utilized a performance car for this task. In 1986, the USAF was looking for a replacement for the Chevrolet El Camino as a chase car for the U-2. Beale Air Force Base asked the local California Highway Patrol to provide a Mustang SSP for testing. The test proved the Mustang SSP superior to the El Camino and the USAF ordered 20 for work with the spyplanes. Their career lasted until the late 1990s, when they were replaced by "Special Service" B4C Chevrolet Camaros. One of three examples from RAF Alconbury is preserved: 1988 Mustang SSP 88B 9971 "Mobile 1", serving with the 17th Reconnaissance Wing and the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron until its disposal in 1999. It is currently in the hands of a private collector in the United States after being ferried from its last operation in Italy to England. Saleen connections Noted manufacturer Saleen contributed to the history of the Mustang SSP. The Oregon State Police had ordered 34 coupes in 1988, but cancelled the order at the last minute. The dealership that ordered the coupes, Damerow Ford, scrambled to find a way to get rid of the order, and Saleen took custody of 14 of the cars. Saleen returned the cars after adding vehicle ID, rear spoiler, ground effects and interior upgrades. The dealer then resold them. While not a true SSP, Saleen modified another 5.0, a 1989 5.0 LX Hatchback, for the Seal Beach, California Police Department. Designated as an S442 model; this model served Seal Beach until its retirement in the late 1990s. See also Ford Mustang Police vehicles in the United States References Book and magazine references Mustang Forty Years, by Randy Leffingwell, Mustang Monthly "For Special Service" by Miles Cook, November 2004 (PDF copy of article here) Mustang Monthly "Highly Pursued" text and photos by Donald Farr, May 2006 pg 88-90 Modified Mustangs "They Come, They Go!: First in Harms Way" sidebar Story by Don Roy Photos by James Pickett, January 2007 pg 117 External links SSP Mustang VIN Project Mustang Special Service Registry Special Service Mustangs SSP Mustang SSP Fox Mustang Coupés SSP Hatchbacks Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Police vehicles