1958 Mercury Monterey California Highway Patrol car

[chpmerc]

I started on this car about three years ago. I finally drove it last week and I thought I would share some progress photos.
The CHP bought 325 cars and Bill Stroppe( Mexican Road Race Lincolns) prepared them for the CHP. They had Park Lane front spindles, wheel bearings and coil springs along with station wagon rear springs. They were manual steering and manual brake cars and were equiped with a Leece-Neville alternator instead of generator. The original photo of the car at speed was taken at Riverside Raceway at the testing done by the State of California in November of 1957.

The Leece-Neville rectifier is shown mounted to the front of core support

Original photo showing Leece-Neville rectifier and the siren just above the bumper

Original photo showing Leece-Neville rectifier and the siren just above the bumper

The Leece-Neville rectifier is shown mounted to the front of core support[

[VivaLaMercury]

I am SO surprised that no one has decided to comment on this thread. These photographs are truly wonderful and they provide an excellent glimpse to the past! I can especially appreciate the 2nd printed photograph. My goodness. All of these photos REALLY do showcase just how sturdy Mercury's are. It's really no surprise that these vehicles were often times used as patrol cars. If you have happen to have anymore photos, chpmerc, DO post them.

[Shelby#18]

I'm not sure how I missed this thread. You are correct this is an astounding automobile. I'm really looking forward to some detailed photo's. I hope he took a lot!

[Theo]

This is an outstanding car indeed. "chpmerc" I hope you won't mind that I reprocessed your photos by altering the light exposure.
Hope to see more photos and reports as the progression goes on.

[pinesd3400]

I can remember the whole article on these I cant remember if it was Popular Sience or Mech in 1958, also comparing with
a bunch of Buicks they bought. Here in Mass. I have never seen one. At that time Mass State Police had all 1957
no 1958s then 1959 Ford standard shift Interceptors. I assume your cruiser has Mult Drive.

[bhambulldog]

I like That!