Restored 1991 Florida Highway Patrol SSP w/Documentation, WOW!!

1991 Ford Mustang LX Description

Up for auction with a very reasonable reserve is my 1991 Florida Highway Patrol Ford Mustang SSP (Special Service Package). Original 5.0 V8 engine with 5 speed manual transmission. This is an original FHP car which was assigned to the Lantana District in Palm Beach County. It is one of 179 made this year according to the Marti Report which will be included with the sale. The original unit number, 1072, was visible underneath the black respray paint finish from when the car was decommissioned in 1997 and auctioned off. I took photos of this, and kept a photo journal of the entire restoration process which I will be happy to share with the new owner. I was able to reach out to the Florida Highway Patrol and was thrilled to be sent a copy of the original purchase invoice for this car (a total of 8 cars were ordered at the time, including this one), dated November 2, 1990 which verified that this was the original unit number. This was based on the "Property of DHSMV" (Property of the Department of Highway Safety Motor and Vehicle) tag inside the glove box which lists the inventory number "96240". The order sheet has four of the eight vehicles listed as having been delivered at this time, each costing the state a "whopping" $12,800.00 or so. A pic of this document is shown in the listing and a copy will of course be included with the car. I was careful to document the restoration process, as mentioned, with photos of many interesting things like the original "buck" tags (by the radiator) which say "Special Paint" and "Special Service Pkg." and are of course still attached. Also things like the cream and black finish underneath the headliner, pics of the floors with the carpet removed etc. This being said, there is absolutely no rust on this car. It spent its "working" life in sunny Florida and then was purchased by a gentleman in Virginia. I purchased it in 2011 and brought it to MA where it has been pampered and stored in a heated garage since then. One interesting note is the fact that it was involved in an accident in 1992. This is listed on the Auto Check. There is a case number which I was able to research and found that it was involved in a chase and was the "meat in the sandwich", getting a very light tap in the front and rear. I found no evidence of any damage when I had the car apart so it must have been a very minor incident. Still cool as it was part of its working life. My intent when purchasing it was to restore it to its former glory. I wasted no time in stripping it down and getting it into the body shop for a professional (read EXPENSIVE) refinish in the original colors (original paint codes, listed on the aforementioned tags, were used). This paint finish is proprietary to the Florida Highway Patrol so I would suggest not even thinking of buying this if you live in or plan on driving to Florida. The body panels needed little to no work except for the front bumper cover (had some crazing), which we replaced with a top quality part. Mechanically, the previous owner maintained it to a high standard. He had done a tremendous amount of work to it including new shocks/struts, tune up, cooling system refresh, power steering system refurbish, some new engine gaskets etc. He also replaced the exhaust system with a Flowmaster unit so it sounds amazing. Otherwise, it is stock and original with the factory silicone cooling hoses, working A/C, high amperage alternator and oil cooler. All of the original manufacturer installed police components are present, including the certified calibration speedometer, map light, electric trunk release, heavy duty bucket seats and spot light (not working). Of course, when the car was decommissioned, they removed all of the police equipment i.e. light bar, siren etc. I was able to research this extensively and did my best to replicate what was originally used. Different police districts within the FHP use different equipment, so it is hard to tell exactly what was used so I based my selections on my research and by using existing holes in the dashboard, console and rear package tray. Most of the equipment is vintage, with the exception of the front and rear strobe lights (in the head and tail lamps, made by Whelen) and the head lamp wig wags. The light bar is an original Jetsonic unit which is exactly what was used. The PA/siren controller is the same Federal Signal unit used originally, as is the Motorola radio. The radar and VASCAR systems are original vintage pieces. The rear package tray strobes lamps are the correct ones, powered by the original toggle switch next to the steering column. All of the equipment is fully functional (except the VASCAR which is powered but not hooked to the speedometer cable) but WILL BE DISCONNECTED per eBay rules. The light bar has an extra set of covers (they slide on and off easily) that are blacked out and say "NOT IN SERVICE". The other police markings will be covered as well, just like we do when we drive it to a show or cruise. Cosmetically, the car is literally flawless. The body is perfect and the paint is a mile deep. All trim was refinished or replaced as were the lamps. The interior was in extremely nice condition, needing only a replacement package shelf, headliner, carpet and a few of the seat panels. I have a little extra seat material which I will include. For 1991 (and 1992 I believe), the FHP actually sprung for extra cost power windows and power door locks, a nice bonus and they function perfectly. It also has power mirrors and an original factory Ford radio. OK, so experts will notice that the factory 10 hole aluminum wheels are finished in black. Well, they stopped doing that on the FHP Mustangs in 1990, electing to go with the factory silver finish but I really liked the look of the black wheels so I had them powder coated and they look awesome. The factory style silver wheels are readily available and for a very reasonable cost if you wanted to swap them out (I wouldn't!). The tires were replaced with BFG Radial T/A's in the factory police spec size of P215/65/15. They are still brand new. Mechanically, it runs and drives absolutely fantastic. A few things that need addressing....the turn signals all of a sudden stopped working. I have not tried to diagnose this nor has any mechanic looked at it. Also, transmission "grinds" if you shift it too quickly into 3rd gear ONLY. Otherwise it shifts perfectly and drives as smooth as silk with a ton of power. It goes into gear easily enough, just making a grinding sound. Once in 3rd gear it doesn't make any noises whatsoever. It was like that when I bought it and I just never felt like it was a big deal. I just skip 3rd and shift from 2nd to 4th; the motor makes so much torque that it was never any problem. I have enjoyed this special vehicle for almost 8 years and it has not only turned a lot of heads but has also been an absolute joy to own. Unfortunately for me it is time to thin the herd....which is fortunate for a new lucky owner who I am sure will have just as much fun as I have had with it. We have done many shows and other events such as parades and it is a real crowd pleaser. Please feel free to reach out with ANY and ALL questions you have about the vehicle (BEFORE THE END OF THE AUCTION PLEASE!) as I am always happy to answer them. This vehicle is sold as-is where-is.A $1,000 deposit is due within 24 hours of auction end, and the remaining balance is due within 7 days of auction end. The buyer is responsible for shipping but I would be glad to assist with any arrangements needed. For more information, more pictures, or if would like to make an appointment to view the car please feel free to message me here or call 978-928-4495 (ask for Patrick or Bill). A clean and clear title in my name is in hand.