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-   -   1988 Wyoming Highway Patrol HP 43 (http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6487)

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:13 AM

1988 Wyoming Highway Patrol HP 43
 
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I would like to introduce you to HP 43 that served with the Wyoming Highway Patrol in Buffalo, WY from 1988 to 1991. The car was assigned to Patrolman Steve Steiner, Badge # 125 (served 1971 – 1994).

There were six 1988 Mustangs purchased by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, with each one being assigned to each of the patrol districts. There was a strict selection process to choose which patrolman was to be awarded a Mustang. Some factors considered were seniority, driving record and work performance. Five of the Mustangs went to EVOC training conducted by the Utah Highway Patrol on May 25-26, 1988 in Evanston, WY using the local airstrip for the driver training course. The sixth patrolman borrowed one of the Utah Mustangs. The instructors were Sgt. Dennis Bringhurst, Trooper Al Christianson and Trooper Larry Hogan of the Utah Highway Patrol.

The six Wyoming Mustangs were equipped from the factory with the 5-spd. manual transmission, power door locks, speed control, air conditioning, manual windows, rear window defroster, AM/FM Stereo Cassette radio, engine block heater, interval wipers, power mirrors and paint code of 1C Black. The Wyoming Highway Patrol added the white roof, a- and c-pillars, a single chrome driver side spotlight with red bulb, a Kustom Trooper K-band radar, Motorola Spectra radio with integrated siren controls, Federal Signal Jetsonic light bar, Unitrol light controller and mud flaps. Some of the cars used the rear seat cover with front zippered pouch for the shotgun, same as Utah. HP 43 was one of them. Not all patrolmen used these because one I talked to carried his in the soft case in the back floorboard for easy access. Another carried his in the soft case in the trunk.

The cars bore the badge number of the patrolman on the hood above the left headlight and on the left side of the deck lid in place of the LX emblem. At this time, the license plate did not match the badge number, but did denote the car number. The website statetrooperplates.com has a photo of the license plate off my car – HP 43. (If anyone knows who currently owns this plate, please let me know!) Also, another of the WHP SSPs is also pictured, that of late Patrolman Al Clavette, whom I personally knew from my time as a National Park Ranger, based out of Lovell, WY. Al had just recently traded for the new 1991 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 my rookie summer, so I never got to see his Mustang.

The six Wyoming Highway Patrol Mustangs were assigned as follows:
Steve Townsend, Badge # 153, Unit HP 148, Division M, District 2, Douglas, WY (1980-????)
Steve Steiner, Badge # 125, Unit HP 43, Division C, District 4, Buffalo, WY (1971-1994)
Steve Keigley, Badge # 77, Unit HP 22, Division F, District 1, Guernsey, WY (1980-1998)
Al Clavette, Badge # 129, Unit HP 57, Division N, District 5, Cody/Lovell, WY (1975-1997)
Garry Halter, Badge # Unknown, Unit HP 82, Division H, District 1, Rawlins, WY (1986-1989)
Jeff Berrett, Badge # 124, Unit HP 136, Division E, District 3, Rock Springs/Bridger Valley, WY (1985-1993)

Patrolman Steve Townsend’s SSP is the one pictured in the Gallery section of this site. Badge # 153, Unit HP 148. This was the missing Mustang at EVOC training. Another interesting note, this SSP was not in the consecutive VIN number listing of the other 5 WHP Mustangs. At this time, we don’t know why. The photos were taken by E. Prince at the headquarters building in Cheyenne (according to Patrolman Townsend, himself) and shows that he had a CB radio mounted in his SSP using a magnetic mount antenna. The other photo in the Gallery is of Patrolman Steve Keigley and his Mustang (Badge # 77, Unit HP 22) with a Colorado State Patrolman and his Mustang and a Utah Highway Patrolman at the state line between Wyoming and Colorado on I-25.

All cars were allowed to run the Wyoming Centennial front license plate that took the place of the official state plate for 1990.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, this batch of six Mustangs were the only ones ever purchased. Once these retired, the B4C Camaro took over serving alongside Ford Crown Victorias, Chevrolet Caprices and later Ford Expeditions (started as winter use).

All of this information was compiled from phone conversations and emails with the retired patrolmen and the Wyoming Highway Patrol. A great amount of legwork went into getting this information and I cannot take credit for it, other than compiling it together and to help get started in the right place based on my personal knowledge from my time spent in Wyoming and talking with the patrolmen back then. I have quite a few 35mm photos I need to scan and post. However, like I said, I never saw the WHP Mustangs in service.

This is all because of my good friend Hector Alvarez. In 2010, we went to the Colorado State Patrol’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and Car Show – Hector with his 1988 CSP Mustang and me with my 1992 CSP Camaro. At the show, Hector found out talking with the CSP that not all of their Mustangs were marked white units. A small few were unmarked and different colors. Jump forward one year to 2011. Hector sees a black SSP on Craigslist in Denver, CO. After a few texts with the seller, he confirms it’s an SSP with the Denver DSO and purchases it right away, hoping it’s one of the very rare non-white CSP Mustangs. When the documentation that came with the car was looked at along with the buck tags…it was not to be a CSP Mustang. It turns out that Hector had just purchased a Wyoming Highway Patrol SSP, Unit # 43. The unicorn had been found. Knowing I had spent time in Wyoming, Hector contacted me to get help in researching the car and the history of the WHP SSP program. I told him to start with the local WYDOT office the car would have worked out of. Hector called and talked with the shop foreman and eventually tracked down the mechanic that worked on the car, but first, he hit pay dirt by making contact with Patrolman Steve Townsend at WHP Headquarters in Cheyenne, now a Sergeant. Through Sgt. Townsend, he got the names of all six patrolmen the Mustangs were assigned to and their locations. Sgt. Townsend also provided pictures and other needed information about the cars.

After an extensive internet search for the patrolman that drove HP 43, Patrolman Steve Steiner was possibly located in Missouri. Hector wants me to publicly thank Jim Doiron for getting some friends together on their day off and going to locate Mr. Steiner to confirm if he was indeed who Hector hoped he was. Mr. Steiner was not home, so Jim left a note on his door. A few days later, Jim got a call from Mr. Steiner confirming he was retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and drove the Mustang Hector now owned. Jim passed on Mr. Steiner’s contact information and the call was made.

Hector then made contact with Patrolman Steve Keigley, then Sheriff of Platte County, Wyoming. Here is a quote from the email he sent Hector, “Because of the small trunk only essential equipment was carried. My trunk contained: first aid kit, accident investigation equipment, special services squad equipment, law books including commercial vehicle books, traffic triangles, and brief case containing general essentials such as paper work, permits, etc. I believe we did switch to snow tires in the winter time.”

Patrolman Jeff Berrett was then located. He confirmed the radar and the radio and said he used the rear seat cover with the shotgun pouch in the front. More photos and documentation.

Patrolman/Sheriff Keigley is now retired. I spoke to him personally a few days ago. He explained the Special Services Squad to me and it’s very much like the National Park Service’s Special Event Teams. Several patrolmen are picked to train together and they then travel all over the state when the need arises to supplement the local patrolmen so they won’t be tied up with extra duties and responsibilities. This could be dignitary details, public events and celebrations, etc. which need extra manpower. Patrolman Steiner that drove my car was also a member of the Special Services Squad.

I’ve got some work ahead of me to restore this car, namely paint and body work, general wear items and some interior pieces. I will be restoring this car as a driver as close to original condition as I can. Over the years, I have collected most of the equipment, not even dreaming that one day I would own this car.

One thing that came out of the research on more than one occasion was this – these patrolmen took such great pride in getting assigned these Mustangs that they most likely shortened the life of the paint by constantly washing and waxing them to maintain the professional appearance they displayed at all times.

I will post some of the various documentation that came with the car, in-service and EVOC photos, as well as the Marti Report and buck tags over the next few posts.

With all of this said, as you digest this information, I will leave you with this…there is another!

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:15 AM

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Marti Report and buck tags.

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:18 AM

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First impressions...how she looked when Hector first purchased HP 43 in 2011.

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:25 AM

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As she looks today. I've only managed to do a basic cleanup so far.

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:27 AM

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Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:35 AM

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Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:43 AM

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Engine bay and door tag.

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:47 AM

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From Patrolman Jeff Berrett:

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:53 AM

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The BOSS is Back...and Working for the Wyoming Highway Patrol

by Patrolman Steve Steiner

A new era for the Wyoming Highway Patrol began on Monday, May 23, 1988. On that day, the first six Ford Mustang patrol cars were issued to Patrolmen, and they began training to use them.

The Mustang is not new to highway patrol work. A specially prepared Mustang has been offered by Ford Motor Company for a few years now, and has been used by several highway patrols across the country. The concept is simple. A lighter, physically smaller car is able to accelerate more quickly, reach a higher top speed, and generally handles better than a larger, heavier car, given the current limitations placed on police engines by federal emissions and CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements. The Ford Motor Company took the baseline LX version of the Mustang, added appropriate handling and other parts to make the vehicle suitable for police work, and began selling the concept. One added benefit in the present climate of austere governmental budgets is the price for such a car, which is considerably lower than full-size vehicles.

Three days of training were given to those officers selected to receive the cars, as it was felt that the Patrol’s current EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) training might not be sufficient to provide the required safety margin, given the enhanced performance potential of the Mustangs. The first day was a familiarization drive across Wyoming on Interstate 80, from Cheyenne to Evanston. The new Mustangs were quite a different sight for motorists on Wyoming’s stretch of I-80. Many motorists and passengers greeted us with thumbs-up signs of approval. The cars certainly are attention-grabbing.

At Evanston, we were met by Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Dennis M. Bringhurst and two other Utah Troopers. Since they were already familiar with the Mustangs through their assignment to them by the Utah Highway Patrol and the State of Utah, the Utah Troopers generously offered their services as EVOC training instructors. The first day of training was conducted in the classroom. Characteristics unique to the Mustang were discussed, along with specific handling techniques and cautions. The following day was spent on the Evanston Municipal Airport runway, where the cars and drivers were repeatedly put through their paces. The course was, in many respects, similar to the type of EVOC every officer goes through. The differences were in the tightness of the lanes for the various maneuvers, and the higher speeds at which they were accomplished. One additional area was the precision backing techniques involved. These also served to make the driver acutely aware of his vehicle and its reaction to every driving mode.

One aspect of the Mustang is quite different from other vehicles used by the Wyoming Highway Patrol – the Mustang has a 5-speed manual transmission. This difference requires more specialized techniques to use the car as a Patrol vehicle, in order to ensure safety and to protect the vehicle from unnecessary wear. Once one is properly aware of the clutch-transmission-parking brake relationship, stops can be accomplished with the smoothness and safety of a car with an automatic transmission. Talking on the radio does sometimes require timing the radio transmission with the vehicle transmission’s need for a right hand to shift. Overall, the pleasure of driving the vehicle with the smooth 5-speed, and the way overall performance is enhanced, outweighs any minor inconveniences learning the techniques.

One of the major concerns about the Mustang was what the smaller trunk and minimal rear seat would allow in the form of equipment to be carried. Storage limitations will probably exclude this type of vehicle from general use by the equipment-burdened motor carrier officers. Other than that, general patrol requirements for equipment can probably be met. A first aid kit, accident investigation kit, fire extinguisher, ammunition, blankets, shovel, commercial vehicle permits, and other such necessities fit nicely. A couple of “nice-to-have” items that had to be eliminated due to size were the “Wreck Ahead” sign and traffic cones. Patrolman Peterson has loaned me some of his own 6” cones, which do fit, to see if they will work.

Some of the standard equipment from larger patrol cars is being used on the new Mustangs. The standard Kustom Signals radar works, but different mounting systems have had to be devised to accommodate the Mustang’s almost total lack of any flat dashboard surface except right in front of the driver.

The light bar is a new Jetsonic mini bar, similar in exterior appearance to those used on many of the full-sized cars. It is also different in that it has two takedown lights, instead of the standard single takedown unit.

Also new for the Mustang is a Motorola radio unit that has a very small, programmable, digital display head for both the radio and Siren/Public Address functions. This new state-of-the-art radio is not only smaller than others in use by the Patrol, but is also easier to use and has other available options.

At the present time the Patrol staff is considering a recommendation made by the current Mustang drivers, that a seatcover with built-in shotgun scabbard be purchased for the rear seat of the cars. Presently the shotgun is being carried in front of the rear seat, in a manner similar to that used by many of the full-sized cars.

General public reaction to the new cars has been, in a word, “Great.” Everyone who sees the car likes its appearance, and, except for one multiple speed violator who would probably rather see us on bicycles, everyone thinks it is great that we have the really fast cars, just in case we need them.

In addition to the obvious actual and psychological benefits of having really quick, fast, tight-handling cars, other benefits also are provided by the Mustangs. Despite their high-performance nature (fuel injection, tuned exhaust headers, etc.) the Mustangs get good fuel economy, and they don’t appear to be a problem for two reasons. First, although the front end is low, it is not a lot lower than other patrol cars. The continental style of a long hood and really short trunk also keeps rear overhang to a minimum. Since that is often the part that hangs up crossing a median, the problem is minimized. Secondly, since the Mustangs have great acceleration and top-end speed, one doesn’t have the sense of urgency turning on speeders and other violators that can exist with some other types of patrol cars. This results in slower, possibly more cautious median crossings.

As a final bonus, the equipment and enthusiast-type styling of a Patrol Mustang will no doubt provide a higher trade-in value, possibly saving the State even more money in the long run.

At the time of this writing I have had occasion to arrest several people, and transport them in the Mustang. It was no more of a problem than with a full-size car. Obviously, we may encounter problems when more than one person is arrested at a time, or when we have to transport several people that may have been involved in an accident.

Initial personal impressions of the Mustang are all positive. It looks good, has plenty performance potential, and is a very comfortable car to work in. Once the entry and exit techniques are mastered, it really doesn’t take any longer to get into or out of the Mustang than it does some of the full-sized cars. Naturally, one has to be apprehensive about operation during Wyoming’s infamous winters, but overall I think the cars will prove quite worthy, and a welcome addition to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Shared with permission from Patrolman Steiner.

Wolfe1013 11-10-2016 02:59 AM

The text from the photo in Post # 8 above:

Thursday, June 9, 1988

WHP Evaluates New Pursuit Vehicles

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is evaluating a group of new high performance pursuit vehicles.

Patrolman Jeff Berrett is the Valley patrolman chosen to drive a new Ford Mustang. The Patrol will make a decision on whether to purchase more than the original six evaluation vehicles. “We need to see how they’ll perform in the winter,” Berrett stated, “before we go ahead with replacing the whole fleet.”

The vehicles are modified by Ford before delivery to the Patrol and sport a 5.0 liter fuel injected V-8 engine. “Everybody asks me how fast it will go,” Berrett says, “and I can honestly tell them that I don’t know. I haven’t needed to find out. We bought these cars as pursuit vehicles, that means we can get stopped, turned around, and up to speed quickly to stop a violator. The acceleration these vehicles have allows us to get a violator shut down a lot faster and provide a higher degree of safety to the motoring public.”

Patrolmen selected to drive the new vehicles were sent to Cheyenne for training on the new radio equipment and then drove the cars to Evanston for a two-day training session with the Utah Highway Patrol. Berrett explained that the UHP was selected for the training because of their excellent safety record in operating the Mustangs. “They did a great job teaching us, we really appreciate their coming.” Berrett concluded.

28HopUp 11-10-2016 08:48 AM

OUTSTANDING! It's nice to hear that Hector was so involved in the save. 'Well done' to those who helped obtain all of that documentation, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfe1013 (Post 54117)
I will leave you with this…there is another!

I look forward to hearing more about this other Wyoming SSP. :)

ImEvil1 11-10-2016 11:19 AM

Super rare, and great documentation!

mac88chp 11-10-2016 03:12 PM

Outstanding work x 100 - way to go!

Unmrkd 11-10-2016 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfe1013 (Post 54117)
of the Utah Highway Patrol.

With all of this said, as you digest this information, I will leave you with this…there is another!

Standing by with great anticipation.:thumbsup:

chp1982 11-10-2016 04:30 PM

Congrats, Greg! What a find!

MOstang 11-10-2016 09:55 PM

Excellent job to all involved. Very nice! :2thumbs:

Wolfe1013 11-11-2016 10:04 AM

Thanks, guys. I am truly honored to own this car and to be able to share in the compilation of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Mustang SSP program. I will try to get up the EVOC photos either tonight or over the weekend. I've been working for quite some time to put this all together and it looks like I'm going to have to start a website for the car to get the look I want.

I am enjoying the car and rotating it in and out of daily driver status for now. If anyone has some tailpipes, please let me know. I'd rather have the plain non-logo original look to the car. Either 2.25" or 2.5" - no 3" pipes.

28HopUp 11-11-2016 10:20 AM

Congrats again, Greg! Here is the page we added in the VIN Project for your SSP -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...info202253.htm


It will be very easy to add more photos to the page, so keep 'em coming! :) JF202252 is another of the Wyoming SSPs in our Project (it was listed for sale in 2014, with a Bowtie motor in it as I recall). I know of one other Wyoming SSP, which means half of them are accounted for. Have you been able to determine the status on the other three cars?


In terms of exhaust tips, these are the ones I put on my black 85 CHP SSP -

http://www.americanmuscle.com/mustan...s-8697-v8.html

Wolfe1013 11-11-2016 01:39 PM

I love those tips. Thanks for the link!!

I have no status on the other 3 cars. I wonder if you and I know of the same one. I have seen the one I'm referring to in person and it will be announced soon, but not by me. It would be great if we were talking about two different ones and that would only leave two to find.

My car has equal length shorty headers and a 130-amp alternator. Not stock. I know these headers are a good option between long tubes and unequal length shorties, but prefer the look of the unequal length shorties. I may swap them out. Gotta make it sound better too in the muffler area.

MOstang 11-11-2016 10:36 PM

If I am remembering the story correctly, didn't the Trooper assigned to your car that Jim D. made contact provide original WHP emblems that ended up going to Hector? Did you end up with them?

Wolfe1013 11-11-2016 11:05 PM

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I got all this stuff.

Wolfe1013 11-11-2016 11:07 PM

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and these...

Wolfe1013 11-11-2016 11:10 PM

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.

Wolfe1013 11-12-2016 12:10 AM

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Patrolman Steve Steiner conducting a precision backing maneuver in HP 43 during EVOC training.

MOstang 11-12-2016 10:25 AM

That's great all the items made it you with the car.

mbe2598 11-12-2016 11:15 AM

I just have to say, that when you pull up to a house in rural Missouri, neat, clean and very well landscaped and flying the American Flag, you get the idea that your at the right house. Trooper Steiner was full of information and happy to see the support of the SSP community. I certainly got the idea that he saw the preservation of these vehicles, support towards Law Enforcement and most of all this car is a tribute to his career.

Those decals are WHP and if my memory is correct, the Patrol wished for he to change his out as one was worn, and they gave him a new set to update the vehicle. He never got the task performed and the hand down of original WHP decals.

Looking forward to seeing this car in the future and and a very rare SSP with great history and a story.

jim

Wolfe1013 11-12-2016 07:48 PM

That's the correct story of how Mr. Steiner came about having the door decals. Before he could get them swapped out, he was told to trade in his beloved Mustang. He wanted them to be with the car, so he sent them with some other treasured items that were passed on to me when I bought the car. It was an honor to speak with him recently and I have you to thank for that, Jim. Thank you. He does want to see the car and I can't wait for that to happen. Hopefully I can get her painted before that day.

Greg

Wolfe1013 11-13-2016 01:01 AM

In lieu of making so many individual posts, I have thrown this site together for the car. It will be a work in progress, same as the car...

http://wolfe1013.wixsite.com/whp43

Greg

28HopUp 11-13-2016 09:17 AM

So many GREAT photos! Thanks for sharing. :)

NoDrama43 11-13-2016 10:43 AM

Greg,

Outstanding !!!!!!!!!! Car and piece of SSP history. Congrats !

TWOCARNUTS 11-13-2016 11:51 AM

Great looking car and amazing find!!

Bullitt1609 11-14-2016 05:46 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp (Post 54127)
OUTSTANDING! It's nice to hear that Hector was so involved in the save. 'Well done' to those who helped obtain all of that documentation, too.

I look forward to hearing more about this other Wyoming SSP. :)

And here's the other one Greg mentioned, HP 153, driven by Trooper Steve Townsend, stationed out of Division M, District 2, Douglas, WY. Very very fortunate to end up with this car.

In service pics from the gallery:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...ges/WY/WY1.jpg

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...ges/WY/WY2.jpg

Picture of the car as it sits today and the original Ownercard.

Wolfe1013 11-14-2016 10:41 PM

Alright, Jonathon!! Show them what that car's got.

And that's HP 148.

28HopUp 11-15-2016 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt1609 (Post 54156)
And here's the other one Greg mentioned, HP 153, driven by Trooper Steve Townsend, stationed out of Division M, District 2, Douglas, WY. Very very fortunate to end up with this car.

Jonathon, congrats on finding another state car for your museum. These Wyoming SSPs do not come around often, so you certainly lucked out.

FlyinTiger 11-15-2016 05:40 PM

Just catching up on this amazing find. Such great accounts from the troopers that drove them. That information is invaluable. I was told similar stories from the trooper that my car was assigned to. Such excitement they had, when they first jumped in.

Wolfe1013 11-15-2016 09:14 PM

I would just like to point out that we would not have these cars or this goldmine of information if it were not for Hector. He found and saved both these cars and did the legwork in tracking down the retired patrolmen and one who was still active at the time. Lots of time and money went into this labor of love and Jonathon and I are now able to share these cars and their history with you. A handful of people have known about them and it's such a great feeling to finally get all of this out there.

Greg

MOstang 11-15-2016 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfe1013 (Post 54165)
I would just like to point out that we would not have these cars or this goldmine of information if it were not for Hector. He found and saved both these cars and did the legwork in tracking down the retired patrolmen and one who was still active at the time. Lots of time and money went into this labor of love and Jonathon and I are now able to share these cars and their history with you. A handful of people have known about them and it's such a great feeling to finally get all of this out there.

Greg

:2thumbs: Well stated!

93-chp 11-16-2016 12:53 AM

Hell of a job Hector! That's alot of work that was put into it.

28HopUp 11-16-2016 09:52 AM

Quote:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...02249pic05.jpg

L to R: HP 43, HP 22, HP 57, HP 82 and HP 136.

Greg, within the documentation that you have received, are you able to match up the Unit Numbers to specific VINs?

Wolfe1013 11-16-2016 12:00 PM

Greg - HP 43 - 1FABP40E2JF202253
Jonathon - HP 148 - 1FABP40E8JF245351

Just these two. We know that 1FABP40E0202252 was the race car found for sale in California.

I do not have the other unit numbers matched up with VINs. Yet.


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