This 1970 Plymouth Fury I started its law enforcement career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and features a 440 Super Commando engine.
The car was purchased at auction by a Texas collector and then sold to a collector in New Jersey who fashioned it into an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) car #744. This car was eventually sold to Retired Cleveland Police Officer James Traynor #982 and was re-restored to the OSHP #309 in honor of the President of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees Association in time for the 80th Anniversary of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The restoration was completed by the Cleveland Police Historical Society Vintage Fleet Vehicle Committee members with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees Association and Colonel Paul Pride of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
This was the last year that the Ohio State Highway Patrol used black cars. It was also the first year that the Ohio State Highway Patrol began using 4-door cars. In 1971 the Ohio State Highway Patrol began using white cars for regular patrol duty. 1971 was not the first year that the Highway Patrol used white cars. In 1966 the Highway Patrol started using white cars as part of two four-car tactical squads in areas with high crash rates.
Links:
History of Ohio State Highway Patrol Vehicles
Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees Association
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