MSP Cars

Part 6

1990-1999

1990 Chevrolet Caprice was changed little over the 1989 model. The 1990 Caprice was equipped with passive safety belts and the paint color changed again slightly, this time taking on a slightly brown hue. This was the first year some of the units were outfitted by a private vendor rather than MnDOT mechanics.

Only about 80 new cars were purchased by the State Patrol in 1991; all of them maroon Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors. The 5.8 liter V-8 with variable venturi fuel delivery was virtually identical to the power plant used in the ’82, ’84, and ’85 Fords. These were the last MSP cars to have the white doors.

The State Patrol was about to get a new look for 1992. A couple of cars were bedecked in some rather wild graphics as shown in the example here. A more unique, less colorful design was selected.

For 1992, the Ford Crown Victoria took on a whole new look. New from the ground up, the Interceptor package included an all new 4.6 liter 210 hp modular port fuel injected V-8. With this new body style, the State Patrol adopted a new graphics package. The white door was gone. Gold and white stripes took its place.

1994 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Changes for 1994 were subtle. The units were equipped with anti-lock brakes and for this year only, traction control. The 1994 models shared the 4.6 Liter V8 of the 1992 and 1993 model years. Also for 1994, a custom paint color was chosen; paint code EE. This paint code is still being used on the newest cars from Ford.

The 1995 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 Police Package included the LT1 5.7 liter V-8 with sequential port fuel injection rated at 260 hp @ 5000 rpm and 330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm; nearly the same engine as the Corvette. They used the 4L60E electronic 4-spd AOD transmission and 3.08:1 rear axle. They were crazy fast high revving vehicles with phenomenal handling characteristics. And their digital speedometer was pretty cool, too.

After the 1996 model year, Ford’s Crown Victoria Police Interceptor became America’s only rear wheel drive police sedan.

1998-2002 Ford

The Ford Crown Victoria was redesigned for 1998, now sharing all of its sheet metal with the upscale Mercury Grand Marquis. Ford continued to make improvements to the Interceptor. Retaining the same 4.6 liter engine, improvements to the fuel delivery and ignition systems increased horsepower ratings to 230.

View MSP Cars Part 7 Here