A rare piece of law enforcement history is now up for grabs—a 1982 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 that once served with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) near Eureka, California. This rugged SUV, currently listed on BringATrailer.com, comes packed with period-correct police gear and is a true blast from the past for classic truck enthusiasts and Mopar collectors alike.
A True CHP Survivor –
Finished in the signature black and white livery, this AW-100 Ramcharger still wears its CHP graphics on the doors and rear hatch. It features an AeroDynic light bar, dual GE halogen spotlights, a push bar, a whip antenna, and a red grille light—all details that give it an authentic patrol vehicle presence. However, time has left its mark, with some clearcoat peeling visible, along with missing windshield wipers and a non-functional rear-window defroster.
Built for Duty, Ready for Adventure –
Under the hood, this ex-police Ramcharger packs a 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) LA V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, making it just as capable off-road as it was on duty. It sits on black 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires, while power-assisted front disc brakes and manually locking front hubs help keep things in check. The power-steering system does have a known leak, something potential buyers should keep in mind.
Patrol-Ready Interior –
Inside, the truck retains its tan vinyl bucket seats up front and a rear bench seat. Period-correct police equipment includes a Regency Touch M100 scanner, a CHP-branded Motorola two-way radio, auxiliary toggle switches, textured vinyl flooring, and a roll bar. The dashboard houses an 85-mph speedometer, along with gauges for amperage, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 60,000 miles, but a potential odometer rollover was noted in 2017.
In the cargo area, you’ll find a full-size spare tire, a locking storage compartment, and even a vintage wooden medical stretcher—evidence of its law enforcement past.
Up for Auction on BringATrailer –
This retired police truck passed California emissions testing in 2019 and comes with a Carfax report noting a damage incident in May 2020. Whether you’re a Mopar enthusiast, a collector of classic law enforcement vehicles, or just looking for a unique 4×4, this Ramcharger is a rare find.
Bidding for this ex-CHP 1982 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 ends on Tuesday, February 25, at 1:53 p.m. EDT on BringATrailer.com. Don’t miss your chance to own this piece of highway patrol history!
