1990 Mustang SSP - $5,500 OBO - (Jax, FL)

[ABN2060]

Not mine. Is this anyones here? http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/2480951131.html

[28HopUp]

Thanks for posting that up Mike -

1990 Ford Mustang SSP 5.0 - Police Interceptor - $5,500 OBO - $5500 (Westside)
Date: 2011-07-06, 9:20PM EDT
Reply to: see below [Errors when replying to ads?]
I'm selling my Ford Mustang SSP 5.0. It is a former Florida Highway Patrol Police Interceptor. It has been painted black and was an unmarked captain's car. The tag line for this model is "This Ford chases Porsches for a living." About 15,000 were made of this model since 1982 and about 4,500 1990s exist. It has 130,000 miles and runs great. Call Joey at (9O4) 334-97O2 with questions. Also, see the info below. Photos are examples. Will post photos soon but is has no major damage (only damage is dent in left door) and a black paint job.


From Wikipedia:
The Ford Mustang SSP was a lightweight police car package based on the Ford Mustang produced between 1982-1993. The car was meant to provide a speedier option for police departments in lieu of other full sized (and heavier) sedans on the market at the time. The SSP abbreviates the designation Special Service Package, a special Foxbody Mustang trim made exclusively for law enforcement use. One of the taglines used by Ford to help sell this car was "This Ford chases Porsches for a living..."
The units served a number of uses, and were often customized to suit each law enforcement agency's particular needs. Law enforcement agencies from municipal to government agencies bought nearly 15,000 examples of these units. Many still exist today, either still in some role of law enforcement, from display cars to DARE cars, or in the hands of collectors and racers.

History

In 1982, the California Highway Patrol asked the Ford Motor Company to produce a capable and lightweight police car due to the bulkiness of current police cars like the Ford Fairmont and LTD/Crown Victoria and the problems incurred with Chevrolet Camaros with their camshafts and engine problems at pursuit speeds. Taking the Fox 5.0 Mustangs in production at the time, Ford produced the Ford Mustang SSP (originally labeled Severe Service Package, renamed in 1983 to Special Service Package) and modified them to suit the needs of the police and law enforcement departments.
Nearly 15,000 of these special units were made from 1982 until their discontinuation in 1993 for over 60 law enforcement organizations and government agencies. Their roles ranged from general patrol to pursuit units, with some used in special duties like drug interdiction to academy training units. Several units were specially tasked to help land the Lockheed U2 Spyplane.

Specifications

The Mustang SSP was essentially a more rugged version of the 5.0 Mustang, with added features not available to the general public. Available options included:
Engine, 5.0 L HO V8 with Sequential Multi-Port Injection
Forged pistons, roller cam (Hypereutectic pistons 1993)
Engine oil cooler
Aircraft-type silicone radiator hoses and clamps
5-speed manual or 4-speed AOD transmission
Auto transmission fluid cooler
Brakes, power disc front/drum rear with rotor shields
Stainless steel factory headers
Dual exhaust system w/stainless tips
Fuel tank capacity -- 15.4 U.S. gallons (58 L)
Heavy duty stabilizer bars, front and rear
Full instrumentation with in-dash tachometer
130 and 135 amp internally and externally regulated heavy duty alternators
2 Piece VASCAR speedometer cable
Certified calibrated speedometer 0-140 mph(1982-early 1989) and 0-160 mph (late 1989-1993)
Non-operational courtesy lights (safety feature)
Relocated rear deck release
Single key locking doors/trunk
Reinforced floor pans
Full size spare tire
15" X 7" cast aluminum wheels
Depending on which agency bought them, extras like rollcages (installed by Oregon State Police) and power windows (requested by New York State Police) made each SSP unique to their respective departments. The original configuration of the civilian Mustang with its small rear seat and manual transmission were generally considered ill-suited for a law-enforcement vehicle. Many SSPs had automatic transmissions, to free an officers hand from using the manual transmission stick so that they could use the hand for other duties, such as speaking on a radio.
All of the 15,000 Mustang SSP's were of the coupe or "notchback" style cars.

Usage
Some of the known users of the Mustang SSP include:
[edit]United States Government
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Immigration and Naturalization Service
United States Air Force - Used as a chase car for the U2 Spy Plane.
United States Border Patrol - Drug interdiction; resides at USBP Museum in Texas.
United States Customs Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service
State governments

Ex Florida Highway Patrol Ford Mustang SSP
Many of the Mustang SSPs have been retired from service, with a few examples still on the rosters of police departments as display or DARE cars. A few law enforcement agencies still keep them on active duty. Most examples have found their way into either racing or restoration.
With its stiffened frame and beefed up suspension, many Mustang SSPs were modified for use in Drag Racing. The plentiful aftermarket of parts for the 5.0 Engine made the SSP platform a desirable frame to work on, but with the dwindling supply and rising prices of genuine Mustang SSPs, these factors have limited racers from converting SSPs for racing purposes.
Restoring Mustang SSPs have become a growing hobby as of late, with car clubs and websites devoted to the restoration of the law enforcement workhorse. Most enthusiasts strive for accuracy in their models, with many scouring for OEM parts, including police radios, shotgun holders, lights, sirens, and other related equipment. However, the hobby is limited, as many states have regulations on private citizens owning cars that could be mistaken for real cop cars. Some get around the regulations by using magnetic decals and removable lights.

CHP Hatchback
Out of the initial batch of 400 units for the CHP, five were of the "hatchback" variety. These were produced under a Fleet DSO and retained for use and evaluation by the CHP. They are not Special Service Mustangs. One exists in private hands.

CHP EVOC
Several Mustang SSPs were heavily modified and used as training units at CHP's EVOC facility.

USAF U2 chase car
Due to problems with landing the Lockheed U-2, a system was implemented where a second pilot would chase the U-2 (termed "mobile") and help guide the aircraft down to earth. The USAF usually utilized a performance car for this task.
In 1986, the USAF was looking for a replacement for the Chevrolet El Camino as a chase car for the U-2. Beale Air Force Base asked the local California Highway Patrol to provide a Mustang SSP for testing. The test proved the Mustang SSP superior to the El Camino and the USAF ordered 20 for work with the spyplanes.
Their career lasted until the late 1990s, when they were replaced by "Special Service" B4C Chevrolet Camaros.
One of three examples from RAF Alconbury is preserved: 1988 Mustang SSP 88B 9971 "Mobile 1", serving with the 17th Reconnaissance Wing and the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron until its disposal in 1999. It is currently in the hands of a private collector in the United States after being ferried from its last operation in Italy to England.



* Location: Westside

I believe that the photo shown in the ad is somebody else's car. I also doubt that a member of either SSP forum would quote Wikipedia in a CL ad like that.