The boys at Chase Classic Motors are back for Part 2 of their deep-dive resurrection of one of Mopar’s most misunderstood big-body cruisers—the 1979 Chrysler Newport Police Pursuit. In their latest YouTube episode, Ross Urtel and Eric Laesch roll up their sleeves to continue bringing this worn-down squad car back to life.
This isn’t just any Newport—it’s an original police package car, factory-built for highway duty and equipped with the E58-code 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) V8. These cars were part of the short-lived R-body platform, a stopgap full-size sedan Chrysler cobbled together from the older B-Body architecture to stay competitive against General Motors (GM) and Ford. While it only lasted from 1979 to 1981, it made its mark as a police favorite in an era of transition.

The latest video focuses on the nuts and bolts of reviving this workhorse. First up? Pulling and resealing the transmission to fix leaks that had long since turned the underside of the car into a greasy mess. From there, it’s onto new tires, fresh exhaust, and a proper mechanical once-over. The engine still thumps with authority—proof that these 360s were built to survive long after their last patrol shift.
Ross and Eric are honest about the uphill battle ahead. The bodywork is rough, the paint is worse, and the clock is ticking. So, they start rallying reinforcements to get the cosmetics handled. What started as a quick project is shaping up to be a full-on tribute to an era when full-size American sedans still ruled the streets.
And this isn’t just for show—the goal is to reunite the car with its teenage owner, who’s been patiently watching the process from the sidelines. That’s right—someone out there is ready to take over this relic of Mopar’s past, and Ross and Eric are determined to make sure it’s done right.

This second installment not only shows off the mechanical muscle behind a real R-body pursuit car, but also highlights just how important these forgotten Mopars are to American automotive history. They weren’t flashy, they weren’t luxurious—but they were tough, dependable, and uniquely Chrysler.
For fans of vintage police cars, old-school Mopars, or just good garage storytelling, this episode is a must-watch. Chase Classic Motors proves once again that no Mopar is too obscure to be worth saving.
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