June 8, 2002

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan. Officials from the Michigan Department of State Police and Walter P. Chrysler Museum celebrated the installation of a 1986 Plymouth Gran Fury – fully restored as a patrol car – to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum at a special ceremony today. The dedication ceremony was held on the museum’s front steps in Auburn Hills.

The installation coincided with the Chrysler Employee Motorsport Association’s (CEMA) 13^th Annual Car Show, highlighting a host of police and special interest vehicles, and hundreds of high performance cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all makes.

"The Walter P. Chrysler Museum’s goal is to showcase vehicles that not only represent a milestone for our company and the automotive industry, but are significant in American culture as well," said Museum Manager Barry Dressel. "We’re grateful to the Michigan State Police for helping us create an important service vehicle to enhance our collection."

Restoration of the Gran Fury patrol car was a joint effort between the museum, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Vehicle and Travel Services.

The Gran Fury features a distinct blue exterior (introduced exclusively for Michigan State Police vehicles in 1954), bold yellow lightning bolt decals on the doors and all original radio communication and radar system patrol equipment.

"The Gran Fury, or the ‘Blue Goose,’ as it is fondly referred to, is the one patrol car that truly remains a symbol of the 85-year history of our department," said Colonel Stephen Madden, director, Michigan State Police. "In the days of big cars and powerful engines, the Gran Fury held its own as it patrolled Michigan’s cities and countryside. We are delighted that the Walter P. Chrysler Museum saw fit to include our patrol car in its collection."

The 1986 Plymouth Gran Fury patrol car will be displayed in the museum’s lower level Boss Chrysler’s Garage. In addition to special exhibitions, the Garage features a revolving display of powerful performance vehicles. The main and upper levels of the 55,000 square foot museum features permanent displays documenting the corporation’s evolution from the early contributions of its predecessor companies through the corporation’s engineering and design milestones – from 1900 through today. In all, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum houses 65 vehicles, along with displays and interactive exhibits illustrating DaimlerChrysler’s American heritage. A 125-theater movie theater – featuring three continuously running features – and an automotive theme gift shop rounds out the museum’s offerings.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is located on the corner of Featherstone and Squirrel Roads on DaimlerChrysler’s North American headquarters campus. The museum is accessible from exit 78 (Chrysler Drive) off north- and southbound I-75. Ample parking is available for visitors.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays and noon – 6 p.m. Sundays.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.