Ford Mustang SSP

Ford Mustang SSP Overview Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production 1982–1993 Body and chassis Class Hatchback/Sports Car Body style 2-door coupe/notchback Platform FR D186 Powertrain Engine 5.0L HO Transmission 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive, 4-Speed Manual Transmission, 5-Speed Maual Transmission Chronology Predecessor Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Fairmont Successor Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Taurus

First generation Overview Production 1982 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

Second generation Overview Production 1983-1984 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

Third generation Overview Production 1985 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

Fourth generation Overview Production 1986 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

Fifth generation Overview Production 1987-1992 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

Sixth generation Overview Production 1993 Body and chassis Platform Fox Body

File:Chp 92 ford mustang rear.jpg

1992 "Slicktop" SSP Mustang - California Highway Patrol

The Ford Mustang SSP was a police package car designed to meet the pursuit needs of American police agencies in the 1980s.

In 1982, the California Highway Patrol asked Ford to produce a capable and lightweight police car due to the bulkiness of current police cars like the Ford Fairmont and [[Ford LTD|LTD]/Crown Victoria and the problems incurred with Chevrolet Camaros with their camshafts at pursuit speeds. Taking the Fox 5.0 Mustangs in production at the time, Ford produced the Ford Mustang SSP (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. Many still exist today in the hands of SSP enthusiasts.

Some of the options that came with the car 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 ampere heavy duty alternator
• 2 Piece VASCAR speedometer cable
• Certified calibrated Police speedometer 0-160 mph
• Non operational courtesy lights (safety feature)
• Steering wheel, leather wrapped
• 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 (requested by Oregon State Police) and power windows (requested by New York State Police) made each SSP unique to their respective departments. The small rear seat and manual transmission were generally considered ill-suited for a law enforcement vehicle.

Virtually all of the SSP Mustangs were of the coupe or "notchback" style cars; 5 examples made for the California Highway Patrol in 1982 were of the Hatchback model.