Special Service Mustang.net Forums - 1989 - One of my old MN SSPs on eBay

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1989 - One of my old MN SSPs on eBay

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

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...info193411.htm

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

Quote:

- 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.

Quote:

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).

Source of 776 number is found here (scroll down to charts):
http://www.mustangandfords.com/proje...5-fox-numbers/

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"

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXNODRAMANOTCH (Post 54677)

Source of 776 number is found here (scroll down to charts):
http://www.mustangandfords.com/proje...5-fox-numbers/

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp (Post 54679)

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?

Here's a thread I found on the subject -

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

:)

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp (Post 54681)

Here's a thread I found on the subject -

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

:)

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! :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp (Post 54675)

Wiki page edited.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_M...#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.