1992 Mustang SSP

Categories: American Classic Cars | Muscle & Pony Cars

Text by Joe Babiasz, Photography by Huw Evans

My, how things change. Who would have thought that a vehicle originally designed for high school speed demons would later be used by people who made their living writing tickets to speed demons. Enter, the 1982 Mustang Special Service Package known as the SSP. Until then, law enforcement agencies relied on full size GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles to fill the need of their agencies. But by the late '70s they were experiencing problems with their vehicles. Most were either under powered or unreliable.

In the early '80s the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was looking to replace its Camaro as their CHP vehicle. The Chevy Camaro had been part of their fleet from the late '70s but was problematic, primarily because of the soft camshaft in Chevrolet's 305 cubic-inch engine. At CHP's request, Ford Motor Company built 406 Mustang SSP vehicles to be used as test beds for their high-speed pursuit car. All would have a four-speed transmission linked to Ford's powerful for its time 5.0-Liter V8. These 406 vehicles would become a real world test to determine if the $6,800 Mustang SSP would stand up to severe use.

The SSP proved to be a quick and nimble police car. Built as a notchback only (except for five specially built hatchbacks for the CHP), all came with a 5.0-Liter V8. A number of specialty items were added for police use but for the most part the car was purely a stock Mustang 5.0-Liter. All cars received a "certified" 140 mph speedometer, anti-static bonding straps and a single key locking system as well as a few additional items necessary for police use. While it didn't have much interior or trunk space, the outstanding handling and performance outweighed those few shortcomings. In fact, the CHP gave the car such rave reviews it became clear that Ford could possibly sell the Mustang SSP to other local, state and federal agencies. Its advantage was that it was not only 10 to 15 percent cheaper than other police cars, the Mustang SSP offered better fuel economy, reached 60 mph in about 6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. Nothing, up until then, compared to it. Powered by a 157 horsepower V8 engine, the 1982 Mustang SSP would outrun just about anything on the road. First year cars included any production transmission available on any 5.0-Liter Mustang and included a 7.5-inch rear-end with a 3.08 axle. Over the next three years horsepower increased as it did with all Mustang V8s. Because of excessive rear axle failures in early cars, the small diameter rear axle was discontinued and replaced with an 8.8-inch axle in 1986. The suspension system was standard Mustang as was the front disc, rear drum brake combination. For added reliability, a heavy-duty alternator, special radiator hoses, and recalibrated cooling fan eventually found their way into the package. By 1987 special purpose 10-hole rims were standard although they were replaced with black painted aluminum wheels mid-year 1990. Bright finished wheels were available as an option. By 1992 horsepower was upped 225. During the same year, the rear upper control arms were revised to include different durometer bushings.

Inside, the SSP was spartan at best. Early cars had roll-up windows and manual door locks. LX bucket seats were standard equipment. The severe use in the field identified several deficiencies with the front seats with the rearward front seat floor fasteners breaking through the floorpan. The problem was solved with all 1984 and subsequent models having a special plate welded to the floor. Broken seatbacks, another high frequency problem was corrected with additional welds placed on the seatback frame. The biggest downside to law enforcement was the inability to transport passengers in the back seat. Officers were typically required to call in an additional vehicle to assist. Eventually over 60 local, state and federal agencies including the United States Airforce and the FBI would purchase nearly 15,000 SSP vehicles. Over the years, California ordered the most cars of any agency. With the coming of the new SN-95 platform, Ford ceased production of the Mustang SSP. Today, there are a growing number of people interested in owning and restoring police cars. How cool is it to ride up behind someone and have them do a quick look in their rearview mirror and see the roof lights? Now that's cool.