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50 Special Edition Black and Gold Dodge Chargers Join the Michigan State Police Patrol Fleet

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One of the Special Edition black and gold Dodge Charger patrol vehiclesPhoto:Michigan State Police

One of the special edition black and gold Dodge Charger patrol vehicles
Photo:Michigan State Police

Patrol cars in Michigan are easily recognizable due to their bright blue coloration. However, Michigan residents may need to take a second look at the Michigan State Police patrol fleet beginning this year.

According to a Michigan State Police news release, 50 special edition black and gold Dodge Chargers will join the Michigan State Police patrol fleet.

These Dodge Charger patrol cars will help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Michigan State Police, which was founded in 1917. Each of the 30 Michigan State Police posts is set to receive at least one of the special edition vehicles to add to their fleet.

“These black patrol cars with their distinctive gold striping and 100th Anniversary door shield are a throwback to our past and one of the ways in which we are ‘Celebrating 100 Years of Service’ this year,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police.

The inspiration for the special edition Chargers: The 1937 Ford Model 74Photo:Michigan State Police

The inspiration for the special edition Chargers: The 1937 Ford Model 74
Photo:Michigan State Police

The paint job is designed to resemble the iconic 1937 Ford Model 74 patrol car. Possessing a similar black and gold color scheme, the Ford Model 74 was one of the first vehicles that the Michigan State Police ever used for its patrol fleet.

Black and gold were the official colors of the Michigan State Police patrol fleet until 1954, when Commissioner Joseph A. Childs had the fleet adopt its iconic bright blue coloration.

Taxpayers won’t have to worry about any additional cost for these 50 vehicles, as the patrol cars were purchased as a part of the department’s annual fleet replacement program. As such, they will remain in the police patrol fleet until they reach their maximum mileage. Therefore, these retro police vehicles may stay on the streets for quite some time, well after the Michigan State Police’s centennial.

News Source: Michigan State Police

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