Retired 1982 Dodge Ramcharger CHP Cruiser Is One Seriously Cool Find
After spending some time on duty, this 1982 Dodge Ramcharger looks no worse for wear, and would make a cool addition to any collection.
Former police vehicles tend to be sought after entities on the second-hand market, for various reasons. Some of us grew up admiring these older law enforcement vehicles, perhaps even dreaming of a day when we might be able to “protect and serve,” while others covet them for one specific reason – these machines tend to have performance upgrades or beefier components that make them prime for modification (or leeching parts from). However, it isn’t every day that we see something like this former California Highway Patrol 1982 Dodge Ramcharger go up for sale.
This very cool and super clean Dodge Ramcharger recently hit the auction block at Bring a Trailer after spending some time on duty with CHP around Eureka, California, and today, it looks precisely the same as it did back then. The super clean SUV still sports its CHP graphics on both sides and the rear hatch, along with black and white paint, an AeroDynic light bar, dual GE halogen A-pillar spotlights, a whip antenna, auxiliary lighting, a push bar, and a diamond-plated rear bumper, to boot. The Ramcharger rolls on a set of black 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps that are wrapped with 31×10.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires.
The nicely-preserved interior features tan vinyl seats in the front and rear, coupled with a vinyl floor, air conditioning, a roll bar, and some police upgrades such as a Regency Touch M100 scanner, a CHP-branded Motorola two-way radio, and auxiliary toggle switches. Peek in the cargo area, and one will also find a full-size spare tire, a locking storage compartment, and a wooden medical stretcher.
This ex-police Dodge Ramcharger is powered by a 318 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carb up top, and it’s mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. Power flows to either the rear or all four wheels, as one might imagine, and there are 60k miles showing on the clock – though it’s seemingly likely that the odometer rolled over once before.
Regardless, outside of a little normal wear, this vintage SUV looks to be incredibly well-preserved, and was clearly never abused during its time in service – making it a prime target for collectors today, or just anyone that appreciates a cool and historic vehicle of any kind.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
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