These days, the vast majority of police cars cruising the streets are of the SUV variety, like the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, a beefed-up version of the Ford Explorer. But some law enforcement agencies recognize that quick, nimble models like the Ford Mustang make great interceptors. Jay Leno recently highlighted a fully kitted-out coupe on Jay Leno’s Garage, showing off its specialized looks and mechanical goodies.
This California Highway Patrol (CHP) Ford Mustang tribute – which began life as a GT trimmed model – cradles the naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8, which produces 460 horsepower. This model is fully kitted out with police lights and an iconic black-and-white paint scheme, complete with a highway patrol crest on the doors. The paint scheme was designed to honor 40 years of the CHP, and a fitting homage it is.
Leno slides behind the wheel, joined by former Mustang Chief Engineer, Dave Pericak. Of course, the Ford Mustang has a hell of a rumble. Taking it out for a leisurely drive seems almost criminal – the Ford Mustang is built for chasing somebody down, and it’s clearly straining at the big, begging to be turned loose. While driving, Leno calls back to a late 1980s ad for Ford interceptors that stated, simply, “This Ford chases Porsches for a living.”
Beyond the CHP livery, the Ford Mustang interceptor is completely stock. That means it retains its standard GT suspension, although it can be easily modified for police work if necessary. It “goes pretty good,” as Leno puts it, and has plenty of get-up-and-go for police duties. The conclusion is that it does feel faster than a regular Mustang – and there’s a certain thrill to driving a vehicle out on the road that everyone’s a little wary of.
The S650 Ford Mustang GT has proven to be a popular option for police fleets, serving up incredible performance right from the factory. In fact, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol recently debuted a herd of Mustang GT pony cars as part of its stable.
Comments
Mustang variant #100 of 2025.
It’s a 1-off ‘tribute car’, but don’t take a breather from WHINING to read the article or watch the video.
It’s a manpower issue. Of coarse the police like the Mustang GT with a 5.0 V8, they don’t need to get three-four copes to push the 4 or 6 cylinders that hesitate and don’t move.