What is the 440 Dodge Monaco police car?
The 440 Dodge Monaco police car is the police-spec version of Dodge's full-size Monaco sedan, equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8 to deliver the horsepower needed for patrol work in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In practice, agencies that required a robust, high-powered patrol car turned to Mopar’s Monaco Interceptor packages. These vehicles combined the Monaco’s large, comfortable sedan platform with a powerful V8, reinforced mechanicals, and police-ready equipment, creating a flagship option for law enforcement performance during a pivotal era of American policing and automotive design.
Origins and design
Manufactured on Dodge’s B-body platform, the Monaco was introduced as a full-size sedan intended to compete with other large American police sedans of the era. The police interceptor variants built on that foundation by adding a heavy-duty cooling system, reinforced suspension, and other durability-focused upgrades. The most notable powertrain associated with the Monaco police package was the 440 cubic inch V8, sometimes marketed under the broader “Magnum” naming conventions in Mopar performance circles. These configurations aimed to combine highway acceleration with reliability for long shifts, patrol duties, and pursuit scenarios.
Across its production window, the Monaco Police Interceptor represented Mopar’s response to the demand for faster, tougher police cars that could keep up with urban and highway traffic, while still offering the roominess and comfort needed for extended patrols. The result was a distinctive, if now-iconic, silhouette that stands out in automotive policing history.
Key features defined the 440-powered Monaco police package and helped it perform its duties on the street of sprawling American cities.
- Engine: 440 cubic inch V8 delivering strong torque and top-end pull for high-speed pursuits.
- Powertrain and chassis: heavy-duty automatic transmission paired with reinforced suspension and cooling for durability under patrol use.
- Police equipment: roof-mounted light, siren, and integrated police radio/communications gear configured for on-the-job use.
- Interior and furnishings: police-specific instrumentation and a layout that accommodated gear, radio controls, and division of space between officers and suspects.
- Purpose and era: designed for the late 1960s to early 1970s era of American policing, when large V8 sedans dominated patrol fleets.
These features collectively defined how the Monaco functioned as a law enforcement vehicle—powerful, durable, and purpose-built for the demands of mid-20th-century policing.
Operational history and legacy
The Monaco Interceptor’s footprint appeared across various North American police fleets during its era, reflecting Mopar’s strategy to supply high-performance patrol sedans to law enforcement. While the exact deployment by individual departments varied, the model is frequently cited as a representative example of the period’s pursuit-car approach: large, comfortable sedans with V8 power, designed to endure long shifts and demanding driving conditions. In the years since, surviving examples have become cherished by collectors and museums, emblematic of a distinctive chapter in police vehicle design and automotive history.
In addition to its practical role, the 440 Monaco has a cultural resonance, appearing in car shows and occasionally in media that depict 1960s–1970s policing. Its legacy sits alongside other Mopar-powered interceptors as a landmark of era-specific police equipment and automotive engineering.
These points illustrate how the Monaco’s police version influenced both real-world policing and the public imagination about pursuit cars of the era.
Summary
The Dodge Monaco 440 police car was the police-interceptor variant of Dodge’s full-size Monaco sedan, powered by a 440 cubic-inch V8 and equipped for high-speed pursuit and fleet durability in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its legacy endures in automotive history as a symbol of Mopar’s pursuit-car era and a benchmark for how police fleets were equipped during that transformative period.
How much is a 1966 Dodge Monaco worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,400 for a 1966 Dodge Monaco in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1966 Dodge Monaco? The highest selling price of a 1966 Dodge Monaco at auction over the last three years was $14,437.
How much horsepower did the 1974 Dodge Monaco police have?
The 1974 Dodge Monaco police package was one of the fastest squad cars of its time. It was capable of 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds, thanks to its 275-horsepower 440 and tall rear gearing.
Why was the 440 called a six pack?
As the name suggests, the Chrysler 440 engine was a 440 cu-in (7.2-liter) big block V8 used in all manner of Mopar passenger cars. The Six Pack variant's most obvious difference from the standard 440 is the introduction of a six-barrel carburetor setup, utilizing three Holley 2300 series dual-barrel carbs.
How fast is the Dodge Monaco police car?
The fastest production police car in 1978 was the Dodge Monaco. This Dodge had a 440 big block too–but it was choked off so much the Monaco could only hit 126 miles per hour. That number seems weak–but most smog era cars could barely crack 110 mph.
