1989 - One of my old MN SSPs on eBay

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252757233648?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[28HopUp]

Since the ebay ad will eventually go away, here is the car as listed in our VIN Project -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/MN/1989MN193411/info193411.htm

I have a couple of comments/questions about the ad that have little to do with the car -

- Ford built 776 SSP Mustangs in 1989 - the only year that the Minnesota State Patrol ordered SSP Mustangs.

Perhaps I need another cup of coffee because I cannot remember. What was the source of information that stated the wrong numbers for SSP production that everyone seems to quote? In terms of 1989 cars, we have currently confirmed 529 SSP Mustangs in our VIN Project. There are many gaps in the VINs for cars that are likely to be SSPs but are not documented, so the number is probably a bit more than the 776 units they say for that year.

Short history of Ford Mustang SSP Program
Special Service Mustangs, also referred to as SSPs, were built from 1982-1993. The California Highway Patrol started things off in 1982, with their search for suitable high-speed, enforcement-class vehicles. CHP specifically requested Mustangs from Ford for their rigorous testing, and Ford supplied them with several, including several hatchback models. The durability of the 5.0 cars, coupled with low purchase price and fuel economy (compared with the police-package offerings from the major auto makers at the time) proved to be very attractive for CHP and they placed an order for 400 Mustangs. These were stock 5.0 coupes, but had a few convenience items and specialized parts added to them for police use. Ford referred to this package as “Severe Service”, and included single-key locking (one key fits all), a Certified-Calibrated Speedometer, full-size spare, radio noise suppression package, relocated deck lid release, and painted the cars in the requisite black and white CHP paint scheme. In 1983, Ford offered the Mustang to other police agencies. Now referred to as the “Special Service Package”, many agencies ordered the cars and placed them into service. The Special Service Mustangs continued with about the same option content as the earlier, 1982 CHP-only cars, but other options did start to become available. These included items such as two-piece VASCAR speedometer cables, and agencies could special-order the cars in their specific pain schemes, with the specific option content that they desired.

Actually, we have confirmed that the option was always called the Special Service Package by Ford. Does anyone know the source of the bad info quoted by the seller? It is not Wikipedia. Much of the information there is correct, although it says the CHP hatchbacks in 1982 did not have the SSP option, when in fact they were equipped with the SSP option (I am unable to edit the Wikipedia page).

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

Source of 776 number is found here (scroll down to charts):
http://www.mustangandfords.com/project-vehicles/mmfp-0505-fox-numbers/

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

Page 91 of "Ford Police Cars 1932-1997" by Edwin J. Sanow has a cutline under a photo of a CHP Mustang that reads "In 1982, Ford and the CHP revolutionized the high speed pursuit car with this Severe Service 5.0L Mustang. The Ford that chases Porsches for a living was born. Ford Division"

[28HopUp]

Bob, thanks for finding those sources and posting them up.


Source of 776 number is found here (scroll down to charts):
http://www.mustangandfords.com/project-vehicles/mmfp-0505-fox-numbers/

So those production numbers are based upon cars with Special Paint? Is that the right way to look at those numbers?

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

Not a problem. I think the SSP number is for all colors combined, where the rest of the numbers in that sedan column of the chart are by individual color.

Bob, thanks for finding those sources and posting them up.




So those production numbers are based upon cars with Special Paint? Is that the right way to look at those numbers?

[28HopUp]

Here's a thread I found on the subject -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3249

:)

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

So does Kevin Marti have the true total number of SSPs?

Here's a thread I found on the subject -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3249

:)

[28HopUp]

I haven't spoken with Kevin Marti for a few years now. In one of those conversations, I remember him saying that it would burn a lot of their time trying to determine a comprehensive number of cars equipped with the SSP option. Time is money, but it seemed like a very tall order for them to accomplish (if it is even possible). I just sent Kevin an email to touch base on this, so my fingers are crossed! :)

[FoxChassis]

Short history of Ford Mustang SSP Program
Special Service Mustangs, also referred to as SSPs, were built from 1982-1993. The California Highway Patrol started things off in 1982, with their search for suitable high-speed, enforcement-class vehicles. CHP specifically requested Mustangs from Ford for their rigorous testing, and Ford supplied them with several, including several hatchback models. The durability of the 5.0 cars, coupled with low purchase price and fuel economy (compared with the police-package offerings from the major auto makers at the time) proved to be very attractive for CHP and they placed an order for 400 Mustangs. These were stock 5.0 coupes, but had a few convenience items and specialized parts added to them for police use. Ford referred to this package as “Severe Service”, and included single-key locking (one key fits all), a Certified-Calibrated Speedometer, full-size spare, radio noise suppression package, relocated deck lid release, and painted the cars in the requisite black and white CHP paint scheme. In 1983, Ford offered the Mustang to other police agencies. Now referred to as the “Special Service Package”, many agencies ordered the cars and placed them into service. The Special Service Mustangs continued with about the same option content as the earlier, 1982 CHP-only cars, but other options did start to become available. These included items such as two-piece VASCAR speedometer cables, and agencies could special-order the cars in their specific pain schemes, with the specific option content that they desired.Actually, we have confirmed that the option was always called the Special Service Package by Ford. Does anyone know the source of the bad info quoted by the seller? It is not Wikipedia. Much of the information there is correct, although it says the CHP hatchbacks in 1982 did not have the SSP option, when in fact they were equipped with the SSP option (I am unable to edit the Wikipedia page).

Wiki page edited.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_SSP#CHP_Hatchback

In 1982, the CHP ordered 400 Special Service Package notchback coupes (394 were built by Ford and shipped to the CHP), and at least 4 cars were SSP hatchbacks. These four hatchbacks were painted and equipped in the same manner as the SSP coupes. They were produced under a different 6-digit Fleet DSO number than the SSP coupes, and were retained for use and evaluation by the CHP. One of these hatchbacks exists in private hands.

[FoxChassis]

Source of 776 number is found here (scroll down to charts):
http://www.mustangandfords.com/project-vehicles/mmfp-0505-fox-numbers/

Bob, thanks for finding those sources and posting them up.

So those production numbers are based upon cars with Special Paint? Is that the right way to look at those numbers?

Not a problem. I think the SSP number is for all colors combined, where the rest of the numbers in that sedan column of the chart are by individual color.

First, I would verify with an 'official' source before I trusted any number in that article or any books by the same author (Mustang Red Book, FoxBody Mustang Recognition Guide, etc.).

Second, I think those numbers do not include 'special paint' cars. Look at the number for 1982 in Part 1 of that article series:

http://www.mustangandfords.com/news/0504mm-historical-mustangs/

Obviously we know "4" is not right.

All the SSP numbers in Part 1 (http://www.mustangandfords.com/news/0504mm-historical-mustangs/) and Part 2 (http://www.mustangandfords.com/project-vehicles/mmfp-0505-fox-numbers/) of that article, including the incorrect number for 1982, totals 5813.

[ImEvil1]

Throwing more confusion into the mix....

Even if Marti spent the time to go through their records to determine the exact number of SSPs, it still wouldn't be correct. For some reason, and Bill feel free to correct me here (or to provide my failing memory with a report to back it up), some of the reports fail to show the SSP option. I know that's the case on my '82, and I think I've seen it on other reports.

IMHO, the only way to truly verify the numbers would be to sort through the Eminger invoices, and many of those are apparently missing.

[28HopUp]

Here's an example where the SSP option is not shown on the Marti Report -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/WI/1987WI151611/info151611.htm

[ImEvil1]

Thanks, brother.

[FoxChassis]

From post #16 here: http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3613 ...

Kevin Marti emailed me and let me know that while the Special Service Package IS listed as an option on each Mustang, it's not "hard coded" (his words) into the database. As a result, it's not searchable. He has to already manually look at each and every one that he does verify as an SSP, which does take him extra time, but he doesn't charge extra.

He did say that he could get at the data by looking at individual orders, but that would take forever, and certainly would be cost-prohibitive.

Being that it's a manual process to verify the SSP option, that leaves room to miss it or forgot to put it on the report.

[28HopUp]

Thanks Mick. Having purchased/seen many Marti Reports, I would have to say that Kevin's accuracy percentage is extremely high. That's quite impressive given that he is using a manual process.

[ImEvil1]

From post #16 here: http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3613 ...



Being that it's a manual process to verify the SSP option, that leaves room to miss it or forgot to put it on the report.

Exactly....plus, huge amounts of time. I don't ever see it happening.

[NoDrama43]

17,100.00

reserve not met....

[MOstang]

17,100.00

reserve not met....

Holy mother of god!!!!

[NoDrama43]

yeh.....if there isn't a shill helping out...

crazy

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

There was a final bid of $18,600 but the reserve was $22,500, so no sale. That high bidder was offered an eBay "second chance" on the car for $20,000, but that bidder was no longer interested & did not make a counteroffer (that final bid of $18,600 was $100 over the previous bidder, so the actual amount of the last bid may have been more than the $18,600 but less than the $22,500 reserve). For some reason as a watcher of that auction I received an "auction ending soon" email that revealed the reserve, which I though was kind of strange.

[28HopUp]

I guess the seller saw what some cars have gone for and is holding out for a big pay day. :rolleyes:

[NoDrama43]

looked like a nice car. given the fact a dealer was selling it I am not surprised at the outcome.

[MOstang]

It is a nice car, as I know having owned it before Bob who improved it in really great ways with the equipment. But....that Seller should have taken the money and run, but they were too greedy. I don't care what other recent high SSP sales have been, he would have done very well to jump on that high bid (if the upper bids weren't bogus, that is). :rolleyes:

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

It's been relisted:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-Ford-Mustang-LX-/252778817444?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3adacaa7a4:g:cH0AAOSwImRYl8eS&item=252778817444

[NoDrama43]

private listing....no partial bidders identities seen.

shill bidders paradise...

[chp1982]

Quite the effort being made lately to ensure foxbodies realize higher prices than their actual worth.

[MOstang]

private listing....no partial bidders identities seen.

shill bidders paradise...

I noticed the no partial bidder names in the listing. Is that how ePay listings are done now? Or was that a specific manner in which this individual seller placed this ad?

[EXNODRAMANOTCH]

I noticed the no partial bidder names in the listing. Is that how ePay listings are done now? Or was that a specific manner in which this individual seller placed this ad?

Partial name on a 'Regular" listing and no name on a "Private" listing. You have no idea who is bidding on any auctions on eBay anymore. :thumbsdown:

[NoDrama43]

right...however...eBay still gives enough that you can see if it is the same bidder placing multiple small bids to run it up. It is also possible to identify certain SSP auction shill bidders that we have seen in the past.

either way.....the seller should have sold the car "if" the bids were legit. I doubt they were.

[MOstang]

right...however...eBay still gives enough that you can see if it is the same bidder placing multiple small bids to run it up. It is also possible to identify certain SSP auction shill bidders that we have seen in the past.

either way.....the seller should have sold the car "if" the bids were legit. I doubt they were.

ok that helps. hadn't heard of a private listing. my suspicious nature makes me look a little sideways at that prior auction. like you mentioned, the partial username listing at least shows the repeat bidding and you can see their feedback score. often observed bidders with hardly any feedback score running up the bidding, which always makes me suspicious of those bidders. people are sadly mistaken who don't realize we all follow these cars and communicate in the hobby.