The fastest police cars in history

Crime doesn't pay: The fastest police cars in history

Here at Classic Driver, we�re all for law and order � but when the police are equipped with these potent machines, it does seem a little unfair on Burglar Bill.

France: Renault Alpine A110

Even if the films of Louis de Fun�s suggest otherwise, the French Gendarmerie of the 1960s pursued not only nude swimmers on the beaches of C�te d'Azur, but also speeding motorists. In 1966, the �Brigade� acquired their first Alpine A110, allowing them to keep pace with even the fastest Italian sports cars through the switchbacks.

England: Triumph TR4

The English Police Force was also appropriately equipped to deal with those breaching the speed limits � but we suspect its selection of squad cars went beyond the altruistic. In 1962, Southend-on-Sea�s law enforcement officers were equipped with several Triumph TR4 convertibles, a car more than capable of reeling in bank robbers in their Jaguar saloons. The Triumph proved popular and remained in service for some time � and the open configuration allowed even the tallest constables to retain their helmets in anticipation of a foot chase.

Germany: Porsche 911 Carrera

German law enforcement recognised the merits of its domestic car industry as early as the 1950s, and soon put a fleet of 356s into Highway Patrol service. Subsequently, the protective powers adopted the 911 as a pursuit vehicle: the mid-90s saw Southern Germany�s officers equipped with near-170mph capabilities, courtesy of this liveried 282bhp 993.

Netherlands: Spyker C8 Spyder

With a top speed of 186mph, the 400bhp Spyker used by the Dutch Police Department would have had few worthy adversaries. Unfortunately, it only remained in police livery for a single outing, its purpose being as a promotional tool rather than a pursuing one � Dutch Ferrari owners can now return to a relaxed state.

Italy: Lamborghini Gallardo

Because Lamborghini doesn�t have its own test track, since the 1960s it has tested its new cars on the highways surrounding its Sant'Agata headquarters. Therefore, a good rapport with the local police makes sense � and 2005 saw the Italian marque famously present a pair of Gallardos to the force. Officially, they�re used for duties such as urgent organ transport, but we�re sure the officers have conducted their own �testing� at some point.

Dubai: Aston Martin One-77, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari FF...

Other countries, other customs. With so many high-end supercars on the roads of Dubai, the police force needed to upgrade just to keep up. Its fleet � already containing a Mercedes SLS, a Ferrari FF and a Lamborghini Aventador � was recently strengthened with a Bugatti Veyron and Aston Martin One-77, if these pictures are to be believed.

09:12