2002 Chevrolet Camaro

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1998 redesign of the fourth-generation Camaro Z28 introduced a more rounded and refined body, as well as the formidable LS1 V8. This 5.7L mill retained the previous LT1 engine’s torque, but added impressive high-rpm performance thanks to improved cylinder heads, a hydraulic roller camshaft, and a high-flow intake manifold. The 310-horsepower Z28 hustled to 60 mph in about five seconds, blasted through the quarter mile in 13 seconds, and hit an eye-opening 160-mph top speed. However, in what surely put a damper on every lead-footed enthusiast’s mood, America’s police departments found them appealing for exactly those same reasons.

In 1991, Chevrolet began offering government agencies Camaros that were able to stand up to the demanding requirements of police work. By 2002, ordering the Special Service Police Package (RPO B4C) got The Po-Po a de-badged, LS1-powered Z28 hardtop that was enhanced with a power steering cooler for severe-duty use, and a higher-amperage alternator to operate the necessary lights, siren, radar, radio, and various other electronics. Many were used as State Patrol pursuit vehicles — and while they might not have been able to outrun a radio, LS1-powered police Camaros were some of the fastest cars on the road.

This example reportedly patrolled the Golden State’s freeways as a California Highway Patrol car, before being taken out of service and subsequently refreshed. It's finished in special two-tone black and white paint wearing CHP decals, and has no-nonsense cloth upholstery. Its LS1 V8 is backed by a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential with the performance axle ratio. It still wears a full suite of law enforcement equipment, including a light bar, police radio and scanner, mounted laptop, radar system, and a shotgun mount.