The 2024 Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Parade in Oakland County, Michigan, showcased an impressive array of historical Mopar police vehicles, including a few newer Dodge models. Among the highlights were several classic Plymouth Fury cruisers from the 1960s and 1970s, each with its own unique story. One such vehicle was a meticulously restored 1967 Fury I, built by Mike Doubleday from two retired Michigan State Police cars.
Doubleday’s Fury I is a replica of the original, down to the last detail. Under the hood, it boasts a powerful 440-cubic-inch Super Commando V8 engine that delivers a whopping 375 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. This engine was a popular choice for high-performance Mopar models of the era, including the GTX, Barracuda, and Road Runner Superbird.
The Fury I is equipped with a 727 transmission, 15×7 steel wheels, and 235/75/15 tires. The interior is simple and utilitarian, featuring a certified speedometer, original temperature, and oil gauges, and a police radar that is still in working order. Other period-correct equipment includes a Motorola PA-15A Director radio and a 100-watt speaker.
Another notable vehicle on display was a 1968 Plymouth Fury, which was also powered by a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine. This particular Fury was originally used by the West Branch Michigan Post 36 for freeway enforcement, and it has been preserved in its original condition. The car is capable of reaching a top speed of 150 miles per hour and can complete the quarter-mile in under 15 seconds.
The final stop on our historical journey is the iconic 1977 Plymouth Fury, a Michigan State Police Car with the distinctive codename #646. This classic cruiser is powered by the legendary 4-bbl 440 Super Commando engine and boasts a striking all-blue exterior with a small red siren atop and vintage Motorola police equipment.
Unlike the New York Police Department’s version of the ’77 Fury, which featured a blue body with a white stripe and roof, the Michigan State Police car’s solid blue color scheme was a stark contrast. The NYPD’s color and decal scheme was designed for easier public identification.
Finally, the Dodge Challenger R/T, adorned with an abundance of police lights and a “Chief of Police” sticker, is the commanding officer’s vehicle. This R/T package, the third most affordable Challenger option with a starting MSRP of $41,640, offers two engine variants capable of producing up to 375 horsepower.
The 5.7-liter V8 Hemi VVT can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the fuel-efficient MDS VVT version, priced at an additional $1,595, comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Plymouth Fury and Dodge Challenger R/T are just two examples of the iconic vehicles that have served as the backbone of law enforcement agencies across the United States. These vehicles have played a vital role in protecting and serving communities, and their legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
