>>Ford Mustang SVO

Ford Mustang SVO

Third generation

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1984–1986
Assembly	Dearborn, Michigan
Successor	Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
Body style	3-door liftback
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford Fox platform
Engine	2.3L I4
Transmission	5-speed manual
Wheelbase	100.5 in (2,553 mm)
Length	179.6 in (4,562 mm)
Width	69.1 in (1,755 mm)
Height	52.1 in (1,323 mm)
Related	Ford LTD Ford Thunderbird Mercury Capri Mercury Marquis Mercury Cougar Lincoln Continental Lincoln Mark VII Ford Mustang

The Mustang SVO was a limited-production version of the Ford Mustang sold from 1984 to 1986, during which time it was the fastest, most expensive version of the Mustang available. Although it departed both physically and mechanically from any prior version of the Mustang, it held the same spot within the lineup, both in terms of performance over "lesser" variants and in prestige, as had variants such as the Shelby tuned and "BOSS" Mustangs of the 1960s and 70s.

History

In the wake of the oil-crises of the 1970s the American muscle-car had effectively died off, the result of ever-rising fuel costs and the advent of more strict safety and emissions controls imposed worldwide. As a result, the "big three" automakers (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler Corporation), for whom muscle cars had been a steady and reliable source of income, began to suffer somewhat financially. Many of the great vehicles of the muscle car era had been either completely discontinued or had been painstakingly detuned to help keep them in compliance with new Federal emissions regulations and the rising demand for better gas mileage. The Mustang, although still in production, had suffered greatly through this time; diminished power output and Ford's seemingly complete inability to come up with an attractive bodystyle in the post-fastback era were major issues.

Ford began to make a major push forward with the Mustang in 1982, nearly completely re-inventing every aspect of the vehicle, which included putting a new emphasis on the model's sporty nature. Just prior to this, in the fall of 1981, Ford decided to form a division that could oversee both the company's racing program and the production of limited-edition, high-performance street-legal vehicles based on or taking technology from the race vehicles. Officially, the division was called the Special Vehicle Operations Department, but the public came to know them as simply SVO (S-V-O). Tasked with developing something that was both plainly American and competent to compete with entry-level European sports cars of the day, the team went to work on the new Mustang, deeming that it was the most obvious choice as a platform basis for a high-performance vehicle.

1985½ Training Article

Turbocharged Power

Still ultimately concerned with issues such as fuel consumption and emissions, SVO engineers opted to pass over the venerable production 5.0 liter V-8 in lieu of an updated, turbocharged, and stronger version of Ford's 2.3 liter inline four, originally used in the Pinto. Endowing the engine with an advanced, computer controlled fuel injection system and an intercooled turbocharger system helped push power output to 175 horsepower, fairly high for the time. In addition, a "fuel grade" switch was added to the dash, allowing the driver to adjust the vehicle's performance level depending on if premium or standard grade fuel was being used. A factory installed Hurst shifter was made standard in order to improve feel and quickness. With fine tuning and the addition of a new water-cooling system, power output rose to 200 horsepower (149 kW) for 1986 (205 horsepower (153 kW) for 439 85.5 SVOs). Also the 1986 SVO had new "aero" headlights. These headlights were designed for the 1984 model, but regulations would not allow them to be used until the mid-1985 update. The vehicle's standard Borg-Warner 5-speed manual transmission was updated then as well, receiving revised gearing to match the new 3:73 rear end ratio,

Mustang SVO horsepower and torque ratings by year
Year	Power	Torque
1984	175 hp (130 kW) @ 4400 rpm	210 lb·ft (280 N·m) @ 3000 rpm
1985	175 hp (130 kW) @ 4400 rpm	210 lb·ft (280 N·m) @ 3000 rpm
1985.5	205 hp (153 kW) @ 5000 rpm	248 lb·ft (336 N·m) @ 3200 rpm
1986	200 hp (149 kW) @ 5000 rpm	240 lb·ft (330 N·m) @ 3200 rpm

The Overall Package

In addition to the advanced engine, the SVO featured several key modifications over the standard Mustang to help increase performance. The front suspension geometry was modified, 15:1 ratio power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system replaced the standard system, a limited slip, 3.45:1, 7.5" Traction-Lok axle was added for the first year of production (later models used a 3.73:1 ratio, 7.5" axle), a new, ventilated four-wheel-disc braking system replaced the GT's disc/drum setup (a first for the Fox platform), specially designed pedals were used to aid "heel-and-toe" shifting and a complete Koni suspension system featuring specially tuned adjustable struts, shocks, and horizontal dampers replaced the setup used on the Mustang GT. Five-lug, 16 × 7 inch aluminum wheels wearing P225-50R16 VR Goodyear Eagle "Gatorback" tires were standard as well (originally shod with German Goodyear NCT tires, and later Gatorbacks). The rear disc brakes, the five lug hubs, the sixteen inch (406 mm) wheels, the quad-shock rear end (early 84 units used a solid steel traction bar with a rubber cover), and the Konis were used on the SVO before any other Mustang.

Interior was only available in charcoal grey (leather or velour) and features included adjustable sport seats with lumbar supports, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, shift lever, and emergency brake handle, power windows, door locks and A/C and a premium stereo system, options that weren't normally found on small American coupes. However, an optional Competition Prep package deleted many of those features to save weight.

The exterior had a unique front grille and hood that was only used on the SVO line, thinner side moldings, smoother sail panels behind the rear quarter windows, small rear wheel spats and a biplane spoiler that was also unique to the SVO. The pinstriped taillights introduced on the SVO were later used on the Cobra "R" model as well.

>>Ford Mustang SSP

Ford Mustang SSP

Ford Mustang SSP

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1982–1993
Class	Pony/Muscle Police car
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door hatchback
Platform	FR Fox (1979-2004)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Related	Special Service Package Police Package Vehicles Special Service Vehicles

The Ford Mustang SSP was a lightweight police car package based on the Ford Mustang produced between 1982-1993. The car was meant to provide a speedier option for police departments in lieu of other full sized (and heavier) sedans on the market at the time. The SSP abbreviation means Special Service Package, a special Foxbody Mustang trim made exclusively for law enforcement use. One of the taglines used by Ford to help sell this car was This Ford chases Porsches for a living...

The units served a number of uses, and were often customized to suit each law enforcement agency's particular needs. Law enforcement agencies from municipal to government agencies bought nearly 15,000 examples of these units. Many still exist today, either still in some role of law enforcement, from display cars to DARE cars, or in the hands of collectors and racers.

History

In 1982, the California Highway Patrol asked the Ford Motor Company to produce a capable and lightweight police car due to the bulkiness of current police cars like the Ford Fairmont and LTD/Crown Victoria and the problems incurred with Chevrolet Camaros with their camshafts and engine problems at pursuit speeds. Taking the Fox 5.0 Mustangs in production at the time, Ford produced the Ford Mustang SSP and modified them to suit the needs of the police and law enforcement departments.

It is estimated that nearly 15,000 of these special units were made from 1982 until their discontinuation in 1993 for over 60 law enforcement organizations and government agencies. Their roles ranged from general patrol to pursuit units, with some used in special duties like drug interdiction to academy training units. Several units were specially tasked to help land the Lockheed U2 Spyplane.

Specifications

The Mustang SSP was essentially a more rugged version of the 5.0 Mustang, with added features (some standard, some optional) not available to the general public. Some of the additional features were:

• Engine oil cooler
• Silicone radiator hoses and aircraft-style clamps
• Auto transmission fluid cooler
• 130 and 135 amp internally and externally regulated heavy duty alternators
• Two-piece VASCAR speedometer cable
• Certified calibrated speedometer 0-140 mph (1982-early 1989) and 0-160 mph (late 1989-1993)
• Non-operational courtesy lights (safety feature)
• Relocated rear deck release
• Single key locking doors/trunk
• Reinforced floor pans
• Full size spare tire

Depending on which agency bought them, extras like rollcages (installed by Oregon State Police) and power windows (requested by New York State Police) made each SSP unique to their respective departments. The original configuration of the civilian Mustang with its small rear seat and manual transmission were generally considered ill-suited for a law-enforcement vehicle. Many SSPs had automatic transmissions, to free an officers hand from using the manual transmission stick so that they could use the hand for other duties, such as speaking on a radio.

Usage

Some of the known users of the Mustang SSP include:

United States Government

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Immigration and Naturalization Service
• United States Air Force - Used as a chase car for the U2 Spy Plane.
• United States Border Patrol - Drug interdiction; resides at USBP Museum in Texas.
• United States Customs Service
• US Fish and Wildlife Service

State governments

• Alabama State Troopers
• Arizona Department of Public Safety
• California Highway Patrol - Initial Purchaser of the Mustang SSP
• Colorado State Patrol
• Connecticut State Police
• Delaware State Police
• Florida Highway Patrol - Second biggest user of the Mustang SSP.
• Georgia State Patrol
• Idaho State Police
• Indiana State Police
• Kansas Highway Patrol
• Kentucky State Police
• Louisiana State Police
• Massachusetts State Police
• Michigan State Police
• Minnesota State Patrol
• Mississippi Highway Patrol
• Missouri Highway Patrol
• Nebraska State Patrol
• Nevada Highway Patrol
• New Mexico State Police
• New York State Police
• North Carolina Highway Patrol
• Oklahoma Highway Patrol
• Oregon State Police
• Pennsylvania State Police
• Rhode Island State Police
• South Carolina Highway Patrol
• Tennessee Highway Patrol
• Texas Department of Public Safety - Third biggest user of the Mustang SSP
• Utah Highway Patrol
• Washington State Patrol
• Wisconsin State Patrol
• Wyoming Highway Patrol

Local/municipal governments

• Arlington, TX Police Department
• Douglas County, GA Sheriff's Department
• Atlanta, GA Police Department
• Clearwater, FL Police Department
• Fort Worth, TX Police Department
• Jonesboro, AR Police Department
• New York City Police Department - Highway Patrol Branch
• Pensacola, FL Police Department
• San Francisco Police Department
• Winter Park FL Police Department
• Beverly Hills, Ca Police Department
• Portland Police Bureau, OR
• Gilroy, CA Police Department

Canada

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Disposition

Ex Florida Highway Patrol Ford Mustang SSP

Same Florida Highway Patrol Ford Mustang SSP after repainting

Most of the Mustang SSPs have been retired from service, with a few examples still on the rosters of police departments as display or DARE cars. A few law enforcement agencies still keep them on active duty. Most examples have found their way into either racing or restoration.

With its stiffened frame and beefed up suspension, many Mustang SSPs were modified for use in Drag Racing. The plentiful aftermarket of parts for the 5.0 Engine made the SSP platform a desirable frame to work on, but with the dwindling supply and rising prices of genuine Mustang SSPs, these factors have limited racers from converting SSPs for racing purposes.

Restoring Mustang SSPs have become a growing hobby as of late, with car clubs and websites devoted to the restoration of the law enforcement workhorse. Most enthusiasts strive for accuracy in their models, with many scouring for OEM parts, including police radios, shotgun holders, lights, sirens, and other related equipment. However, the hobby is limited, as many states have regulations on private citizens owning cars that could be mistaken for real law enforcement vehicles. Some get around the regulations by using magnetic decals and removable lights.

Distinct models

CHP Hatchback

Out of the initial batch of 404 Mustangs that the CHP ordered in 1982, 400 were Special Service Package (SSP) 'notchback' coupes and 4 were hatchbacks. These four hatchbacks were painted and equipped in the same manner as the SSP coupes. They were produced under a 6-digit Fleet DSO and were retained for use and evaluation by the CHP. These hatchbacks are confirmed as having been equipped with the Special Service Package. One of these hatchbacks exists in private hands.

CHP EVOC

Several Mustang SSPs were converted by the CHP to EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) track vehicles. These EVOC vehicles were used for training the cadets how to drive at high speeds. The Mustangs were known for their 140+- mile per hour top speed. Modifications include a full roll cage, racing harness's, and tuned front suspension(for high speed driving and cornering). The EVOC vehicles were highly maintained to ensure safety while on the track. 

USAF U2 chase car

Due to problems with landing the Lockheed U-2, a system was implemented where a second pilot would chase the U-2 (termed "mobile") and help guide the aircraft down to earth. The USAF usually utilized a performance car for this task.

In 1986, the USAF was looking for a replacement for the Chevrolet El Camino as a chase car for the U-2. Beale Air Force Base asked the local California Highway Patrol to provide a Mustang SSP for testing. The test proved the Mustang SSP superior to the El Camino and the USAF ordered 20 for work with the spyplanes.

Their career lasted until the late 1990s, when they were replaced by "Special Service" B4C Chevrolet Camaros.

One of three examples from RAF Alconbury is preserved: 1988 Mustang SSP 88B 9971 "Mobile 1", serving with the 17th Reconnaissance Wing and the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron until its disposal in 1999. It is currently in the hands of a private collector in the United States after being ferried from its last operation in Italy to England.

Saleen connections

Noted (now defunct) manufacturer Saleen contributed to the history of the Mustang SSP. The Oregon State Police had ordered 34 coupes in 1988, but cancelled the order at the last minute. The dealership that ordered the coupes, Damerow Ford, scrambled to find a way to get rid of the order, and Saleen took custody of 14 of the cars. Saleen returned the cars after adding vehicle ID, rear spoiler, ground effects and interior upgrades. The dealer then resold them.

While not a true SSP, Saleen modified another 5.0, a 1989 5.0 LX Hatchback, for the Seal Beach, California Police Department. Designated as an S442 model, this model served Seal Beach until its retirement in the late 1990s.