The LA Sheriff was set back on his backside with the performance of the 1960 Dodge DART, the 118 inch wheelbase model. It easily outshone all comers, as did the 1960 Plymouth, which also was tested. At that time, the LA Police, the LA Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol did their own evaluations. The Plymouth was equipped with the 383 V-8 and the Dart with the 361 V-8. Both 4 barrels and dual exhausts. The choice was outstandingly clear, as the MoPars bested all comers. Pontiac, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford. Particularly in braking performance, there was no equal. The Sheriff settled on the smaller V-8, in the Dart (22 cubic inch difference) as it was part of the Dodge Dart Package, and not an option as was the Hi-Po 383 in the Plymouth. Thus saving a few bucks on each car, and believing (not so) that it would be more economical. Deputies, after been in mostly Fords, and for only one year of Chevrolet (1958) were estactic about the Dart, it's outstanding handling, and fantastic braking.
However, interestingly, the LA PD choose the 1960 Plymouth, yet, they equipped it somewhat oddly. They ordered the standard 318 2 barrel, single exhaust, and POWER flyte (2 speed automatic) As well, they also required that the transmission be able to function on the 10W-30 weight engine oil..........without modification! Of course, the requirement was met. They ordered 330 of them. In 1961, the LA Sheriff got Chevrolet Biscaynes with Powerglide and 348 V-8s. LA PD ordered 331 Dodge Darts equipped just like the 1960 Plymouths. 318 2 barrel, single exhaust and Powerflyte transmissions. Engine oil requirement remained the same.
In 1962, the entire LA community of law enforcement ordered Plymouths equipped with the 361 V-8s, duals, 4 V, and TORQUEflyte transmissions. (3 speeds) The LA PD requirment for the trans to operate with the same grade oil as the engine remained. The Torqueflyte performed without complaint. That marked 10 straight years of Plymouth dominence until the purchase of the 1972 Matadors. AMC ruled for 3 years, however, in 1975, Plymouth again was chosen. LA PD did purchase a certain amount of 1970 Mercury Montego to fulfill the Governor's arm twisting to buy something else once in awhile. However, the PD couched that buy, ordering about 150 Montego and 220 1970 Plymouth Belvederes, a lot of which were surreptiously earmarked as "detective" units. Black and whites?.