Lying just north of the Florida border, off I-75, the town of Valdosta, GA, celebrated its 150th Anniversary in January this year. More recently, the Valdosta Police Department celebrated the arrival of a pair of special Ford Mustang police cars.

Photo: Steeda Autosports

Aside from official livery and the usual police car equipment, local company Steeda Autosports further modified these cars. Steeda relocated a significant portion of their operations from Pompano Beach, FL, two years ago. Well known suppliers of performance and other parts for the Ford Mustang, Steeda is also active in the community.

These two cars are the pointy edge of a program that Steeda may expand nationally. According to Valdosta City Manager, Larry Hanson, the Steeda modifications focus on safety, improved braking and better gas mileage. As part of a test program, Hanson says, “We are trying this out. We are going to evaluate the performance of the vehicles and see if the modifications really do make a difference.”

Valdosta Police Chief Frank Simons says that the modifications are expected to save up to $30,000 over five or six years. The police department will also have six Crown Victoria patrol cars upgraded as well.

Steeda’s Georgia operations are set on campus of 35 acres and include a 100,000 sq. ft. design, engineering, manufacturing and support building. In addition, a 1.2-mile test track, skid pad, brake test area and dynamic road surface area were built to assist the development of the company’s performance products.