A Mustang Built for Highway Patrol Duty

Ford developed the Special Service Package at the request of law enforcement agencies seeking an alternative to traditional full-size sedans. The result was a factory-engineered police Mustang featuring reinforced components, upgraded cooling and electrical systems, and pursuit-specific calibrations.

This 1990 Mustang LX SSP was ordered through Jones-West Ford in Reno, Nevada and placed into active service with the Nevada Highway Patrol in 1990. It remained in marked patrol duty until 1995, when it transitioned to private ownership. The current owner acquired the car in 2011 and later refurbished it to preserve its authentic police appearance and equipment.

Power and Performance

Power comes from Ford’s 302ci V8, factory rated at 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a Traction-Lok limited-slip rear axle, a combination favored by many patrol drivers for its durability and driver control.

Standard SSP equipment included Ford’s Handling Suspension Package with variable-rate springs and a Quadra-Shock rear suspension. Steering is power-assisted rack-and-pinion, and braking is handled by power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums. The car rides on 10-hole 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 tires.

As with all SSP Mustangs, this car was equipped with a certified 160-mph speedometer calibrated for law enforcement use. The odometer currently shows 58,000 miles, with a documented rollover noted and approximately 4,000 miles added by the current owner.

Nevada Highway Patrol Equipment

Unlike civilian Mustangs, this SSP retains a comprehensive collection of period-correct police and emergency equipment consistent with Nevada Highway Patrol service:

• Federal Signal FS-22 lightbar with Adamson Ada Bar strap kit
• Buddy Bumper push bar
• A-pillar-mounted spotlights
• Motorola Syntor X police radio with fixed antenna
• MPH Industries K55 radar unit
• Unitrol 480K light and siren controller
• Shotgun mount with Morton Pitt shotgun lock
• Dual exhaust system
• Power mirrors, windows, and door locks

The interior is trimmed in Crystal Blue cloth upholstery with articulated front seats and a rear bench. Equipment includes air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. Minor wear is present on the driver’s seat, consistent with patrol use. Recent work includes replacement of the carpeting, floor mats, and shifter boot.

Preservation and Collectability

The exterior was refinished in Twilight Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Medium Titanium Metallic during a refurbishment completed in 2011. The car retains its Nevada Highway Patrol livery, reinforcing its identity as a genuine former patrol vehicle rather than a replica.

Included with the vehicle are a Deluxe Marti Report, Nevada title, car cover, and period memorabilia documenting its service history. SSP Mustangs are increasingly collectible, and verified state highway patrol examples such as this one are among the most desirable.

Specifications