Sports Cars for the CHP?
July 10, 1980
SPORTS CARS FOR THE CHP? — Many local residents may have been asking that question recently after seeing the California Highway Patrol’s Chevrolet Camaro Z-28. But the unit is being used in Susanville only to allow officers to try it out. The unit was one of several Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds used in a statewide testing program in which the CHP is preparing to shift to smaller cars.
“It’s really spooked a lot of people,” commented CHP local automotive specialist John Gaither. “It’s been a real conversation piece.”
Officers who have driven the car seem to like the way it handles and performs, Gaither said, and officer Don Jensen, pictured with the unit, said he has “no trouble” adjusting to the smaller car.
While the CHP hasn’t decided on the type of car to replace the large sedans now used, Gaither said the Camaro probably will not be the front line cruiser of the future. A smaller sedan, about the size of a Ford Fairmont or Dodge Aspen, will cruise the state’s highways. The now common V-8 engine will be replaced with a more fuel efficient turbo-charged V-6, Gaither said.
The Camaro, with more than 70,000 miles registered, will be transferred to another CHP unit and local officers may receive another type of small car to test.
