The world’s seven coolest cop cars

Ferrari 250 GTE – Italy

Topping our list has to be the achingly cool Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Polizia, which once struck fear into the hearts of the Italian Mafia.

In late 1962, two were drafted on to the Rome Police Force’s fleet, as a solution to criminals’ ability to outrun the traditional Alfa Romeo 1900s and 2600s.

Its four-seat cabin and top speed in excess of 140mph made it the perfect tool for the job. While one model was written off within a matter of weeks, the second, chassis 3999 GT, continued to serve the force for the next six years, with the world’s fastest policeman, Armando Spatafora, behind its wheel.

This example went to auction recently with Girardo & Co, with a price tag so high that it was only revealed to those who could prove that they could afford it. Suffice to say, it was expected to sell for well over the half a million euros that similar, civilian examples have with Bonhams and RM Sotheby's recently.

Bugatti Veyron – Dubai

Where would this list be without the Bugatti Veyron police car – arguably the most famous of them all, and just one of the Dubai Police’s fast fleet?

When all the bad guys drive supercars, and you can’t beat them, you have to join them and the Veyron does a fine job of catching up. With an 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 under the bonnet producing 1,000PS, the Veyron can sprint to 62mph in just two and a half seconds, reaching 186mph (300kmh) in just 15. Complete with much of the tech of a normal police car, this is one meat wagon that you won’t be able to outrun.

Lexus LC500 – Japan

Admittedly, this doesn’t quite have the wow factor of a Bugatti Veyron, but it can still catch the baddies in ample time, thanks to a heaving V8 under its bonnet. And with that two-tone paint job, it has to be one of the smartest numbers on our list

Honda Civic Type R – Australia

Raise your hand if you know the sheer, unbridled joy of driving a Honda Civic Type R. And now imagine trying to outrun one… For the hottest of all hot hatches is the latest recruit on to Australia's New South Wales Police Force. But alas, it won’t actually be active on the roads, rather helping with social media engagement. 

Lent to the force by Honda Australia, it features an identical livery to the rest of the fleet, along with a set of flashing lights – just in case, you know…

With a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 315PS and almost 400Nm of torque, it’s a crying shame that it’s not playing a more active role in catching bad guys.

BMW i8 – Germany

Could it get any more German that this? A panda-liveried i8, patrolling the mean streets of Munich. In 2018, AC Schnitzer became the latest tuning house to present a special police concept vehicle at the Essen Motor Show as part of the ‘TUNE IT! SAFE!’ campaign of the Association of German Automobile Tuners e.V. (VDAT).

And as customary, the modifications extended far beyond the bright blue and yellow livery, with the hybrid made lighter and more aerodynamic. Lowered by 20mm for better handling, it boasted a set of AC1 lightweight wheels (saving 18kg all round). Its extensive carbon-fibre package included the front spoiler, bonnet scoop, side skirts, a "racing" rear wing, and the three-part rear diffuser. Perfect for catching criminals on the Nürburgring.

Ferrari 458 – Italy

Well it seems the Italian police has a thing for fast Ferraris, especially when they’re the spoils of ill-gotten Mafia gains.

Confiscated through the country’s anti-mafia laws, this 458 Spider underwent a few modifications to turn it into a bonafide police car. A green livery, lights, police radio and a control panel were all added, ready to put it to use catching the very criminals which once ran riot in it. But unfortunately, the car doesn’t play quite as active a role, instead being carted along to educational events, teaching children that crime doesn’t pay. Eventually, it’s destined to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the victims of mafia crimes.

McLaren 12C Spider – UK

Last but not least, we have the UK’s entry for the world’s coolest cop car. Unveiled at the 2014 Autosport International in Birmingham, UK, this McLaren 12C Spider was destined for life on the beat with Central Motorway Group officers in the Midlands thanks to a local dealer.

A fearsome patrol car it would make, with a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine developing 600PS and allowing the car to accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in just 3.1 seconds, before topping out at 204mph (329km/h).

Main image courtesy of Girardo & Co.