Carolina Police Reintroduce Ford Mustang GT Fleet Across the State After 30 Years | Carscoops

      The North Carolina Highway Patrol previously operated 5.0 SSP Mustangs during the 1980s and ’90s but has more recently utilized Dodge Chargers.

      The Highway Patrol in North Carolina is introducing at least 25 new Ford Mustangs for use.

      The S650 Mustang GTs feature a 480 hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

      Fans of Mustangs in North Carolina will recall that the NCSHP utilized SSP Mustangs during the 1980s and ’90s.

      North Carolina police agencies are going retro with a fleet of Ford Mustang patrol vehicles for the Highway Patrol across the state. This deployment will evoke memories (some not so pleasant…) for residents of North Carolina about the classic SSP Mustangs that were in use during the 1980s and early 1990s.

      The NCSHP first acquired a number of 2024 Mustangs last year and shared images of one of the initial vehicles adorned in the Patrol's signature black and silver design last summer. However, before a complete rollout could commence, an "onboarding" process was necessary to allow the logistics team to equip the cars with police gear and the training department to evaluate the vehicles' performance in the field.

      Related: NC Highway Patrol Secures 25 Ford Mustang GTs

      Then Hurricane Helene disrupted plans, causing the Patrol to redirect resources from the Mustang initiative to address the urgent need for disaster relief in the western region of the state.

      Now, however, the Mustangs are prepared for service, each model being a GT powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that produces 480 hp (485 PS) sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. With a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of under 4.5 seconds and a top speed approaching 170 mph (274 km/h), North Carolina’s law enforcement should have ample performance to handle various situations, though some residents have expressed concerns regarding the ability of rear-wheel-drive Mustangs to manage snowy conditions.

      Additionally, there has been some criticism regarding the spending of taxpayer funds on sports cars while other law enforcement agencies opt for more practical and cost-efficient SUVs like the Explorer. Nevertheless, the NCSHP asserts that the expenditures for these new muscle cars are comparable to those for other vehicles in its fleet.

      Although the patrol utilized Special Service Package (SSP) Mustangs over 30 years ago, it has recently relied on Dodge Chargers, which are no longer available in V8 form—despite this year’s new six-cylinder Charger appearing to be a viable option.

      “These patrol vehicles, though limited in number, will fulfill a significant role throughout our state,” stated NCSHP Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr. “Their visibility while on patrol will certainly act as a deterrent and aid in our essential function as representatives for the great state of North Carolina.”

      To showcase their new Mustangs, the Patrol recreated a historic photograph from 1929 featuring officers lined up on their police motorcycles outside the same State Fair building.