My 1993 Special Service Package Mustang was originally purchased and owned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). The unit number assigned was P-641 and license plate number was 632-HP. During life with the MSHP, this vehicle was assigned to Trooper Vince Rice (badge #632), who is now a Lieutenant with the MSHP Internal Affairs Division.

In 1996, the MSHP sold this Mustang SSP to the City of Wentzville, Missouri who utilized it as their DARE vehicle. While owned by Wentzville, it was assigned to DARE Officers Scott Lewis and Scott Anderson. In 1997, Scott Lewis was hired by the City of Cottleville, Missouri for the position of Chief of Police. He then hired Scott Anderson for the position of Major of the Cottleville Police Department.

The Cottleville, Missouri Police Department then purchased my Mustang from the City of Wentzeville, Missouri in June 1997. It was then changed in appearance from an all white car to a black and white. Cottleville used this Mustang SSP as their DARE vehicle (unit #5) for the next 10 years.

On January 16, 2007 Eric Prince became the first civilian owner of my Mustang SSP. Mr. Prince is the leading authority on Missouri State Highway Patrol SSP Mustangs, having authored a history book and restoration guidebook on them. It was purchased with 98,600 miles on it and with all markings and emergency equipment intact. Mr. Prince was allowed to purchase this vehicle retaining its' markings and equipment due to his employment in law enforcement.

In March 2007, Mr. Prince stripped all markings and emergency equipment from the vehicle in order to place it on the market for sale (Mr. Prince promised the City of Cottleville, Missouri that he would strip the vehicle of the markings and equipment if ever sold). In April, 2007 this Mustang SSP was sold to the second civilian owner, Jeff Gill of Albany, New York. Mr. Gill then owned it for the next 15 months. During this time the body shop he owns completed a number of cosmetic and mechanical repairs.

In July, 2008 I became the third civilian owner of this Mustang SSP when I purchased it from Jeff Gill. This vehicle was purchased with the intent to restore it back to an MSHP Mustang SSP in-service condition. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak with (10/20/08) and subsequently meet (11/14/08) the MSHP Trooper, Lt. Vince Rice, who had been assigned to my Mustang SSP during the entire time it served the MSHP.

My goal is to return my SSP to in-service condition.  To support that initiative I have received permission from the MSHP Superintendent for this project and to purchase/display MSHP markings on magnetic backings while at car shows.  It has been over a year and a half since I purhcased this SSP and significant progress has been made toward achieving my goal of an accurate return to MSHP Mustang in-service condition.  All MSHP period correct markings (on magnetic backing), electronics and equipment have been obained for installation.  

In order to return my SSP to the correct all white color, my SSP was shipped on June 16, 2009 via enclosed carrier to Jimmy's CRC (Customs, Rods, Classics) in Belle Plaine, Minnesota (Twin Cities).  Jimmy's CRC is owned and operated by Jimmy Gaboury. While living in the Twin Cities, Jimmy's CRC completed a wide range of work on my previously owned 1969 Champagne Gold Mach I.  Jimmy's restoration shop recently completed this project having completely stripped and repainted by SSP Mustang back to the original all white color.  On November 5, 2009 my SSP departed the Twin Cities in an enclosed carrier for the return trip to Michigan.  Arrival is scheduled for early afternoon on November 9, 2009. 

The final phase is fast approaching to successfully return my 1993 MSHP SSP Mustang to in-service condition.  Specifically that step is to install all of the electronic equipment, which has been patiently awaiting its final destination.  If all goes as planned, I anticipate this last phase being completed prior to January 1, 2010. 

Growing up in Missouri, during infrequent weekend trips home to St. Louis from college, the MSHP Mustangs were a frequent sight on I-70 and the rural highways of Boone and Howard County. I have always believed these were the coolest cars on the roads.  I am excited, and it is my pleasure, to be a part of preserving this important piece of history.