The 12 coolest police vehicles ever
Though the majority of police cars are based on run-of-the-mill vehicles, there have been some extraordinary versions produced over the years. We check out some of the most exciting ever created
Flashing blue lights aren’t usually a welcome sight – unless, of course, they’re on an iconic police vehicle such as one of these.
Over the years, police forces around the world have attached blue lights and a siren to some pretty special machines. Here’s a look at some of our favourites.
Ford RS200 Police Car
Back in 1986, UK police officers were usually found behind the wheel of a Ford Sierra or Granada – save for this lucky traffic cop, who was able to pilot a police-liveried RS200.
Powered by a 250bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine, the RS200 was certainly fast. This iconic shoot took place on a closed section of motorway – and was recently recreated with a new Focus RS police car pulling over a Sierra Cosworth.
Lamborghini Huracan Polizia
The Lamborghini Huracan is a V10-powered, mid-engined supercar capable of 60mph in under four seconds – ideal, then, as a high-speed response car for the Italian Highway Patrol in Rome.
Genuinely used, the Huracan Polizia was put into action as an everyday police car, as well as for the urgent transport of blood and organs. The exterior was finished in the Italian police’s colours, while the tyre sidewalls were even tinted in the distinctive shade as well.
Carabinieri Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
This stealthy Alfa Romeo Giulia QV was delivered to the Carabinieri – the military arm of the Italian police force.
It’s a smart choice for a police car – a powerful turbocharged V6 gives it plenty of performance while sharp, nimble handling makes it ideal for changing lanes and nipping in between traffic quickly.
BMW i3
Okay, so it may not be the most visually appealing police car available, but the fundamentals of the BMW i3 make it well suited to the job. It’s got a surprising amount of punch, and its high torque levels mean it’ll out-sprint more cars than you’d expect.
It’s also zero-emissions, so officers can chase after criminals while doing little harm to the environment. An all-electric range of 97 miles means there’s more than enough charge for daily duties too.
Lotus Evora
In 2011, legendary sports car creator Lotus gifted one of its Evora vehicles to West Midlands Police.
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 280bhp, it arrived on a two-week loan and was the first time a high-end sports car had been used by a UK police force. It came with full police livery and blue lights mounted on the roof and in the car’s front grille, so there was no mistaking it as it loomed large in offenders’ mirrors.
Dodge Charger Pursuit
Meet the Dodge Charger Pursuit – a contender from across the pond. As well as looking effortlessly mean, it uses either a V6 or V8 petrol engine, so it’s got plenty of power under the “hood”.
It boasts performance-tuned suspension with load-levelling shocks, as well as ballistic door panels that give the very best passenger protection. Plus, it can be specified with all-wheeldrive for better traction.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge
Something as heavy and luxurious as a Rolls-Royce isn’t typically suited to life as a patrol car, but this Ghost Black Badge, supporting Sussex Police at a recent event, looks like it’s fully up to the task.
Livery aside, the Ghost remains close to standard. The interior, for instance, is finished in black and tan contrast leather.
Unfortunately, this particular Roller never entered active service, so it never got the chance to police the mean streets of Sussex.
BAC Mono
The BAC Mono is a lightweight, powerful single-seater race car for the road, and therefore isn’t the first choice for most police forces. It was, however, extensively tested on the Isle of Man and in doing so, formed a partnership between the island’s constabulary and BAC (Briggs Automotive Company).
Just one lucky officer – PC Andy Greves – was assigned to the car, tasked with promoting road safety on the island. Given that the Mono can hit 60mph in 2.8 seconds, it’s unlikely to have taken him too long to get around and was the perfect car to keep up with speeding bikers.
Porsche 911 Targa
In the 1960s, the Dutch police were on the hunt for a vehicle capable of policing its then derestricted motorways.
They arrived at a Porsche 356, which stayed in use for some time. However, in 1967 the authorities went back to Porsche for another patrol car – a 911 Targa. In operation until 1996, more than 507 Porsche cars have been adorned with the Dutch police livery – making it the largest historic Porsche police fleet in the world.
Rover SD1
The Rover SD1 was the iconic police car of the 1980s, offering speed in a classically boxy shape.
They were stripped of any standard-vehicle frivolities, though, which is why they used a manual gearbox rather than an automatic and had manual windows instead of electric. The springs were stiffened to aid cornering, while a heavy-duty clutch and bigger engine were fitted, too.
Dubai Police
Okay, so this isn’t one car in particular – but rather the whole of Dubai Police’s fleet.
What began with a Lamborghini Aventador back in 2013 has now grown to include a Mercedes-AMG G63, Nissan GT-R and an Audi R8 – so any criminal is likely to be stopped impressively quickly. The fleet also contains – amazingly – a Bugatti Veyron. The 253mph-capable hypercar tops the bill of a current 14-strong range of high-speed patrol vehicles.
