Did you like playing cops and robbers as a kid? Does that passion still live somewhere within you now that you’re an adult with disposable income? This ex-CHP 1982 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 is what you’ve been after.
This is a real deal CHP Ramcharger
Originally used by the California Highway Patrol around Eureka, CA, this second-generation Ramcharger 4×4 features a 318ci V8 under the hood backed by a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
The truck is finished in a period-correct black-and-white paint job with a CHP livery over tan vinyl upholstery. Police equipment includes an AeroDynic light bar, a red grille light, dual GE halogen A-pillar spotlights, a push bar, a diamond-plate rear bumper, B-pillar grab handles, a Regency Touch M100 scanner, a Motorola two-way radio, a roll bar, and air conditioning.
Wob/Bring a Trailer
The Ramcharger sits on accurate 15″ steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and 31×10.5″ Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires. Behind those wheels are power disc brakes in the front and rear drum brakes with manually locking front hubs.
In the back are a full-size spare tire, a locking storage compartment, and a wooden medical stretcher to complete the cosplay.
It could use some help, though
Not all is sunshine and rainbows with this one, though, as the seller notes a missing windshield wiper and tailgate wiper, a detached and inoperable rear-window defroster, and unspecified damage in May 2020. The power-steering system also leaks, which could be anything from a cracked line to a bad bushing. It’s a 43-year-old car, though, and things like that are to be expected.
Wob/Bring a Trailer
The odometer also shows 60,000 miles, although the Carfax report mentions a “potential odometer rollover” in May 2017. It’s likely that the true mileage is more like 160,000 miles.
Final thoughts
At the time of writing this, the auction ends in seven days with a current bid of $21,000.
Wob/Bring a Trailer
All of the negatives listed above are just small service items compared to how cool the overall truck is. We would exercise caution against driving this on the road, though, as a regular person might not be aware that this is a decommissioned CHP truck. Perhaps a magnet cover for the decals and some kind of cover for the lights would be appropriate.
There is also a high chance that this will go to a person or company who will rent it for movie use. In that case, please don’t let it get destroyed.
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
About the author
Gabriel Ionica
Senior Editor, Autoblog