Classic California Highway Patrol Cars - Jay Leno's Garage

Classic California Highway Patrol Cars. CHP Captain Matt Guthrie and former commissioner Spike Helmick stop by with five of the finest cop cars of the last 40 years - and the brand new Ford Explorer that will be hitting California highways soon.
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Classic California Highway Patrol Cars - Jay Leno's Garage
• Classic California Hig...
Jay Leno's Garage
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[@kataccord1968]

Didn't realize how old this video was until he called *that* the "New Ford Explorer"

[@The_Lunch_Man]

Yeah lol Now I see them everywhere.

[@williswhatchutalkinbout4367]

@travis aaron what are you talking about?

[@jjones7837]

I just looked...yikes.

[@jaysmith1408]

The crown Vic replacements, the Taurus and Explorer, came out in 2013, I am the proud owner of a first year Taurus, damn thing’s a beast. Also ways well over two tons, but it’s a beast. Driving at highway speed, only go through a tank and a half in eight hours (refueling once).

[@MircomFan]

my city started using Undercover Ford F150s, all black, thing is sneaky

[@SteveST-hl7nt]

4:10 Notice how Jay steps forward and Matt steps back. He even covers his pepper spray. Well trained. Or Jay needs a Tic Tac.

[@m.w.6526]

Probably needs a mint

[@zuto96]

I was wondering why jay kept getting so close haha

[@swissbeats2k]

Hahahahaha

[@jakel9120]

came to the comments to see if anyone noticed this as well hahah

[@Vlm293]

@@zuto96 he just kept getting closer its hilarious

[@SoulFlavor18]

4:11 When Jay takes a half step towards the cop, he takes a full step back. True cop, always watch your back lol

[@waywatcher9779]

I was looking for this post before I posted.

[@jeromethemechanic6871]

I noticed that too, I bet it’s a hard habit to shake.

[@Vixen13k]

Crown Vic is probably the most wrecked vehicle in the history of movies/tv shows

[@johnathanwill1945]

Thats because you could get 1 cheap at the auction

[@donnajones1603]

And a great movie...

[@cameronduff884]

they were also notorious for having bent rims when they went from 16 to 17 (making room for bigger brakes), I remember being taken to jail for a minor infraction (alcohol in public) and noticing how bad the ride was (could've told you witch rim it was), decades later, I found myself task with changing these tires, a poor man's check is rolling bare rim across smooth floor, then put bare rim on balancer and spin, mark any high/low spots, do any hammering or tweaking on floor or tire changer, re check on balancer (reject anything bent inside bead area, if you are lucky enough (or unlucky depending on one's point of view)you can check the runout on rim (I recommend you reject anything over. 035) and overall runout for mounted assembly. 025, which might be corrected with "force matching "(turning low spot on rim to high spot or red dot on tire)

[@erika_itsumi5141]

The Caprice too

[@erikbunty2016]

Getting rear ended in one often meant death, because of the ensuing fire.

[@chasemiller9315]

I'm gonna miss the crown vic...

[@justinanderson8758]

Me too they had class and speed

[@transitvideo6792]

ya. crown vics are pretty cool. luckily, I'm in Toronto and we still have quite a few.

[@slimshady-ij3qw]

same

[@watermelons1285]

they were so easy outrun run...i mean yea they were good

[@tmanthekid4396]

+slim shady I'm not. Now they give the local police trucks and jeeps and chargers and motorcycles. They look epic cruising around town

[@caseym5017]

Nothing struck terror in the heart of a teenage driver like seeing that Polara grill in the rear view mirror!

[@rickobrien4025]

And even when you're not speeding...seeing that push bumper ten feet from yours, along with the trooper and his aviator sunglasses in your rear view mirror .

[@jimmysapien9961]

Or crown Vic

[@soco13466]

I remember those cars. I could recognize the headlights and grill from a distance, at night.

[@uncovidvaxxforthestrongand3582]

the newer ones are scarier they look like sharks when they be going real slow checking everyones plates out not to mention the head lights on the cars are literally evil "i've gotcha" eyes.

[@markalbert9390]

Unless you saw your mother in the mirror. Happened to me late one night when I didn’t come home on schedule.

[@milfshake6944]

I love how you can see the Patrolman always keeping his distance, every step Leno makes towards the Patrolman he instantly backs up to match!

[@Nof60twindriver]

That's just ingrained training, but yeah funny.

[@Vlm293]

I don't trust police officers so I hope it made him uncomfortable

[@redtra236]

@@Vlm293 I don't trust most of them either, but you can expect them not to trust you either

[@kendallevans4079]

And doesn't turn his back to Jay!

[@SandraHof]

This was such a fun video! My brother went on the CHP in 1967. He was in patrol cars for 5 years, then went onto motors and rode motors for the next 15 years. He said he was glad he spent the first 5 years in a car because the cars back then were great. He went on to retire after 39 years on the job and is happily living out his retirement on 3 acres of land with his wife, dogs and cats. He deserves it after spending 39 years on the road. I am grateful he survived all those years.

[@geemanbmw]

Cool! I thank your brother for his service 🙏 👍🏼

[@guytansbariva2295]

Did he know Ponce and John?? Just seeing if anyone remembers the reference..😉

[@jeremyb4493]

​@@guytansbariva2295 I still watch it occasionally on TV still. Lots of old school automotive/motorcycle stunts on that show

[@guytansbariva2295]

@@jeremyb4493 Yeah, and it's a actually on at my house a lot. We "cut the cable" years ago so all we get is over the air digital TV. It's not bad, 45 channels for free and some great shows.

[@koko1914]

"This is when the men were men and the women were glad of it" Jay Leno's greatest quote!

[@ljprep6250]

No Soy allowed, thankyouverymuch.

[@sardonic_smile_8752]

@Snake Plissken they will also call these white knight police to defend them; even if through false allegations.

[@themoviedealers]

But he was being sarcastic, you idiots.

[@oillease1881]

First time I heard that quote was off an ancient record when the Carter family had just arrived at Jimmy Roger's place near Kerrville, Texas and Jimmy was referencing living in Texas....and it was damned funny the way he said it.....yodelaehoo

[@kenbob1071]

Ahhh, the good ol' days: when you could beat your wife and sexually harass the office secretary and get away with it.

[@chiconian49]

I was pulled over by CHP for the first time in over 20 years last week. The officer asked me what the hurry was. He clocked me at 71 in a 55 mph zone. My speedo really did say 55 mph. I told him I had just replaced my speedo cable in my 65 Ford Falcon and they must have sold me the wrong one. I even showed him the receipt. Since he had seen me before on the road and I was never speeding, he did not write me a ticket, but I had to tell him the history of my car and he told me all about his new CHP, SUV at my request. These new Ford SUV's have smaller tires (wide but short) to prevent rollover. The traction system is computer controlled to help prevent spin outs. He missed the old days when he could burn out and the squealing tires around corners, however appreciated the safety. I saw him driving the opposite direction on the way home. My speedo said 42 (I was hoping that would actually be 55 mph). He flashed his lights and gave me the thumbs up. What a nice guy! No wonder I had been getting such lousy gas mileage.

[@BigWheel.]

Lance Boil You daily drive a ford falcon?

[@chiconian49]

Yes, however I am retired, so no longer commute to work. It's a convertible with AC. It gets crappy gas mileage, but I only have to fill it once every two or three months.

[@BigWheel.]

That's awsome.

[@kainhall]

my sister drives my grandmothers old 1974 ford gran tourino....4 door, 351W v8....things a BOAT my grandmother got a 88 olds SUV in about 2008, and my sister's first car was that ford that 4 ton car is got enough momentum to go right threw a modern car she drove it till we got her a ~2010 impala.....she has the nicest car out of all of us (spoiled brat) but i love my 99 buick centiruy....195K miles also "daily drive" a 1977 chevy heavy half ton truck (usually in the montana winter....i put in a 1000w heater pump that circulates water threw the block and heater lines to keep it from freezing up ) .....400 small block, and full time four wheel drive...its a stump puller from hell it gets about 8mpg....i think im getting about 12 now, fixed a few things..... putting in a SM465 3 speed (really a 4 speed with a really low first.....L-1-2-3) and n205 part time four wheel.....should get about 16 mpg....

[@poohbeartube]

+kain hall I think you're mistaken regarding "the 4 ton car". The 1974 Ford Gran Torino has a curb weight of 3,509-4,250 lb. Maybe you were referring to the 88 Olds SUV. 4 tons is a lot of steel. I own a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe which weighs approximately 5,500 lb (6-door, 4WD). It gets about 14 mpg.

[@chriqrowe]

Bet he gave some older folks near heartattacks driving that polara around

[@jbanderson5331]

funny my dad is a cop

[@richardkaltenbach3961]

I Would've Love To See The Mustang! Or A CHP CHEVROLET CAPRICE OR CAMARO!!

[@alexpaumen3937]

@@richardkaltenbach3961 He’s done the Police Mustang now.

[@ivanc9087]

Gotta love Jay Leno’s intros. One of the last great showmen we get to witness

[@GamePlayWithNolan]

Turns siren on 2 seconds later: "It's amazing, people just get out of your way!"

[@Douglas_Reuber]

right if its not an official police car of the time period you dont have to move!

[@drewsillytoo]

It's not like it's the law or anything

[@luciaconn6788]

notice the cop putting at least 2ft between himself & Jay and NEVER turning his back! It's like a dance

[@jasbarsoph]

Lucia Conn Habits of a lifetime 😂

[@jasbarsoph]

Always remember the first time going on a call, When the siren went on the traffic parted on both sides of the road and it was an amazing feeling 😊

[@cooleyhy]

Not sure if someone among the 2600+ comments mentioned it already, but one of the CHP spec. details that they didn't mention in the episode about the older patrol cars (like the 60s Polaras) was the white steering wheel. CHP required a white wheel due to extreme heat inside the car especially in really hot regions like the CA Central Valley and SoCal desert areas.

[@jtf-joshtfitnessandlifesty3470]

I remember being tailed by a Crown Vic in the Carpoool Lane when me and my friends were headed to Santa Cruz. The CHP still runs a few of those in 2020 for carpool lane patrols

[@Nightshade_787B]

The Dodge Polara was my favorite police car. It looked gorgeous.

[@theoriginalbadbob]

I was in the back seat of a CHP car that was doing 130 mph. That's what the big round speedo on the dash indicated, and it had "Official Certified Police Speedometer" written on it's face. That car had LOTS of poop left in it. It was a 1960 Dodge Dart, when the Dart was a FULL-sized car. I don't know what size engine it had, but it was super-charged. Back in those days, 25% of all CHP cars had blowers on them. That Dart would have sucked the doors off that '69 Polara. And, no, I was not under arrest, thank you very much.

[@jjhart59]

what

[@anthonylach8089]

Wish I could visit the 80's.

[@donmaxfeldt6285]

1969 Polara, what a thrill!! Loved driving it. Couldn't believe Jay's comment about not very fast! Remember an on-ramp we all used, surface was not asphalt - it was rubber!! Had to back off the throttle to gain traction. Top speed around 160. I lived in an apartment with underground parking. My wife would always know when I was home for dinner, the 440 would shake the whole building. 50 years ago and I still remember the thrill!! Also noted the negative comments about the '70 Merc. We had a test vehicle, 428 Cobra Jet. 65 mph, punch passing gear and it would break traction. Lots of trips to the dealership to replace broken motor mounts.

[@barrybrenner1089]

I got a twenty mile ride to the hospital at 140 mph in one of these 5.0 Mustangs around 1985 near Santa Barbara. I chopped off a couple of fingertips chasing my runaway '67 Chevelle wagon while camping. Smooth as silk and the officer was very concerned about my pain. Thanks pal, wherever you are.

[@caddiman1990]

The top speed for the old dodge police car was 150 mph. That's pretty fast for a big heavy car.

[@ellenupton2205]

Probably scarry as hell to!

[@JimBob-ky8sm]

@@ellenupton2205 Not until you try to stop or go around corners. They did ok otherwise ;)

[@ellenupton2205]

@@JimBob-ky8sm mopar is not good around corners but we are one of the best in a straight line.

[@johneldepresso]

caddi bronze 10 mph less than an s550 mustang with the 5.0 V8 And that was a long time ago goddamn

[@ffarmchicken]

My high school buddy used to drive his moms Polara station wagon with a 440 engine. It was fast but took forever to stop.

[@Subaru331]

Seeing the crown vic behind you is the worst feeling ever

[@Keirann]

i know

[@aaronrs7895]

Nahh seeing a 5.0 behind you was bad, you knew you couldn't get away

[@mightbegenius]

@ sounds like you're the life of every party pal

[@scarhart53]

Why? If I need to, my new Silverado pickup with a 5.3 would outrun one.

[@Network126]

Now it's those damn Ford Explorers 😓

[@Mike-0201]

Hi Jay. As a retired Police Officer and former Fleet Director for my PD, I love this video!! I would like to see an up date with CHP's new Dodge Chargers!! Thanks again for doing this.

[@Richcuffkey]

Anyone else notice every time Jay inadvertently takes a step forward the Capt. without even thinking takes a step back to keep spacing? Years of experience there

[@hellohello2711]

No. It's because they told him he's not allowed to stand next to Jay

[@royg9776]

@@hellohello2711 You were there?

[@Vlm293]

Yeah ​@@royg9776

[@Vlm293]

​@@royg9776yeah I told him to do it I wanted him to make the cop uncomfortable 😊

[@crowdcontrol792]

Jay is like a five year old with that siren, lol.

[@krazydaddy1]

+crowdcontrol792 That poor guy lol

[@cyberpleb2472]

I suspect most of the siren sounds have been edited in.

[@flitsertheo]

Don't know about the USA but here in Europe it isn't allowed to "impersonate" a police car (or any other urgency vehicle) on a public road. Roof lights have to covered or removed (as some of the cars shown) and no siren. No real guns either. Or you might see a "real" police car behind you.

[@idk-cy3fz]

Lol, I wonder what the drivers think why does this sound so old a driver says lol.

[@kabloosh699]

@@flitsertheo we know Europe is a no fun allowed zone.

[@Jimothy408]

4:10 the cop thought Jay Leno was going to punch him or something lol it got awkward lmao

[@proboxpepper6752]

that cop be like "stay away from me!" *pulls out a pistol

[@brandonscott6606]

Haha, never caught that. Shows what years of being on the job does.

[@kws45fl]

i noticed that to and thought he was a homophobic

[@kws45fl]

***** you sir. are spot on correct! :D

[@codyogden4611]

And cops cant stand too close to anyone unless they are handing something or they are aresting that person.

[@williamkaono1239]

Talking about chase cars, CHP also had a Chevy Camaro. I seen them in L.A.

[@jackfrost3254]

I got to drive one of them. Mainly was reserved for chases unless someone did something in front of me

[@soco13466]

I've got a retired 2000 P71 Crown Vic. It never had a light bar, spotlight, or cage in the back. It was probably a detective car, or a basic unmarked car. It's a South Carolina car, solid. Best car I've ever owned. It's not boatlike, like the Caprice, gets better mileage. Smooth running, drives like a new car. I don't beat this car, no hotrodding. I drove it to Michigan and back, great car for hills and mountains. A/C works great. I paid $1900, I'm in it about $3000, after new tires and some minor repairs and adjustments. Oil, trans, power steering coolers, cop suspension.

[@ericjx]

That Captain is still quite aware of maintaining a reactionary gap. Each time Jay walks forward he takes a step back.

[@Heavy.hemi510]

+Eric Jones Yeah I noticed it too lol

[@Ward413]

+Eric Jones I'm sure it had something to do with comfort too as Jay kept closing the gap. Every time he took a step back to maintain the gap Jay would close it. Ha so annoying.

[@ronaldreed7698]

It made it hard to get close ups , Jay is trying to make a televised Show, the cop is too paranoid to act normal, he should know he is not threatened by Jay and if he doesnt understand he is safe and doesn't have to grab his belt Every time they need a close up he should get counciling.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

It's just a guy thing, gotta keep that distance!

[@cat-lw6kq]

just a natural reaction, in my area we have a lot of street people and the LAPD don't want to get near them. I think it's just SOP when your'e in the field.

[@scootosan]

Cop Motor, Cop suspension, Cop Lighter.....(Blues Brothers)

[@ConstanceCox]

+norbolt Fix the cigarette lighter.

[@kjchicago1]

+scootosan And cop tires, too! Got a catalytic converter so it'll run good on regular gas

[@RockandrollNegro]

*It's a model made before Catalytic Converters so it'll run good on regular gas.

[@joshuaramirez6121]

scootosan cop shocks, and cop tires. but the caddy where's the caddy?

[@mitchell1477]

Joshua Ramirez you traded it for a microphone?

[@Shageenn]

Just saw this today. Had a 1966 Dodge Polara in 1992 after high school. Such a great car and I can confirm no A/C and the brakes were not good. Love the maroon bench seats and cruising down the road at 18 in this thing.

[@WCM1945]

Hey, Jay... Retired Police radio technician here... we also installed and maintained all the other "police" equipment on the cars, including the siren. The one you have actually working is an old MECHANICAL siren, with was essentially a starter motor turning a turbine. That's why it takes so long for it to wind down when you release the horn ring. The Federal _electronic_ siren was the one most commonly used nowadays, since it offered several different types of sounds (Yelp, Hi-Lo, Wail and PA (public address). Tha'ts the smaller gray (usually) microphone. The radio is a Motorola (we techs hated them), probably a Mocom 70 or Micor. The radio itself was usually mounted in the trunk as there to bulky for under-dash use. Our department relied mostly on Crown Vics with an occasional Chevy for freeway use. We avoided Mopar cars like the plague. Wouldn't last a year.

[@AiMR]

This vehicle has the S.C.M.O.D.S. system. It's got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant. It's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas.

[@smirage22]

We're on a mission from God

[@steveskouson9620]

Elwood should know better. You HAVE to run a 440 on premium. steve

[@penguin12902]

It's that shitbox Dodge again!

[@tom2754]

Fix the cigarette lighter.

[@289cobra9]

Eric Veritas Blair It’s a 106 miles to Chicago, we have a a full tank of gas, a half a pack of cigarettes it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses.

[@LEXXIUS]

I love the winding up sound of that old siren!

[@16rumpole]

me too, they just don't use those much anymore

[@heno02]

Every time you heard one of these you wheren't sure if you had to pull over, or duck and cover.

[@LEXXIUS]

UltraMato 😁

[@styldsteel1]

UltraMato or if was an old fire engine

[@germandude5181]

I am afraid to ask, but what is the name of the siren the CHP used in die 1970s / 1980s ?

[@kingjames4886]

cop: "it's not a public car, you can't go buy these" jay: orly?

[@garygrandy9443]

@@kingjames4886 mucho bueno burrito

[@johnxaviere]

tú madre es mas fina

[@HateTheIRS]

How did he buy it in the first place

[@Realivangarcia]

Actually you can buy them. These are sold at auctions after they’re phased out. My dad actually bought a 2009 Crown Victoria for $1500 and had about 100,000 miles. They’re extremely reliable and cheap to buy. I think the cop meant to say the police car isn’t sold by Ford to the public but the police departments do in fact sell them.

[@HateTheIRS]

@@Realivangarcia Can I buy it with the lights on it and all the badging on it

[@Olddeadleadfoot]

"One Adam 12, see the man in a blue shirt and jeans speeding through Burbank in a hot '69 Dodge Polara creating a nuisance." What a blast from the past ; )

[@coreyfellows9420]

The list should be called. "The last thing you saw before your day got ruined"

[@unclemikeb]

I was really pleased to hear him say the 69 Dodge was the one they like the best. I worked at the factory where those were built. I remember putting them through their paces on the roll testers. That engine was more potent than the 440 that was in the passenger cars, we could feel and hear it when you punched it. Must have had a different cam, I know it had a different carburetor because the people on the engine line had to be certain they used the correct part number when the police cars came down the line. I bet the horsepower was more like 400-420. But pulling more than 4200 pounds it had to work hard. That car could push the speedo way past the max so that you couldn't even see how fast you were going. We had reports from the Illinois troops it felt like it could hit 150. The shaking hood was do partly to its size but could be minimized by adjusting it down a bit below the fender line and setting the latch real tight. That made it a bit hard to open but it really cut down on the vibration.

[@farmertyler8087]

“People just get out of your way” maybe because you’re playing with the siren Jay 😂

[@n_y_o_o_m]

Jay: "that famous Chrysler starter motor! REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

[@bababooey7576]

Was never a huge Ford fan, but even I like(d) the Crown Vics..Miss the 1980's caprices as cop cars..

[@greenfuzz13]

Thanks for the show. I owned one of the ex CHP 1970 Mercury Montereys and have a couple of corrections for you. The engine is not the FoMoCo 429, it is in fact a FE series Cobra Jet 428 as specified by and only available to the CHP. Civilian production of the 428 ended in 1969. I have copies of all the original official CHP build specifications to prove it. The 428 is a great motor and my car, having less than 60K miles on it when it came out of service still ran very strong. I agree that it probably was a lousy unit when all was said and done. Although really fast especially at the top end, and comfortable to ride in, it was enormous and heavy about the size of a Lincoln and it did not have power steering. From what I have heard they were concerned about lack of road feel at high speed as well as a tendency to throw the belts. They also rode on Goodyear bias-ply tires which added to the fun.The Mercs were designed for pursuit and most were stationed in Sacramento and other locations near Highway 5. Apparently no quick ratio manual steering was available. At freeway speed no problem, around town it was near impossible. Parallel parking? You must be joking. They also showed a tendency to break upper control arms enthusiastically, probably related. They spent a fair amount of time out of service for repair. Gas mileage was said to be worse than the Dodge Polaras although my own experience was inconclusive. Bottom line was they cost far more to operate per mile than the Polaras and that is significant when you are a state agency using tax-payer money. The CHP bought 2 500 unit batches for 1000 total. They must have been a big let down after the 69 Dodges (which remained in service) and the CHP was only too happy to be rid of them. I have a receipt from the auction dated 1972 showing about 53K on the odometer. However, despite it being a dud as far as CHP work went it is always fun owning one of these monsters. They first time I ran the defroster a bunch of dried out L&M cigarette butts blew out into my face. It was like the ghosts of old CHP officers were riding with me. I had visions of long boring nights driving up and down the Highway 5 chainsmoking and flicking the butts into the vents just to tick off the guys on the day shift who also hated the Mercs, scheming to somehow get back in a Dodge. Mine had never been repainted and was still in the original black with white doors and top. I once drove it to Los Angeles from the SF bay area down highway 5 and found performance impressive with a really nice exhaust bellow. Even though i drove at night other drivers were moving out of my way. That is an awesome feeling. I had it over 120 mph with more on tap. The Missouri Highway Patrol also owned some of these (possibly marketed by Ford after the CHP order) They also show up in Montana from time to time. They are pretty rare and doubtlessly many had the given up the 428. The 428 CJ is a bad ass. I don't know the whereabouts of my Merc, maybe it's this very unit. I still have the paperwork and serial numbers so it would be easy to check.

[@MarkK01]

Thank you Jay for showing the police cars. My Dad bought a brand new 1969 Dodge Polara the day I was born. That car brings back a lot of memories. To bad my older brother got a hold of it when he turned 16. He blew the motor and the car was sent to care heaven. I would give anything to have that car in my possession.

[@davidholland5619]

Totally forgot the real CHP Chase Champ Car of Choice...1995 1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic with 5.7 LT1 Motor Sleek Impala SS Looks Big and Powerful Slick Top (No Light Bar on Top/ for stealth) My Personal Favorite...Loved finding deals on Retired Cars after put out of service and Making Impala Clones for Cheap

[@NESherv]

Surprised to see three cars missing from this lineup: - 1974 Dodge Monaco - 1987-90 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 - 1991-96 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1

[@hotdogstockimage]

true

[@abodea7017]

NESherv don't forget the Dodge Diplomat

[@mikeuchiha5972]

NESherv yeah

[@kirknitz8152]

Also missing are the Olds Cutlasses

[@Hot80s]

yep. i love the unmarked 1974 gran fury

[@davidfrison2765]

I can watch this video over and over again.. It's like being in the toy aisle and deciding which one is your favorite toy.. Because you want to own them all... And lucky Leno gets to own them all... Woman never forget their first love.. Men never forget their first cars

[@johnnauer6427]

When I was a kid in the 70s and lived in the trailer park our manager had a white retired 69 polara sitting in the back for sale I told my older friends about it.. so they bought the car for $50 they took it to the college as a project car and, when they finished with, it was the fastest car i ever rode in My Life...I know for a fact this car can lights up the tires can you imagine 50 bucks for this car... it was a big car the hood alone you can have a dinner party on it, I'm very impressed that Jay is doing a piece on CHP cars... I never forgot that old dinosaur and it brings back great memories thanks Jay.

[@rogerphillis4323]

I was a street cop in Ohio and then W.Va for 39 years. Started using a 66 Plymouth Fury with no air, electric windows or power steering or power brakes. The fastest car was a police package Plymouth Roadrunner 383. Sounded like a bucket of bolts but that engine would not stop cranking! The best overall was the 80’s Chevrolet Caprice LS1, fast, comfortable with adequate space inside. At one time we had Ford 429 police interceptors which got carboned up by driving on patrol around the city. Ended my career in a Dodge Stratus Police package car. I’ve pursued 900 Kawasaki motorcycles, Corvettes, etc. I never lost a pursuit!

[@Joemommas]

They need to bring back the VIC!!!

[@hypeninja4786]

George Bonis it would have to he heavily modernized, and updated

[@Armor23OnPatrol]

Crash a CrownVic its back on the road Crash any other cars and its off to the dump

[@faithingod9554]

With a more updated supercharged v8

[@noaht-s8126]

American police cars are on a different level of coolness to anywhere on earth even Dubai.

[@George_Azeria]

What do you mean Astras and Focuses aren't cool?

[@George_Azeria]

yeah mate, you clearly didn't get my sarcasm there.

[@noaht-s8126]

+George Jordan I did

[@George_Azeria]

***** you what mate?

[@George_Azeria]

mate I don't even know you

[@rifles_up2263]

Jay-“How many horsepower in this?” Old Cop-“375” Jay-“Oh ok,and how many horsepower does it make?”😂

[@ws678ta]

I HAD A '72 DODGE POLARA WITH A 440 POLICE INTERCEPTOR ENGINE. MAN, WHAT A CAR ! EFFORTLESS TO 150 MPH AND REALLY HUGGED THE ROAD, MINE STILL HAD SPOT LIGHTS, SHOTGUN RACK, AND PUSH BARS, COP EVERYTHING. IT WOULD BURN RUBBER FOREVER! I PAID $600.- FOR IT . THIS WAS 1977. THAT'S ONE CAR I REALLY TOOK FOR GRANTED.

[@jaylongton]

Cops were really nice guys! Thanks Jay for another great episode!

[@mySikmotorsports]

Anybody else notice how every time Jay gets in his bubble he backs up and reaches for his belt?

[@Gabez82]

Yes!! Lol I didn't notice that immediately but I did after I read your comment.

[@terryogilvie7879]

illumin8designs Training. They automatically put distance between themselves & anyone else. Many reasons for that too.

[@Vlm293]

Raggical Traggical what if he shot him lol

[@LASR71]

illumin8designs Ha haa, good one! Training is everything, even if you have Leno in front of you. Watch the officer´s reaction at 2.42, 4:54 and many other instances.

[@Quanryotech]

+Raggical Traggical. like your answer very true.

[@JustVinnyBlues]

I had a few rides in that Polara in Michigan. I remember how it rumbled and vibrated, and the speedo topped at 140. It was a beast. I immediately wanted one. Big enough back seat to sleep in there.

[@NoseCandyKermit]

All in perfect condition. Love it. Never seen anything like this on the road since I'm 15 but I love em!

[@blthetube1]

It's funny.... I still have the same visceral reaction to seeing cop cars, whether they are 5 years old or 50....

[@raystanton238]

Nice video Jay! My brother had a 1968 Dodge Polara ex-California Highway Patrol car with the 440. At the same time I had a 1972 Camaro SS with the 350 and 4-speed. I could never beat that Dodge with my Camaro even though his car had well over 130,000 miles on it. Two years later I sold the Camaro and bought a 1969 Dodge Polara ex-CHP car minus the emergency lights and siren. Got too many dirty looks from other drivers so I sold it. This all happened around 1974 in the San Fernando valley. Oh, one other thing, my 1969 Polara had a 160 MPH certified speedometer and I know for a fact that it would do at least 150 mph on a level road. Those 440s Polaras had big valve heads, strong cams, magnum exhaust manifolds, and a duel 2-1/2" low restriction exhaust system. The rear differential was open (not limited slip) and used 3.23 gears, which worked well with that engine. That combination allowed lots of top end speed but with 440 cubes you still got excellent low end response.

[@garybourke468]

I think that car would leave the road at 150mph

[@MLB9000]

“You can’t outrun a Motorola” - Elwood Blues

[@videocruzer]

Never forget the Black and white crusier the drove into the back of my grandmother at the stop sign on her road back in 1997. She was a Holocaust survivor along with her husband that was put into the ground in 1984. The grandmother was put into the ground in 2007, the same year my family and I had a car driven into the back of us while stopped waiting to turn around. Pretty funny timing.

[@justaguy2738]

Yes , let’s put a charger engine in a 4 - door family car and chase Ferrari’s with it!!!!!! Love the classic polara’s

[@22ron81]

Marty Robbins

[@bwtv147]

They weren't all big blocks. Dodge sold a lot of Chargers with 318's in them.

[@justaguy2738]

bwtv147 yeah .. you get the gist thought . And I never said big block , I think most of the regular patrol cars had the small blocks anyway too .Probably 318 or 360

[@MrJett1971]

@@bwtv147 maybe to city police departments. No way a highway patrol polara would have a 318.

[@grnhrntskato]

I ran one of the first Mustangs in Canada. It was a black and white because it came right up from the USA built for their market. Speedo was still in MPH. Great on pavement but not so hot in gravel or snow. Two things the Canadian mid-west excels at. Pedals were so close together, our winter boots had trouble hitting only one at a time! However, there wasn't much that it couldn't catch.

[@mikeholland1031]

RCMP had them too

[@dewaynemartin6437]

1) Love the song "Highway Patrol" by Junior Brown. 2) Had a 97 CV ex-police car years ago...ran pretty well, and it was amazing how differently other drivers treat you...especially slow-pokes in the left lane....they'd do a double-take in the rearview mirror, hit their turn signal, then move over after making everyone else go around them🤓

[@nicatouandnewengland]

i guess crown vic its honestly my favorite and its such a recognizable car and one of my favorite car designs

[@jamesgang6206]

What about the Chevy Caprice police cars of the 80's - 90's those were also in service for a long time.

[@YG-tt4ju]

man said some have a donut maker rite to his face lmao

[@25DARKSUPERSONIC]

Bro😂😂

He made plently of donut jokes to the SWAT guy as well.

[@arvadamerriman3632]

Videos of people on drug Sting crazy

[@Cachapeluo]

He should have add a bacon 🥓 yoke.

[@TheClash122]

Savage 💀

[@austinsADHD]

older officers seem so laid back compared to police nowadays

[@retired4365]

they learned to hold back their egos.

[@styldsteel1]

Retired43 zactly

[@apowers7783]

Well Jay isn't exactly black.

[@quintfl]

They weren't worried about getting shot by every black guy they saw

[@abelsincain]

Gary W-l-o-t - Caucasians don't breed anymore, pretty soon they won't have to worry about being shot, they just won't be there. A slow suicide.

[@jeffreysokal7264]

This is one of the funniest videos; Jay was having so much fun hitting the siren. What a great day!

[@Z33803]

Just love this guys enthusiasm for vehicles!

[@bop3752]

Police will call off the chase far before they would have to even get near 125.

[@SimpleDragon1328]

That mustang is so cool! I would have never guessed a patrol car would have a manual!

[@gosportjamie]

+Joe Swanson (Alpinerider1) A number of highway police agencies had that sort of vehicle as specialised fast partol units, not just Mustangs there were police pack Camaros with manual boxes and some had '60s-'70s Mopar muscle cars with manuals, a friend of mine has an ex-police '68 Hemi 'Cuda with four on the floor, drum brakes and vinyl split bench seat, oh and no aircon. It doesn't even have a tacho. By christ it's fast even in todays terms but stopping and cornering... err, no. I had a '70s Australian Chrysler Valiant wagon, not police but the same spec, it was an ambulance vehicle, had a 7+ litre V8 and manual box, basically an Aussie Charger with a station wagon body. It was hilarious but it ate fuel and rear tyres at about the same speed lol...

[@shanemcfarland9538]

Biopace Man Texas dps also had those mustangs with manual trans later on they got 305 camaro old style irock manal speed shifter

[@Customwinder1]

Biopace Man DJR raced these Mustangs in '85 & '86 . Things used to fly. They get driven at Historic race meets now.

[@michaelbaker3598]

I totally got arrested in one of those Mustangs and was seat-belted in front seat..5.0. 5 speed

[@ronaldreed7698]

I never saw one with an automatic.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

such memories, In the early 70's I was a member of the police reserves. The car of the dept. was the Dodge Polaris with the 440. Lot of power in those days. The sound the engine made when you put your foot into it was magic. Often when an officer called for back up you could hear the sound of the car a block away.......funny, a heads up of almost to your location.

[@grownjohnboy]

My neighbor bought one of these used. We drove all winter going skiing in it. To this day having driven many vehicles this car with its' 440 pulled best. Going up steep hills it would bankrupt you but it would accelerate effortlessly to pass a slow moving truck.

[@robertthompson1891]

Polara 👍

[@Dproud2700]

I still remember as an explorer cadet the famous Polara Rumble when the car was either stopped at a traffic signal or in park and the engine was still running.

[@lindsayhengehold5341]

Love the CHP & It’s cool how Jay Leno has such a vast car collection!

[@Arkeze]

Jay does this thing where he’s constantly stepping closer to people and the cop is constantly stepping away lol shows two different mindsets,

[@Corpse1984]

He's a close talker... And has bad breath, hence the cop backing away.

[@bigredc222]

corpse How do you know he has bad breath?

[@omegakushhead]

C Smith the cops backing away

[@F82_ejay]

No no.. the cop always has to maintain his space between anyone celeb or bum Just Incase he reaches for his gun or pepper spray. Cop is highly train n backs up with outeven thinking it’s just natural to him to keep his space for protection

[@kilo393]

@@F82_ejay Doubt he's worried Jay Leno will attack him, but I can see how training never leaves them.

[@christophersine84]

There are some interesting things I read about this car in particular. Supposedly, this thing could click of a standing 1/4 mile in the mid to high 13 second range, 13.4 to 13.9 seconds. Ontop of that, the CHP supposedly had a rather rigerous standard for the interceptors in 1969. The CHP, required an engine that could idle all day in 110 degree heat with the A/C on and still be able to blast at 100+ miles an hour down highway. The engines in these cars weren't stock 440 mills, Chrysler built them with the heavier 440 6bbl rods and pistons, used a slightly different cam and the standard 440 magnum intake. During a dyno testing competition, this combination was the only engine tested from various manufacturers to withstand being left at WOT for an extended mount of time. Each engine tested was given the same amount of fuel, set at WOT on the dyno, and the testers basically went to lunch with the engines running. The 440, simply ran out of fuel and was chosen to be the next CHP engine of 1969. In the same write up, an AMC engine was a close second in the durability test. Now, I read all of this in an article back in the 90's and have no way of verifying its legitimacy. It was however, atleast for me, very interesting reading. Who knows, though.

[@curtisszymczyk1339]

Stuffing cigars down the shotgun barrel.....that's funny! In 1969 I had a '67 Mustang that I installed a DIY security system kit, with a siren, that was featured in Hot Rod Magazine. I installed a switch on the dashboard where I could turn on the siren.......people really did move out of the way.....got a ticket for it!

[@dicemancolostrum7369]

Great Cars, comfortable, fast, you couldnt stop them..... those was the days 😀😎👍👍👍🍻

[@EllotusFreeholy]

One adam twelve, one adam twelve, two shady characters in unauthorized official vehicle, proceed with extreme sense of humor

[@davidmiles3979]

AMC

[@manuelweisshand4629]

Hahahahahhahahaa

[@connormchugh535]

I see you’re a Bay Area Buggs fan

[@LeCroyFamily]

"10-4 Show me en-route."

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I was with the SDSO, and the '74 Dodge Cornett with the 440 was my favorite. We did have to use care when whipping a U-turn with all that high torque of the 440 Magnum. The shop placed two 50-pound bags of sand in the trunk to prevent it. They also installed a set of HP tires with outside raised white lettering, and I was in 7th Heaven! Even back then, the electronic sirens were on most of the units except mine. It still had a grinder with the single bubblegum machine on top, combined with a steady red light. It was considered the Ugly Duckling, especially with the hideous kelly-green color scheme. Still, it was different and I liked it.

[@jchapman8248]

Lol...I grew up in North San Diego county and remember those weird looking green and white patrol vehicles. I saw them mostly in Vista and San Marcos. You also had white vehicles with a green shield on the doors. Back then all the local PDs drove in white cruisers not in B & Ws like today. What was the rationale for the two distinctly different colored patrol cars in SD Sheriff's department?

[@nikita_a_s]

Two 50-pound bags for weight balance ? It's 40 kg. In USSR GAZ-24 Volga with V8 engine (used only in KGB), also subcompact unibody barge with drum brakes around, had ballast in the trunk too. It was 200 kg (440 ibs), but Volga was smaller than Mopar cars.

[@dfhowes]

My first car was a retired Denver police car, a 1971 Plymouth Fury I with the 440. Had a blast in that!

[@reneleggs]

Working at a Chevon Station, early '70s..We serviced Mopar CHP units..Will always remember having to use window sponge on red hot oil dipstick to save my burning fingers from 440 engine!

[@ScottRuggels]

Damn.. how I miss those 70-72 Polaras. Total comfort. Sitting in the back with a 7-11 Slurpee in a Superhero Cup, listening to The Big 610 KFRC. Good times.. The cop version I remember as being super fast, and in the car ads at the time.

[@lossantoscountysheriffsdep8633]

Good ol' Crown Vic ftw! Best 5-0 Vehicle ever!

[@MoreOfEverything2014]

United States of 'Murica! You can easily get 500,000 miles out of one and they are built like tanks, plus there isn't much plastic in them compared to the current police Taurus, Explorer, Impala, Charger and Caprice PPV. -2007 CVPI owner/previously looked at a '94 and '99/has experience with the square body CV/Grand Marquis and the Town Car

[@loganmalough2379]

I love the crown Vic. It’s body was so retro.

[@Mike-01234]

Grew up in California many road trips on I-10 over over to Phoenix I remember seeing lot of these mustangs pulling people over they were difficult to see they were small and the CHP would go about 20+ mph over the traffic speed wind in and out of traffic. You look back see nothing then next thing you know see that red spot light right behind you. I got pulled over 3 times by them once was clocked by an airplane only time I actually saw the CHP Cessna overhead.

[@markdrouin8094]

The worlds a better place with jay Leno in it.

[@64jorthom]

Those were good cars, nothing looks like those anymore! Thanks

[@montywoodley6357]

I caught this about halfway through. earlier they said this is a package set up just for the highway patrol. but halfway through he says it's open to the public when they were tired the vehicle. so you can get a special package vehicle that was meant for the Hollywood patrol but once it retired you could buy one too and rebuild. God I love it when a plan comes together

[@latrace1986]

I love how Jay just breezes over the fact that that old 440 had 375 horsepower. That's huge even by today's standards!

[@airiginal]

Jay keeps invading the guy's personal space

[@ronaldreed7698]

They're on cam, best to stay grouped on tight shots, the cop is paranoid.

[@Vlm293]

Good

[@robw7676]

Highway Patrol Officer gets out of his Mustang... "Do you know why I pulled you over?" 911 Turbo owner: "Because I let you"

[@snugbug5067]

😄😄

[@RangerHouston]

"You can't outrun a Motorola."

[@patronemir]

@@RangerHouston but you can 't outrun the twingo

[@dangarrison3503]

Tom Ives had a highway patrolman tell me those exact words after i outran his diplomat, i was in a 64 chevy C-10 with nitrous. He looked at my name on my license and said' isnt your dad a deputy sheriff " ? He let me off with a warning.

[@mcpdmcpd7937]

yes well said 👍👍

[@mikeloghry9521]

10:45 The MOPAR. It RULES In My Book.

[@jacklangston114]

Hi Jay. I just wanted to thank you for continuing your show in the coved19 times by your self or with a very reduced crew to help you. The show is always informative and interesting. Cheers from West coast Canada Jay. Jack

[@ChadQuick270W]

The 69 Polara gets my vote. Love those land yachts. Six adults can ride in comfort. Too bad they don't build real cars like that any more

[@smf2072]

Well with the exception of it burning 50 to 75 gallons of fuel in 8 hours....that's insane.

[@Lyko941]

I so want a Ford Crown Vic there awesome

[@Paperbacknovel]

+AppleMurphy Best place to buy one is Asia Motors Inc in Chicago. He has a good eye for good used police cars off auction, and is very fair. Will come a few hundred off his list price. You can call him on phone for details on car. We bought a 2004 Crown Vic w 55k miles on it for $5,500 in 2012. Car was 'very solid' according to local mechanic. It's been great. Now have 77k miles on it. Had to repaint the roof (paint on the white ones chips off) for $1,200 and replace a Cat Converter (expensive - $1,200). Other than than the car is FUN to drive. Love it.

[@MonteLeeMyPOV]

@@Paperbacknovel 06 oreo p71 is and has been my daily driver for 4 years. Best car ive ever owned. 220,000 k and going strong!

[@bruceboles3938]

My first car was an Ex CHP 69 Polara bought at auction, I was stopped multiple times for speeding but every officer said these were the best cars every, now of course this was the 70's. As I recall mine topped out at 140mph with 4 passengers, mostly 4 because many did not believe it would go that fast. The rep on this car spread through the town I lived in and I had no problem selling the car to buy my next car. I loved that car!

[@chuck2895]

My favorite squad car was my 1975 Plymouth Grand Fury. It was the last car equipped with a 440 Magnum.

[@realdeathpony]

Funny how the cop backs away every time Mr. Leno steps fwd. I know its not to be rude, is sub-conscious and engrained. Good on him

[@danz8039]

haha I noticed that too

[@AugoZone]

Also doesn't take his eyes off him. Well trained and deserving of his rank!

[@ljprep6250]

Good eye. Yes, just as a Marine is always a Marine, once a person is trained to be a good LEO, it never leaves them.

[@evilseedsgrownaturally1588]

LJ Prep ... yes indeed, also, once a person is trained in wiping their butt after taking a dump, that lesson also never leaves you. Like marine training. Its fascinating really

[@ljprep6250]

@@evilseedsgrownaturally1588 Something tells me that you have had extensive contact with the police, and not in an official training way. Fascinating, really.

[@markmnorcal]

The CHP had a white 1992 Camaro Z-28 here in Northern California in the early 90's.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

I had an 83 5.0 Mustang GT. Thought it was neat that police were running the same basic car (although mine was a hatchback).

[@timmitzlaff8960]

I got my license in 69 and it didn’t take long for me to see one of these in my rear view mirror. The only Mercury CHP car I ever saw was in Northern Ca. Near Redding.