1982 CHP Mustang *Hatchback* ?

[1972coronet]

I may've recounted this story before , but I feel it's worth its own topic ...

Back in c.1986 , I saw what I thought was an unusual vehicle :a retired 1982 Mustang C.H.P. hatchback .

I remember thinking at that time , Hmm ... this is the first time I've seen a hatchback CHP Mustang... I've only seen the coupe versions ...

Upon checking it out , I saw :

- "Certified" speedometre

- Police-model-specific cloth & vinyl bucket seats

- 15" steel wheels with hubcaps

- Holes in the driver's side A-Pillar for a single Unity spotlight (nothing on the passengers' side)

- Lack of "5.0" emblems

I took some photos of it , knowing that it was an oddball (in some capacity). Unfortunately , all of the photos were destroyed during the 1987 Whittier Earthquake ( 01.OCT.1987 @ 0742 HRS ) .

They were Polaroid photos , so no negatives existed :( .

In subsequent years , I lost track of the vehicle . It seems that its owner's house was destroyed in the aforementioned earthquake , so he moved away . Obviously , at that time , I was busy with other obligations , so its presence --or lack thereof-- wasn't on my mind .

But , I divulge ...

Has anyone else ever seen one of these hatchback CHP Mustangs ?

It's my understanding that they're quite rare ; that they were experimental , and only a handful --if that-- were made . They didn't *work* because of the extra weight and because the hatchback would leave the officers' equipment exposed (guns and whatnot) .

Also , if anyone's got some pics , please post 'em here

[martinfan5]

Scroll down towards the bottom of the page

http://policecarwebsite.net/fc/capdcars/chp/chp80.html

[1972coronet]

Thanks much for the link , Jonathan !

I can't help but wonder if that car is the car I saw 25+ years ago ...

[misternemo]

supposedly there were four 1982 hatchbacks ordered by the CHP as test vehicles to see if they worked out for them.apparently they did not. from what i've seen,only one of the cars is left,it has been fully restored.a very unique and cool car!!