternator and a certified speedometer (up to 120 or 140 mph).  The vehicle was prepped for spotlight mounts, siren and radio.  There was also an optional blackout or “no chrome” trim for unmarked use.

For the Police Interceptor version Ford offered high-performance V8s, including a 352 cu in (5.8L) Interceptor V8 (a popular police engine) or  390 cu in (6.4L) V8 (Hubba Hubba).  Drive train offerings were a 3-speed manual or optional automatic (Cruise-O-Matic).  

The 4-door sedan was the most common configuration for police use; although, some 2-door sedans may have been used for pursuit work or highway patrol.  

Never forget, as fast as the highway patrol is - you cannot outrun Motorola....

Highway Patrol

The 1983 FHP Mustang refers to a special version of the Ford Mustang used by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).  Above are all forty of them lined-up and ready to roll.

These Mustangs were part of the Special Service Package (SSP) factory-equipped with a carbureted 5.0L High Output V8 (302 cu in) rated at 175 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque. Special Features of the SSP included an engine oil cooler, automatic transmission fluid cooler, reinforced floor pans, heavy-duty alternator, certified speedometer, relocated deck lid release, reinforced frame and suspension for high-speed handling and special “FHP” two-tone paint scheme (dark brown and tan/gold).  

Transmission was either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and top speed for this pursuit vehicle was 130+ mph.

Ford began SSP Mustang production in 1982, and FHP was among the first law enforcement agencies to adopt them in 1983.  These cars were lightweight, fast, and more fuel-efficient than traditional police cruisers, making them ideal for highway patrol duties.  The FHP Mustangs were among the most iconic SSP Mustangs ever used due to their unique look and early adoption.

Between marriages I drove a 1988 5.0L LX hatchback civilian model, fuel-injected with a roller cam, tuned headers and with a T-5 Borg-Warner manual transmission.  Factory-equipped with a 5.0L (302 cu in) High Output V8 it had a compression ratio: 9.0:1 and a sequential multi-port fuel injection (SEFI). Rated at 225 hp @ 4,200 rpm and 300 lb-ft  of torque.  I can personally certify that top speed is 135 mph.  Curb weight was 3150 pounds.

My daily drive nowadays is a Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD with an extended range battery

Powered by two permanent magnet, synchronous electric motors, with a single speed automatic transmission it is rated at 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.  0-60 in less than 3.8 seconds top speed is factory limited to 120 mph.   Curb weight is 4,759 pounds.

Automotive engineering has moved light years since 1983.  

And there is no such thing as a green sports car.

Vrooom! 

 

Highway Patrol

The 1970 Dodge Coronet Police Fleet was a popular choice among law enforcement agencies due to its power, durability, and aggressive styling. It was part of the sixth-generation Coronet lineup and was commonly used by police departments across the U.S. in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Key Features of the 1970 Dodge Coronet Police Package:

Engines (varied by department budgets and needs):

• 318 CID (5.2L) V8 (Base engine)

• 383 CID (6.3L) V8 (Highway Patrol models)

• 440 CID (7.2L) V8 Magnum (Pursuit models)

• 426 CID (7.0L) HEMI V8 (Rare, special order)

Transmission:

• A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic (standard for most police cars)

Body Style:

• 4-door sedan (most common for fleet use)

• 2-door hardtop (rare, mainly for special pursuit units)

Performance & Equipment:

• Heavy-duty suspension for high-speed pursuits

• Upgraded cooling system to handle long idling periods

• High-performance brakes for durability and stopping power

• 140 mph certified speedometer

• Spotlights, radio and sirens (department-installed)

The 1970 Coronet’s distinctive “bumblebee wings” front-end styling made it stand out from other police cars of the era. The Dodge Coronet shared many components with the Plymouth Fury and Dodge Polara, which were also popular police vehicles.

Dodge dominated the police fleet market until the energy crisis of the 1970s. 

Highway Patrol

From the interweb we learn that this is a portrait of Trooper Clay W. Keith standing next to  his patrol car in Bartow, Florida.

Born on July 4, 1917 in Asheville, North Carolina. He was one of Florida's earliest troopers joining the FHP in 1941, a few years after it was officially established. He served 30 years in uniform, rising to the rank of major and becoming the state's first director of driver licensing in 1963. 

He left the FHP in 1978 to become the civilian head of driver licensing, and he remained in that post until retiring in 1987. In retirement, he became the official historian of the Florida Highway Patrol. Clay Keith died on December 18, 2000.

The automobile in the image appears to be a 1939-40 Ford Standard Tudor Sedan - commonly used by law enforcement agencies including the Florida Highway Patrol in the early 1940s.  

The rounded trunk and rear fenders are characteristic  of the 1940 Ford models .

Highway Patrol

Preferred by police fleets everywhere this happens to be a 1956 Wisconsin State Patrol Customline police interceptor.  

And a 1957 Michigan State Trooper and his Ford 300 Cruiser.

Available in both two or four-door configurations it features a new easy-handling ball-joint front suspension, Angle Poised Ride (whatever that is) and Ford Lifeguard engineering.

 You can dissect all of the specifications here.

Remember....

You can't outrun Motorola.

Highway Patrol

1957 Dodge Police Car was a high performance pursuit vehicle based on Dodge's standard production models but specifically equipped for law enforcement use.  It was part of the Dodge lineup that featured bold, futuristic styling, a wraparound windshield, tailfins and a wide stance.

Key features included a standard 325 cu in Red Ram V8 and an optional high performance 354 cu in Hemi V8.  Some models were equipped with dual, four-barrel carburetors, producing over 300 horsepower - making them one of the fastest police cars of the time.

Cars came in a classic two-tone black and white paint scheme, roof mounted red or blue emergency light, factory-installed siren and police radio and spotlight and push bars for the highway patrol version.

The 1957 model was adopted by many departments who needed high-speed pursuit capabilities. At the time Dodge was competing with Ford and Chevrolet for fleet dominance and its powerful engines and durability made it a favorite among officers.

 

Highway Patrol

Earlier this month I published some specs on the 1958 Ford patrol car.  

The 1959 Ford police car is a striking example of mid-20th-century American automotive design, combining both power and style. As part of Ford's lineup during a time of post-war optimism, this model featured bold, sharp lines, large tail fins, and an impressive chrome grille, all characteristics of the era’s automotive trends. 

The police version of the car was built to be both functional and imposing, offering a powerful V8 engine for pursuit and a distinct design to symbolize authority. Its appearance made it a recognizable figure on the streets, serving as a symbol of law and order during the late 1950s.

In terms of functionality, the 1959 Ford police car was equipped with several features that made it ideal for law enforcement. It had a heavy-duty suspension, powerful brakes, and extra lighting equipment to ensure that officers could respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. The inclusion of sirens, lights and a radio, allowed the vehicle to serve as both a patrol car and a pursuit vehicle.  As police departments across the United States began to modernize their fleets, the 1959 Ford was one of the standout vehicles, reflecting the era’s technological advances and the growing need for efficient and reliable law enforcement tools.

Naturally, this vehicle has since become desirable by car enthusiasts and collectors for its design and historical significance.  Its place in the history of American law enforcement vehicles is cemented by its iconic look and its role in shaping the image of police cars during a transformative period in American culture.  Nowadays, restored versions of the 1959 Ford police car are often displayed in museums and car shows, a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era when law enforcement vehicles were as much about style as they were about function.

Vintage NYPD 1959 Ford Police Car, Brooklyn, New York City.

Highway Patrol

The 1958 Ford police car was a rugged and powerful vehicle used by multiple law enforcement agencies across the US.  It was based-upon Ford's mainstream full-size Fairlane, Custom 300 or Galaxie models.

The muscle in these automobiles included a powerful 5.4L or 5.8L Interceptor V8 giving them ample margin for pursuit.  Transmissions offered a choice of a 3-speed manual or Ford-O-Matic.  Livery was either black-and-white or solid colors, a roof-mounted gumball and siren.

The roomy interior featured heavy-duty vinyl seats, basic and police instrumentation and radio hook-up.

Highway Patrol

The 1969 Chevrolet Bel Air police car had a really long wheelbase and a choice of:  454 CID. 270hp; 427 CID, 425hp or a 402CID 240hp V8 engine.  Unusually, the transmission was a four-speed manual.

Performance

• Acceleration 0-60 in 8.6 seconds
  
• Could run a quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds at 82 mph
• Could reach 113 mph without a lightbar
• Top speed was reduced by 6–8 mph with a lightbar and 1.5 mph with pillar-mounted spotlights 
  

Here's a really fun story about the search for a surviving Big Block Chevy Police Interceptor  from the Hemmings New archives.

Highway Patrol

The 1973 Torino police car was widely used in cities and rural areas due to its affordability and reliability. It also gained fame through TV shows and movies featuring classic police chases, often depicted sliding around corners in high-speed pursuits.

A popular choice for law enforcement agencies in the early 1970s it was part of Ford’s Torino lineup, widely known for its durability, performance, and muscular styling. 

• Engine Options:

  • 302 cu in (4.9L) Windsor V8 (Base)

  • 351 cu in (5.8L) Cleveland V8

  • 400 cu in (6.6L) Cleveland V8

  • 429 cu in (7.0L) Police Interceptor V8 (High-performance option)

• Transmission:

  • 3-speed automatic (C4 or C6)

  • 4-speed manual (rare for police models)

• Performance:

  • The 429 Police Interceptor engine could produce up to 205-275 horsepower (depending on setup)

  • Heavy-duty suspension for improved handling and durability

  • Larger brakes for high-speed pursuits

• Features:

• Police Package (Code SPP - Special Police Package): Included reinforced frame, upgraded cooling system, heavy-duty alternator, and high-output ignition.

• Interior: Basic vinyl seats for easy cleaning, police radio mounts, and spotlights.

• Exterior: Black-and-white paint schemes were common, with red or blue emergency lights on the roof.

• Tires and Wheels: Heavy-duty steel wheels with police-rated tires.

Highway Patrol

The 1972 Mercury Monterey Police Interceptor was equipped with a 429 V8 producing about 209hp, with a four-barrel carburetor designed to run on regular, low lead or unleaded gasoline and a heavy duty automatic transmission - the only choice for the law enforcement model.

For 1972 there was a shift to lower horsepower as a consequence of new emission standards.  After 1974 the 429 engine was discontinued with later models equipped with Lincoln's 460 V8 as the top option.

Fun video....

Highway Patrol

Radio Motor Patrol (RMP) is a term used to describe the patrol cars of the New York Cidy Police Department (NYPD).

A NYPD RMP had a short and thankless existence back in 1971.  A 440 cid Mopar Police Pursuit vehicle made no sense whatsoever for the NYPD as most RMPs patrolled at 10 to 15 MPH.  These cars were stripped-down with no options, no prisoner cage, a six-cylinder, warning lights, roof-mounted siren and an analog Motorola radio.  

They ran 24 hours a day and after four years were completely used-up, sold for scrap  or busted-up for parts.  

Which would explain why this vehicle is not a restoration - it is a replica.  You can read about it here.

Road Muscle

Behold the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28; and all its performance attributes.  

Darn nice ride.

And the 2024 Mustang Mach-E.  

A darn better ride. 

 

My daily drive is a Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD with an extended range battery

Engine:  Two permanent magnet, synchronous electric motors, with a single speed automatic transmission

Power: 346 HP

Weight: 4,759 LB

Top Speed: Factory limited to 120 MPH

0-60 mph: 3.8 sec

Max Torque:  428 LB FT

Automotive engineering has moved light years since 1968.  

And there is no such thing as a green sports car.

Vrooom!

 

Highway Patrol

There's an old saying in law enforcement - You cannot out run Motorola.  

It may also be you might find it difficult to outrun the 1969 Dodge Polara Pursuit.  Like these  Royal Canadian Mounties showing-off their RCMP four wheel Polara mounts.

The 1969 Dodge Polara has long been considered the pinnacle of police car performance boasting a 375hp 440 lurking under the hood, heavy-duty suspension and ginormous brakes.

That's more muscle than plenty of peer muscle cars back in the day.  For good reason.

How'd you like to have this California Highway Patrol (CHP) restoration in the spare stall of your garage?

 

Vroom!

Here's What Makes America Great

This past weekend I took a half-day to clean-up, vac, fuel-up and charge-up the 1968 Pontiac convertible.  The plan was to put it up for sale earlier in the spring but other considerations intervened with other more carefully-laid plans.  Nevertheless, Jill mentioned that there was a church picnic and car show at Holy Name of Mary Church in nearby Maplewood.  

click on images to enlarge

A good opportunity to show it, put a For Sale sign on it and hang-out.

 As far as church picnics go this was nice.  The usual array of brats, burgers trippe and booyah.

Hot cars.

64 Mustang in the foreground and a 68 LeMans in the background

40 Ford 

Ford Model A




Live music and cold beer. 

And  an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - commonly known as a drone - buzzing the crowd and the church.





Community, terrific food, Detroit muscle, great weather, cold beer, religion and aerial technology.  It doesn't get any better than this.  America is a Great Place.

Hanger Queen

Last weekend I got The Beast running.

That's my affectionate name for the 1968 Pontiac that has been taking-up space in the garage.  Last year I never had it out once.  Which is sad because it truly is a head-turner of a vehicle. 

All three hundred and fifty cubic inches of its gas-guzzling glory.  A red convertible with fuzzy dice swinging from the rear view mirror does attract a lot of attention.

And it cleans-up nicely.  

 click on the red car to enlarge

And we drove down to Rosiere on the county line to have a frosty beer and poke our finger in Lee's eye.

When The Beast lived with me in the Big City it was driven all of the time.  I would drive it to the day job when the weather was nice.  I drove it in the Wauwatosa Independence Day Parade with my Kiwanis pals every summer.  Because it was kept in my pop's garage he would drive it when I wasn't using it.  We have been acquainted since I purchased her in 1987.  As the second owner we have enjoyed a long and enduring relationship. Alas, like an old aircraft gathering dust in the hanger lately it's just been taking-up space.  After I get some minor tune-up things complete I'm putting this piece of Detroit muscle car glory up for sale.

I may regret it - but it deserves to be driven.

Sturgeon By Car Show

Harvest Festival 2012 was today and Brother In Law and I and the Fraus went to check it out.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend it's got gobs of arts and crafts for sale, music, and all sorts of food.  The Marine Corps League sells Italian sausages with peppers on real Italian rolls, the Knights of Columbus sells grilled turkey legs and sweet corn, the Rotary sells brats, plus there's pizza, kettle corn, sweets and beer.  And wine.  And more beer.

The festival also hosts one of the best car shows around.

click on images to enlarge

Amazing to me that there are so many cool cars on the peninsula.

Check back periodically for some real cool wheels.