My father was a California Highway Patrolman from April 1942 until August 1964 in Ventura. He was originally a motorcycle cop until he got knocked off his bike going home for lunch when the city decided to test a fire hydrant just as he was riding by. I guess my folks could have sued, but folks didn't do that back then. After that episode he worked the truck scales in Venture. So awesome to see your car. I can remember going to a service station where the maintenance for those cars would be done. Back in the day, they didn't have their own maintenance folks. I joined the Air Force in September 1965 until January 1988, so didn't see much of Ventura after that. I retired at the Pentagon and was living in Virginia, then worked for the Associated Press - Technology for 22 years in WDC, retiring in 2009. Now living in Maryland.
I'm collecting a few things in remembrance of my dad, and came across your car's photo. Thank you for keeping it so nice. Into Corvettes now with the Corvette Club of America.
I donated his California Highway Patrol Smith and Wesson Centennial pistol to the NRA Museum. Might have been a dumb move, but it's, maybe, still on display with his badge. All the best to you.
Shawn Shafer
03-Aug-2008 17:25
I am the co owner of one of these original 63's and my partner and I are in the process of a full restoration..
Guest
11-Aug-2003 07:58
Ken how do I get a copy of this photo?
Guest
11-Aug-2003 07:54
That is a photo of my 1963 ex-California Highway Patrol Dodge 880. This particular '63 CHP 880 was assigned to the Los Angeles area CHP office. Believed to have possibly been driven by former CHP Commissioner Hannigan when he was a 'rookie' patrolman assigned to the LA CHP office. Car has original markings, radio, electric lock shot gun holder, and push bars. Very few '63 CHP cruisers had push bars & shot gun holders, only metro area cars, and this car had them both installed originally. This is the only known remaining restored example of a '63 CHP '880'. If you served with the CHP during 1963 thru 1965 and drove a '63 Dodge 880 please let me know, I'll trade you lunch for some stories, just e-mail me.
