When it comes to pure old-school Mopar muscle, few cars carry the same presence as a 1977 Plymouth Fury Pursuit. And in the latest episode of Mad Max: Bad Gas (Season 3, Episode 6), the crew from Chase Classic Motors — Ross Urtel and Eric Laesch — takes Michigan’s last surviving 440-powered state trooper car out for a full shakedown around the Motor City.
If you’ve followed the channel, you’ll remember last season’s cross-country adventure where Ross and Eric rescued the car and brought it home to Michigan, where it originally rolled off Chrysler’s Lynch Road Assembly Plant back in April 1977. Now, it’s time to find out what they really bought — and what it’ll take to get this old lawman ready for prime time again.
A True Piece of Mopar Police History –
This isn’t just another restored cruiser. This Fury is believed to be the last known surviving Michigan State Police (MSP) unit equipped with Chrysler’s legendary 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) four-barrel Big Block V8 — factory-coded “E86.” Rated at roughly 255 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, this engine was one of the final high-performance police engines of the era, even as the late ’70s were tightening emissions and killing off muscle cars left and right.
Ordered with the A38 Police Pursuit Package, the Fury was built tough — featuring heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, a calibrated 140-mph speedometer, and extra cooling equipment. It also came with a 500-amp battery, 100-amp alternator, and optional coolers for oil, transmission, and power steering. The car rode on seven-inch-wide steel wheels and special police radials, giving it the durability and traction troopers demanded when chasing down speeders on I-96 or M-10.
Back on Patrol –
In Mad Max: Bad Gas, Ross and Eric put the car through its paces, uncovering all the quirks, rattles, and gremlins that come with a nearly 50-year-old machine. From the carburetor acting up to mystery noises from underneath, the Fury reminds them that old cars have personalities — and sometimes attitudes.
Despite the setbacks, there’s something truly special about hearing that 440 roar again under the Detroit skyline. The team’s mission is to have the car ready for its big public appearance at Greenfield Village — a fitting destination for a piece of Michigan automotive history that once served to protect and patrol the state’s highways.
From Duty to Legacy –
Like many ex-police cars, this Fury saw its share of rough service. After it retired from the MSP’s Grand Haven post, it passed through several owners before finally being rescued by enthusiasts who recognized its rarity. Now, it’s in good hands with Ross and Eric, who are determined to preserve not just a car, but a piece of American law enforcement and Mopar heritage.
So if you’re a gearhead, a police car buff, or just someone who loves classic Detroit iron, head over to the Chase Classic Motors YouTube channel. Hit that subscribe button, and follow along as these guys give new life to an icon.
