FHP Marauders

[Dennis Reinhart]

Well I was told over the weekend, that all of the FHP fleet is here in Middleburg having all the lights radios and sirens removed, so after that I would guess they will go back to the owner in Fort Lauderdale or will be sold off here, I have been told many are in very poor shape, I am going to drive out and take a look for my self.

[LOWBUCKMM]

take pictures and let us know how they all are.

[DEFYANT]

After 100 some odd thousand hard miles, there probably isn't much left.

[offroadkarter]

I thought FHP took good care of their fleet?

[Cobra25]

If you drive down in the area let us know.

[BigCars4Ever]

Don't forget about all the extra holes the cars had. The camera mount on the passenger seat was mounted through the seat leather IIRC and police cars tend to have steering wheels that look like dogs chewed on them.

[a_d_a_m]

Hell, if I could get one for $5-6k, I'd take the bait.

[ctrlraven]

If you can get the vin numbers so we can add them to the database.

[DEFYANT]

Im sure the maintenance was done on time, but typical police work will put a hurtin on any car.

[Marauder386]

Dennis, I need one blue, one SB, and one DTR then I can die a happy man with all the colors of the MM rainbow ...


:cool4:

[SC Cheesehead]

I think all the FHP cars were '04's so no luck on the DBP, but I know they had DTRs and SBs in the fleet.

[Marauder386]

I think all the FHP cars were '04's so no luck on the DBP, but I know they had DTRs and SBs in the fleet.

I saw some FHP promotional photos years ago and I saw some Blues ...

:cool4:

[Vortex]

So Dennis, who really owns those cars? You can tell us now, the statute of limitations is out. What do you think will happen to them? If they are going back to a private entity I assume there will be an auction someplace. Any intel?

[Dennis Reinhart]

I saw some FHP promotional photos years ago and I saw some Blues ...

:cool4:


There were never blues sold in Florida

[Dennis Reinhart]

So Dennis, who really owns those cars? You can tell us now, the statute of limitations is out. What do you think will happen to them? If they are going back to a private entity I assume there will be an auction someplace. Any intel?



He lives in South Florida he owns the cars. I will call him and see what his plans are.

[LIGHTNIN1]

Let us know what you think. I might be interested at the right price. A guy who used to do transmissions for our local police dept told me how hard they were on transmisions, then they idle round the clock. So it probably would not be worth it.

[Blackmobile]

Yee of little faith for the panther series. I purchased a 2000 CVPI from Miami Dade, which now has over 100K miles on it and with a few modifications and a new set of coils it purrs like a kitten (Knock on wood):D, and runs on Reg. fuel.

Ed

[xopher]

I've been to Palm Beach 4 times in 3 years and never saw an FHP Marauder :(

[FormulaMarauder]

the statute of limitations is out.

How does the prescriptive period for a criminal act awaiting prosecution have anything to do with this? :confused:

Dennis, I'd be interested in an extra set of rims if you get these things parted out.

[xopher]

How does the prescriptive period for a criminal act awaiting prosecution have anything to do with this? :confused:
It's a figure of speech implying that a once significant action or idea has become less important with the passage of time. :grad:

[juno]

I've been to Palm Beach 4 times in 3 years and never saw an FHP Marauder :(

You weren't driving fast enough. :D


I used to see them all the time, have not seen one for a while.

[xopher]

You weren't driving fast enough. :D
Good answer :rofl:

[CoreyM75]

I am interested in hearing what will happen to the cars. My fingers are crossed for a auction sale.

[CoreyM75]

I have bought used police cars before and if you are careful and look the car over it is not as scary as some make it out to be.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Well it was I figured, there would be no reason for all of them to come here, the two that are here will be transported to Fort Lauderdale the rest are still setting at the troops accross the State waiting on pick up to go back to the owner.

[RoyLPita]

I've bought CVPIs before and they weren't too bad.

[Blackmobile]

I just went by the barracks in Sunrise and there are 9 still sitting in the back, and NO, I didn't see any Blues, but they had all the other colors.

Ed

[Vortex]

It's a figure of speech implying that a once significant action or idea has become less important with the passage of time. :grad:

tango yankee, saved me the trouble

[88LTDCV351]

As far as used cruisers, I would imagine a lot of them are trash, however, my "exceeds mechanical limits" odometer 1988 police package LTD Crown Vic is running fine and the interior wasn't that bad. Never had any major work done and drove it from Indiana all the way to California. I've had it for 9 years now. If you look at the car in the right light, you can still see "Police" on the doors still where it didn't completely get sanded off. Although, I drive my Marauder mostly now which I've had for 3 years.

I'm sure anyone in the Police Car Owners of America or Police Car Owners Online Association or copcar.com would probably want the FHP Marauders. It needs to sit along side the 1969 Polaras, 1974 Monaco's, AMC Matadors, Plymouth Fury's etc. at the police car restoration shows.

[offroadking208]

I'd also be interested in getting my hands on one of these. would be a step up from my car depending on the condition :-)

[Blackmobile]

I just went by the barracks in Sunrise and there are 9 still sitting in the back, and NO, I didn't see any Blues, but they had all the other colors.

Ed

Update, I had to go by there again today and didn't notice the ones on the side of the building. So the total I saw there was 15. :drool:

[jabird56]

I've been to Palm Beach 4 times in 3 years and never saw an FHP Marauder :(

Driving to/from Fort Lauderdale to our Timeshare in Weston, there were always a number of FHP MMs at the station around the Rte 595/75 area.

[CoreyM75]

Update, I had to go by there again today and didn't notice the ones on the side of the building. So the total I saw there was 15. :drool:
Please go back and take a lot pictures if possible. I would really like to see these cars after they have been used by the FHP. Not to mention that in 20 years the pictures would be even better to look at.

[xopher]

Update, I had to go by there again today and didn't notice the ones on the side of the building. So the total I saw there was 15. :drool:
Pics please, if possible?

I wonder if the owner will part them out, or what..

[Blackmobile]

Please go back and take a lot pictures if possible. I would really like to see these cars after they have been used by the FHP. Not to mention that in 20 years the pictures would be even better to look at.


I view them from the expressway exit ramp, so stoppping to take a pic from about 150 yds. might be frowned upon.:dunno:

[Phrog_gunner]

Pics please, if possible?

I wonder if the owner will part them out, or what..

So the FHP doesn't own them, its a private party??

[Cobra25]

I view them from the expressway exit ramp, so stoppping to take a pic from about 150 yds. might be frowned upon.:dunno:I also see them everytime I pass their.

[offroadkarter]

I view them from the expressway exit ramp, so stoppping to take a pic from about 150 yds. might be frowned upon.:dunno:



So do it while moving? :confused:

[fastblackmerc]

So the FHP doesn't own them, its a private party??

You need to do a little searchin'........ ;)

[Phrog_gunner]

You need to do a little searchin'........ ;)

How do I do that?? Is that when I type in FHP into the little box that says "Search Forums" and then hit the GO button and then a page pops up that says:


Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

[fastblackmerc]

How do I do that?? Is that when I type in FHP into the little box that says "Search Forums" and then hit the GO button and then a page pops up that says:


Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.


Try Florida Highway Patrol.

Also google "marauder fhp". 2.230 hits.

[Phrog_gunner]

Try Florida Highway Patrol.

Also google "marauder fhp". 2.230 hits.

Thanks for the help, but I don't really have the patience for a POS program that returns no results when "FHP" occurs twice on the first page of this thread alone. The information isn't THAT important for me, and at least I didn't make my own thread to ask. ;)

[CoreyM75]

I view them from the expressway exit ramp, so stoppping to take a pic from about 150 yds. might be frowned upon.:dunno:
I would bet if you stopped in your Marauder, talked to a FHP officer, they would let you take all the pictures that you would want. They are already out of service, so the common argument of they are police cars, homeland security, etc may not apply. Explain that the members of the site are interested in the cars, that may help as well.

[W4LTD]

The 18 units were donated by an FHP auxiliary member...

http://www.sspmustang.org/images/fhp_marauders_2.jpg
http://www.sspmustang.org/images/FHP_Burg_Marauder3.jpg
http://www.sspmustang.org/images/FHP_Marauder_interior_2.jpg
http://www.sspmustang.org/images/FHP_Marauder_interior_3.jpg
http://www.sspmustang.org/images/FHP_Marauders_at_school_1.jpg
http://www.sspmustang.org/images/FHP_Silver_Marauder1.jpg

[CoreyM75]

I thought that there were 50 of them.

[W4LTD]

I thought that there were 50 of them.

Nope, just 18... :burnout:

[kariamack]

I thought there was 28

[fastblackmerc]

I thought there was 28
I only count 18.

The Marauders will be deployed to the following cities/counties:
1 in Gainesville
2 in Jacksonville
3 in Orlando
1 in Brevard
1 in Pinellas
1 in Tampa
1 in Venice
1 in Ft. Myers
3 in Miami
3 in Davie
1 in Lantana

[CoreyM75]

Ok, that is news to me. If there are 15 at one post, 2 more at DR's place, where is the 18th Marauder? Does anyone know what the owner is planning on doing with them? It would be kinda heartbreaking to see the guy hoard them. I could fault him, but it would still be sad.

[CWright]

There was one totaled out I believe a few years ago. He was responding to a call and hit a tree. NASTY picts if anyone can find them. May be the one missing.



Ok, that is news to me. If there are 15 at one post, 2 more at DR's place, where is the 18th Marauder? Does anyone know what the owner is planning on doing with them? It would be kinda heartbreaking to see the guy hoard them. I could fault him, but it would still be sad.

[W4LTD]

Ok, that is news to me. If there are 15 at one post, 2 more at DR's place, where is the 18th Marauder? Does anyone know what the owner is planning on doing with them? It would be kinda heartbreaking to see the guy hoard them. I could fault him, but it would still be sad.

The owner is going to trade all 18 of them in under the next edition of the "cash for clunkers" program and buy himself two 2010 Taurus SHO's... :P

[bob6364]

The owner is going to trade all 18 of them in under the next edition of the "cash for clunkers" program and buy himself two 2010 Taurus SHO's... :P

aww man...That isn't even funny.

[Marauderman]

Its always been "the owner will be getting them back" after the FHP is finished with them....OK---so now that time has come...............the point all are making is--Can anyone find out what the outcome is from here--from anyone--including the owner---

Dennis--Has the Owner told you his plans yet?

[Vortex]

Why the big mystery about "the owner" anyway?

[fastblackmerc]

Why the big mystery about "the owner" anyway?

His choice.

[vonirkinshtine]

The Panther community is sitting on pins and needles. You know me, being an owner of a P71, I'm not afraid to get another one (retired cruiser), and a Marauder would certianly be an upgrade!

[Dennis Reinhart]

I spoke to the owner today, some of these cars have about 80K on them some have over a 100, so he is determing pricing, there are 2 here in Jacksonville, the rest are at the Troops though out the State. If you want one, let me know, if we have some one wanting one out of State, I can go look at the car and I could bring it here and go through it check trans brakes oil belts tires what ever, but these will be sold independently by the owner, these will not go to a auction. I do not have all the particulars, but I will be working on that next week. I have no idea as to what these cars are worth, I know he will not give them away, as some Police agencies have asked to have them donated to them.

[CoreyM75]

What is the seller looking to get for them?

[2,4shofast]

What is the seller looking to get for them?


Dennis said he was working on getting that info next week...

[Marauderman]

I spoke to the owner today, some of these cars have about 80K on them some have over a 100, so he is determing pricing, there are 2 here in Jacksonville, the rest are at the Troops though out the State. If you want one, let me know, if we have some one wanting one out of State, I can go look at the car and I could bring it here and go through it check trans brakes oil belts tires what ever, but these will be sold independently by the owner, these will not go to a auction. I do not have all the particulars, but I will be working on that next week. I have no idea as to what these cars are worth, I know he will not give them away, as some Police agencies have asked to have them donated to them.

Thanks Dennis for the update---am sure all are looking forward to further updates as ypu get them---

[DEFYANT]

It should be noted these are not "Police Service" vehicles like the SSP mustangs. Don't think that a police department employed them, that they are any more special than privately owned Marauders. These are civilian cars used in police service.

There are no special VINs or other designations.

And this whole "mystery" owner in secret is a little odd. I always thought something was fishy... But thats just my opinion..

[W4LTD]

And this whole "mystery" owner in secret is a little odd. I always thought something was fishy... But thats just my opinion..


Nothing fishy, in reality... Just as Roy and Joan Kroc (McDonald's) have donated millions upon millions of dollars to various organizations while they chose to remain anonymous. Some people take a great amount of pride in giving gifts without expecting thanks in return.

[DEFYANT]

Nothing fishy, in reality... Just as Roy and Joan Kroc (McDonald's) have donated millions upon millions of dollars to various organizations while they chose to remain anonymous. Some people take a great amount of pride in giving gifts without expecting thanks in return.

:rolleyes:

Not exactly anonymous if you know their name, eh?

[W4LTD]

:rolleyes:

Not exactly anonymous if you know their name, eh?

In most cases, their name was leaked by the press...

Regardless, this is getting off-topic... :rolleyes::shake:

[knine]

:rolleyes:

Not exactly anonymous if you know their name, eh?


In most cases, their name was leaked by the press...

Regardless, this is getting off-topic... :rolleyes::shake:
Not so much. I made an anonymous donation that they wanted to put my name on in the paper when they ran the thank-you's. I declined and they ran it as anonymous respecting my wishes.

[CoreyM75]

It should be noted these are not "Police Service" vehicles like the SSP mustangs. Don't think that a police department employed them, that they are any more special than privately owned Marauders. These are civilian cars used in police service.

There are no special VINs or other designations.

I understand the lack of offical VIN's, etc. I think that a FHP Marauder will have a additional value to the car, above that of a civilian owned same mileage Marauder.

[Vortex]

It would be interesting if any of the FHP troopers who were assigned one of the MMs would write a blurb and post it here on his/her opinions of the car.

[djv5150]

I understand the lack of offical VIN's, etc. I think that a FHP Marauder will have a additional value to the car, above that of a civilian owned same mileage Marauder.

I think the FHP cars will be worth alot less due to there hard service and all the holes put all over the cars such as passenger seat camera mount, holes in dash and floor boards computer mounts rear deck emergency lights, strobe holes drilled in cornering lenses and backup lights.
But there still Marauders

[CoreyM75]

Any updates yet?

[vonirkinshtine]

Dennis, I sent you a PM. If these cars are in decent enough shape, at a reasonable price, and I have an opportunity to buy one, I'd jump on it.

[jimlam56]

It should be noted these are not "Police Service" vehicles like the SSP mustangs. Don't think that a police department employed them, that they are any more special than privately owned Marauders. These are civilian cars used in police service.

There are no special VINs or other designations.

And this whole "mystery" owner in secret is a little odd. I always thought something was fishy... But thats just my opinion..

You are right Charlie, I'd like to hear the rest of the story. Hard to believe that a mysterious donor gave FHP a bunch of cars for nothing. As far as collectible status, I believe they were modified by someone for a bit more HD use, but they still are MMs with holes...

[Dennis Reinhart]

You are right Charlie, I'd like to hear the rest of the story. Hard to believe that a mysterious donor gave FHP a bunch of cars for nothing. As far as collectible status, I believe they were modified by someone for a bit more HD use, but they still are MMs with holes...



You know Jim I think you all have been watching the X files to much :flamer: you are the last person I thought would make this kind of statement. You guys never cease to amaze me, would you want your name all over the internet as to donating a half a million dollars to the FHP???? I am sure all of you would announce to world you inherited ten million dollars or won the Lotto, why do you think rich people have security and have to go to great links to make sure they are safe as well as there family??? maybe to keep the kooks out and people calling you night and day for donations as well as sending you thousands of letters.

If you have no interest in this post hit ignore this post, there is no mystery the man does not want his name released, and I am sick of the rhetoric. I have been accused of not even working on the cars guess what, I don't care care.

I know the facts. I guess all the pictures of me at the FHP academy and the FHP Marauder I was allowed to drive home for my open house was a mirage. I met the man he also works for the FHP what he has done is nobody's business but his own. And if all of you want to do is side track a neat post, take a break from the key board.

[DEFYANT]

You know Jim I think you all have been watching the X files to much :flamer: you are the last person I thought would make this kind of statement. You guys never cease to amaze me, would you want your name all over the internet as to donating a half a million dollars to the FHP???? I am sure all of you would announce to world you inherited ten million dollars or won the Lotto, why do you think rich people have security and have to go to great links to make sure they are safe as well as there family??? maybe to keep the kooks out and people calling you night and day for donations as well as sending you thousands of letters.

If you have no interest in this post hit ignore this post, there is no mystery the man does not want his name released, and I am sick of the rhetoric. I have been accused of not even working on the cars guess what, I don't care care.

I know the facts. I guess all the pictures of me at the FHP academy and the FHP Marauder I was allowed to drive home for my open house was a mirage. I met the man he also works for the FHP what he has done is nobody's business but his own. And if all of you want to do is side track a neat post, take a break from the key board.

Gezz man, there is a pill for this sort of paranoia - take it. It was just a comment in a thread - something I think anyone would say if we were all standing in a parking lot. No one was taking a shot at you Dennis.

I for one know you did work on the FHP Marauders. I followed the "program" closely. My Marauder was brand new and unmodded at the time. I can still recall clear as a sunny Florida day the crappy attitude I got from you when I called your shop asking you about the details of the FHP packages. You lost out big on that deal - thank God for me!

[Vortex]

No need to get all paranoid, I was just curious who donated the darn things. Not directed against you at all.

[bob6364]

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t153/bob6364/Videos/grouphug.gif http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t153/bob6364/Videos/eatdrink.gif

[jimlam56]

Dennis, you really need to take a deep breath and calm down. Just curious about the back story, you have to admit it is rather unusual for someone to give a quantity of cars to a government entity, then get them back to sell to the general public. Didn't know you were involved in the retrofitting of the FHP MMs, wasn't around at the time.

[CoreyM75]

I could care less about the donor or who he or she is. It does not matter at all. I understand why it would not be public information. If the donor ever got any type of pass for even a speeding ticket, the press would be all over it in a heartbeat. It is and should not be an issue.

As for the condition of the cars, they were used by FHP for patrol. So they will not be as nice as a civilian owned one. That is or at least should be quite obvious to all. I remember reading here about the FHP Marauders and I know that DR modded them. For anyone to say that there is some shaddyness about it is incorrect. The point of these cars is the service that they were used for. That alone should add some extra value above the same civilian version with the same miles. It may take some time, but they will have extra value to someone just like the SSP Mustangs. Granted the SSP Mustangs are police packages, but the FHP MM's were used in police service even though they did not have a factory police package. I know that the cars will have lots of holes in the interiors, but that comes with the police use.

[Pat]

while waiting in the doctors exam room for a procedure.

An old Hot Rod Magazine from August 2005. Thumbing thru it and low and behold, here's an article about the FHP and Dennis' role.


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/21/medium/FHP_001.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:;)

What it say's is;
"Don't run from the cops in Florida"
"If you plan on hauling the mail on the highways in Florida, make sure you pull over when The Man chases you down and flips on red and blue lights, because it just got a whole lot tougher to run from him.

Reinhart Automotive in Orange Park, Florida just got done hot rodding 27 '04 Mercury Marauders for the Florida Highway Patrol, giving them a 150-mph top end speed. Reinhart's modifications include upper-engine cooling, brake upgrades, Super-chips Custom Tuning to remove the speed limiter and make more horsepower (270 hp at the wheels), dynotech Composite driveshafts, ADDCO rear sway bars, and Aujto Meter gauges.

The fleet took to the Florida highways in January also equipped with digital radar, covert lighting packages, and state-of-the-art audio/video Cruise Cam recording systems. Each FHP officer assigned to a Marauder was hand-picked to drive the vehicle and comnpleted a three-day training class at the FHP training facility in Tallahnassee. Even if you can outgun the Marauders, you'll never run from the radio and chopper." -Rob Kinnan

[Pat]

No, the car in the picture does not have a dent, that just a relection from something.

Dennis, if you want the article for your scrapebook, I'll mail it to you.

Pat

[Phrog_gunner]

As for the condition of the cars, they....will not be as nice as a civilian owned one.

The point of these cars is the service that they were used for. That alone should add some extra value above the same civilian version with the same miles.

I know that the cars will have lots of holes in the interiors, but that comes with the police use.


So what you are trying to say is that if my car isn't as nice, sees borderline "abuse", and I drill lots of extra holes in it, it is worth more??

[CBT]

So what you are trying to say is that if my car isn't as nice, sees borderline "abuse", and I drill lots of extra holes in it, it is worth more??

You just described an "exotic female entertainer" (ho) I knew in Jacksonville.

[Phrog_gunner]

You just described an "exotic female entertainer" (ho) I knew in Jacksonville.

Well Im a lil over an hour from there.....still got her number?

[Phrog_gunner]

Pardon my manners ATTENTION ON DECK........:eek:

[2,4shofast]

So what you are trying to say is that if my car isn't as nice, sees borderline "abuse", and I drill lots of extra holes in it, it is worth more??


To certain people who could get the documentation that states it was a service car I am sure it would be...

[Vortex]

Well Im a lil over an hour from there.....still got her number?

All I remember about Jacksonville (and Mayport) was that it was full of whores and giant cockroaches!

[vonirkinshtine]

Wow...holy off topic batman, lol.

Dennis, I'm anxiously awaiting additional information as you get it.

[Marauderman]

Wow...holy off topic batman, lol.

Dennis, I'm anxiously awaiting additional information as you get it.

Try calling Dennis and see if he "can do" anything for ya when the outcome "develops" ....he prefers the phone.....

[justbob]

I also think it will add value, especially down the road. What do you wanna bet, twenty years from now there will be atleast one FHP clone.

[vonirkinshtine]

Try calling Dennis and see if he "can do" anything for ya when the outcome "develops" ....he prefers the phone.....

Done, thanks Tom.

[DEFYANT]

I also think it will add value, especially down the road. What do you wanna bet, twenty years from now there will be atleast one FHP clone.

There are already.

These Marauders will be worth about as much as the 05 + Mustang GTs many police departments are using. Without an official designation from Mercury, they are just another Marauder.

[carfixer]

Here's a little story about a day in the life of an FHP Marauder:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18389

[Blackmobile]

Thanks Claude for the blast from the past....and it was a good read AGAIN!

[Cobra25]

It was nice to read that again, thanks Claude !

[Vortech347]

Track car!!!!

I'll bet the drivers seat bolsters on all of them are trashed/torn from their equipment belts/guns. I carry daily but its under my clothes and it makes a little wear spot on the seats. If I open carried I'm sure it would rub and mark the hell out of it.

[Phrog_gunner]

I'll bet the drivers seat bolsters on all of them are trashed/torn from their equipment belts/guns.

Apparently that will add to the value of the car.....

I carry also but I always put it under the seat when I drive to prevent extra wear of the leather and its just more comfortable with a midback carry and the lumbar support in the seats.

[Vortech347]

I used to do that, till one day I hit the brakes and my .40 slamed up against the firewall.

[Phrog_gunner]

I used to do that, till one day I hit the brakes and my .40 slamed up against the firewall.

Mine fits nice n snug vertically between the seat and the center console. I have never had it move from there.

[CoreyM75]

Any new info on these cars yet?

[Vortech347]

BUmp. UPDATE!

[LSp8]

I Wouldn't mind getting one for a DD depending on the prices. It would make a good conversation peace at future shows if you have documentation that it was indeed a FHP vehicle. It's one of the few Marauders that actually made the news, I would even leave the holes and even re-install the strobes.

[Vortex]

I would sure like to hear a FHP officer impression of the MM.