1988 Dodge Diplomat

Sold for $41,250 at 2007 Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction.
This 1988 Dodge Diplomat C.H.I.P. Police car is fitted with the CHP Police package. It is fully decaled with the classic black and white paint scheme. It is powered by a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine that breathes through four-barrel carburetors and mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox. There are 15x7-inch steel wheels and center caps shod with high-seed rated radial tires. In the front are bumper ram bars. The car is equipped with other police equipment such as console communication equipment, horns, sires, and even a fake shotgun mounted vertically to the dashboard.

This car was offered for sale at the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $15,000 - $20,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $41,250.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008

Dodge first used the name 'Diplomat' in 1950 to designate their 2-door hardtop body style. The name would endure until 1954. It re-appeared in 1975 as a trim package on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. In 1977, it became its own model line and served as a replacement for the Coronet in Dodge's mid-sized line-up. It was based on the Dodge Aspen and wore an M-body. Mounted on the bonnet was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. An optional 5.2L and 5.9L V8 were available. After 1984, the Diplomat was only available with the 5.2L V8 unit.

The Diplomat became the largest sedan in Dodge's line in 1981 when the St. Regis model was discontinued. The following year, the coupe and station wagon body styles were discontinued on the Diplomat.

Production of the Diplomat would continue until 1989 when it was replaced by the Dodge Monaco. in the latter part of the 1980s, the Diplomat was a popular choice as a fleet vehicle, service as a taxicab, and for law enforcement use.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008