Georgia State Patrol Ford Bronco II

Georgia State Patrol Ford Bronco II Usage

I have been searching for quite a while for information online about the Ford Bronco IIs used by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

In December 2013 Bobby Edwards (kapracing) got information on every GSP bought between 1983 and 1991. Knowing U14 was a VIN code for the Bronco II, Bobby was able to look through the VIN numbers in the records and found (3) Ford Bronco II’s.

• 1983 Ford Bronco II – VIN 1FMCU14T3GLL22970 – Assigned to the garage and governor’s mansion (sold as a 1984 model year)
• 1985 Ford Bronco II – VIN 1FMCU14S7FUB63961 – Perm # 5029 – Assigned to Troop I Post 35 (Jekyll Island) – Assigned to badge #626
• 1987 Ford Bronco II 1FMCU14T5HUC22593 – Assigned to Post 35 (Jekyll Island)

All of these Ford Bronco IIs were blue in color.

I believe the Bronco II shown above is the 1987 Bronco II because of its gray lettering.

Origin of The Orange Lettering (1937–1987)

When the Georgia State Patrol was established in 1937, the original fleet of Ford coupes sported a solid dark blue paint scheme. By the 1940s, the agency adopted its legendary two-tone look: “Georgia Blue” on the body with a silver-gray roof and fenders. For the first few decades, vehicle markings varied from simple white door seals to gold leaf graphics.

The definitive transition to the agency’s signature high-visibility orange lettering occurred in the post-war era to ensure troopers were easily identifiable on rural highways. This bold orange branding remained the standard for decades, becoming a deeply entrenched symbol of authority across Georgia until the late 1980s.

Georgia State Patrol Ford LTD Crown Victoria

Georgia State Patrol – 1983 Ford Mustang

The Gray Era (1987–2006)

In 1987, the GSP shifted away from its traditional bright graphics in favor of a more subdued look, replacing the bright orange decals with gray (silver) lettering. This gray scheme paired cleanly with the classic two-tone blue and gray cruisers, creating a sleek, uniform aesthetic that defined the fleet through the 1990s and early 2000s. It was during this period that iconic fleet vehicles—ranging from the legendary Ford Mustang SSP interceptors to early Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors—patrolled Georgia’s interstates with the muted gray markings.

The Return to Orange (2006–Present)

The muted aesthetic came to an end in June 2006, when the Georgia Department of Public Safety announced a fleet-wide makeover aimed at maximizing trooper safety. Citing a critical need for higher roadside visibility, the GSP abandoned the gray lettering and returned to its heritage by implementing high-visibility orange lettering across the sides and rear of all standard patrol vehicles. The bright orange graphics provided an immediate, stark contrast against the dark blue paint, ensuring that cruisers were instantly recognizable to motorists from a distance.

Today, while specialized units and “stealth” ghost cars occasionally employ subdued or blacked-out graphics for enforcement, the standard GSP fleet remains firmly anchored by the classic blue-and-gray paint scheme accented by the unmistakable bright orange decals.

Georgia State Patrol Post 35 – Jekyll Island

Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post 35 is located on Jekyll Island and serves as part of Troop I. This post has a unique mandate: unlike most GSP posts whose duties are primarily traffic-related, Post 35 is the sole law enforcement agency on Jekyll Island, answering every local call for assistance, including thefts, traffic stops, and crashes.

Key Operations & Facility

Location: The post is housed inside the state-of-the-art Jekyll Island Public Safety Complex at 80 Shell Road. This $8.2 million facility opened in late 2024 and integrates GSP Post 35 with Jekyll Island Fire & EMS under a single roof. The new facility replaced the iconic, small yellow GSP post that operated on the island for decades.

Specialized Fleet: Because troopers patrol diverse environments from residential neighborhoods to coastal shorelines, the post utilizes specialized off-road vehicles. The fleet features custom Ford Broncos featuring a distinct blue, grey, and orange livery specifically designed for navigating the island’s sandy beach terrain.

Jurisdiction: Post 35 coordinates closely with the Jekyll Island Authority to manage seasonal tourist crowds, wildlife incidents, and mandatory evacuation protocols during hurricane season.

Still Looking

I’m still looking for more photos and information on these Bronco II’s, If you have any photos or information on any of the Georgia State Patrol Bronco II’s, please use the red ‘Submit’ button at the bottom right.