In the three years since I’ve been covering the Corvette Culture for CorvSport (among other things), I have seen some crazy stories go viral. But to say the Florida Highway Patrol’s new C8 Corvette is the most viral topic I’ve encountered would be an understatement–just look at these statistics from four social media posts. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. Yes, FREE! If/when any pop-ups appear, please click to dismiss them and continue enjoying the article. One may require two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
The Stats From Just Four Facebook Posts:
- 112,000+Reactions
- 24,233+ Comments
- 31,696+ Shares
Yikes! As someone who was born, raised, and lives in Florida, this classic gold and black livery is very familiar. This isn’t the first time a Corvette police car conversion has polarized enthusiasts across social media–we covered the Panama City Beach C8 police car here. The two most popular talking points regarding these C8 Corvette cop car conversions are, first, how the vehicles are seized, and second, that they are essentially useless as actual patrol cars.
In this case, the FHP remarks that the 2023 Corvette Stingray, originally in Arctic White, was transferred over to the police department through an asset forfeiture following a joint task force operation with the DEA. The mid-engine marvel was initially owned by a criminal suspect who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the FHP wanted to make sure the citizens of this great state knew that no taxpayer money was used to procure the Corvette. Here are four proud Florida State Troopers next to their new pursuit vehicle, which will also be used for “various educational outreach events.”
What’s Inside Today’s Edition of CorvSport Compiles
- The FHP post that started it all
- Top viral social media posts with links to engage
- Full FHP Photo gallery
- Exclusive FHP C8 video from Nick OFF Duty
1) The FHP Facebook post that lit the initial fire
- 3900+ Reactions
- 533+ Comments
- 689+ Shares
- You can click on the “f” in the top right of the post to engage other enthusiasts.
“This beauty’s been through some rough camera angles recently. Finally, some shots worthy of the introduction.
This one and only 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray, will be utilized to support the Florida Highway Patrol’s mission of keeping our roadways and highways safe, and will be often seen at various educational outreach events.
The Corvette was seized by the Florida Highway Patrol, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force, it was not purchased with state funds.”
2) Top viral social media posts
#1
♦ 90,000+ Reactions
♦ 20,100+ Comments
♦ 28,000+ Shares
Top Comment:
“Is the Florida Highway Patrol ok? Therapy is usually cheaper than a sports car. Also too: where are you going to detain a suspect? In the frunk?” Thomas W.
You can click on the “f” in the top right of the post to engage other enthusiasts.
#2
♦ 11,000+ Reactions
♦ 2,300+ Comments
♦ 2,100+ Shares
Top Comment:
“Why? The only thing it’s good for is a high-speed chase and the law is not supposed to chase anyone at high speeds anymore because of the fatalities that it causes. This just shows how disconnected they are from the people they are supposed to be serving.” Candas W.
You can click on the “f” in the top right of the post to engage other enthusiasts.
#3
♦ 7,100+ Reactions
♦ 1,300+ Comments
♦ 907+ Shares
Top Comment:
“Not good for much other than keeping up with hellcats. Cant transport suspects and can’t do pit maneuvers unless you want to replace an entire front end. Just another repossessed car that’s been turned into a PR tool.” Tyler Y.
You can click on the “f” in the top right of the post to engage other enthusiasts.
3) Full FHP Photo Gallery
4) Exclusive Video From Nick OFF Duty
260,000+ Views Since 4/14/25
1,081+ Comments
Video Preview From Nick OFF Duty:
“The Florida Highway Patrol is ready for GTA 6 as it reveals for the first time to the world its brand new Chevy Corvette C8 fully outfitted for patrol. We take a video tour and go out on patrol to enforce speed laws. Lt. Close explains how FHP seized this vehicle from a drug dealer and is now putting it to work for the department.”
Some Top Comments:
- “I live in Florida, never had plans to run from the police and it is NOT starting now lmao.” @sneakyyadrian
- “This Corvette is definitely a game changer for the FHP – hope it inspires even more skilled officers to join the force!” @rebehanewman
- “Polite, calm, respectful and professional trooper. Refreshing to see. He deserves the car keys.” @JTSLJR
Which side of the fence are you on? Do you agree with these Corvette seizures and conversions? Are you CORVETTE OBSESSED like we are? The team of renowned authors and contributors at CorvSport hopes you sense our passion for the iconic Corvette, and our vast database of articles and guides should prove it–5000+ features since Scott Kolecki founded CorvSport over 15 years ago! Join the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 171,000 followers (52,000 since January 2023!). Meet other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello. This is Douglas B. signing off–click here if you would like to view more of my features.
