The 1972 Dodge Polara CHP
Pursuit Special
In 1972 the California Highway Patrol ordered roughly 1100 very special cars, today very few remain. They were either used to death as taxis, in demolition derbys or had the 440 Magnum HP engines pulled out for use in lesser powered Challengers , Cudas, Chargers, etc.
What made these cars so special was the fact that they were produced in low numbers and fitted not only with rare Police options not available to the public, but the CHP Polaras were fitted with specific parts available ONLY on CHP cars and "Piggyback" orders for Sheriffs Depts.
To find an AUTHENTIC one is rare to say the least..in fact it took me 6 years to find mine. There are "Tribute" cars, clones and replicas out there in plentiful numbers based on civilian cars, but it takes a special combination of parts to be a true Police Pursuit car.
People talk about the rare Superbird and Daytona, yet any good Mopar show will have at least one, usually more. In a sea of Chargers and Challengers there are "Rare" ones no doubt but when was the last time you saw an authentic Pursuit Polara? These are an endangered species as cars go. Designed and built to go after the top muscle cars of the day. There may have been a few other cars that were quicker..but it was not often for one to outrun the Polaras 440 Magnum engine or the cars durability.
Below are pages containing some of the Polara Police specs and other related information
I could find.
Its clear to see why these cars are "as rare" or even "more rare" than some of the rarest Mopars ever produced. They are the traditional "Black and White" in every sense of the word. The Gold lettering and Tin Star on the door let you know "The LAW" is here, the sight of these menacing cars in the rear view mirror with thier push bumpers jutting out has sent chills down the spine of many a driver and the unmistakeable sound of a 440 Magnum powered police cruiser has given pause to countless street races.
These special "Freeway Intimidators" were the Cop Car of choice by many police departments . The '69 Polara Pursuit for decades held the record for quickest top speed of any Chrysler cop car at the company's Chelsea Proving Grounds high-banked oval—147 mph and was not broken until the 90's Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 police car arrived.
Today these cars are highly sought after by collectors. It is very rare to see an authentic squad car out and about. Take note when you do see one as you may never get the opportunity again.
