It’s safe to say that if you tried to think of any automaker associated with US law enforcement, Ford would be your choice. The Crown Victoria is arguably the most famous and recognizable police car in the world, becoming a cultural icon since its introduction in 1992.
While the Crown Vic’ and Ford are synonymous with US law enforcement, the Ford Mustang is not. However, the California Highway Patrol reached an agreement with Ford in 1982 to build an improved lightweight police. muscle car based on the Fox Body platform, called SSP.
In his latest video, FoxbodyFX’s Lance interviews the current owner of Ponies In The Smokies and goes over some of the history of SSP Mustangs and this very rare, unbranded Calypso Green car.
The Fox Body Sleeper Mustang for Ex-Police
Built from 1982 to 1993, the SSP, or “Special Services Package,” came in marked and unmarked versions. A wide variety of US authorities, including the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, and a multitude of state and local police departments, used the SSP, with a total production of about 15,000 units by the end of 1993
The current owner, Chet Zeidler, has had the car for about 12 years after buying it from a lady who drove the car daily for 11 years. Before that, it was an Indiana State Police official car with the Indiana County Jail Matron using it as a daily company car.
Going over some of the car’s details, owner Chet says most SSP Mustangs are black, brown or two-tone, depending on the government agency. However, the SSP was available in any Ford factory color if you knew the right person.
This specific car is one of 94 Calypso Green Metallic Fox Body Mustangs produced in 1992 and is the only one of two SSPs from that year in this color scheme, originally built as a test car by Ford.
What makes SSP different?
Based on the LX trim compared to the GT, the SSP’s main differences from the standard cars were engine and transmission oil coolers, special silicone radiator hoses, 160 mph speedometers, reinforced fenders and seats reinforced designed to stop the famous fox. ‘lean’ body
Most SSPs also had automatic transmissions; this was so law enforcement could easily operate radios and sirens while in pursuit or at high speed without needing to shift gears.
The SSP was also built on its own production line although many assumed they were normal production cars fitted with the SSP specific parts. There are a lot of other tiny details about this car, and we recommend you watch the full video of perhaps the most modestly sleeping Mustang of all time.
