[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.

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

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_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.