Now’s your chance to own the ultimate cop car. This extremely rare Ferrari 250 GTE police car is up for sale, and we envy whoever is lucky enough to own it. It has the looks, an interior that’s much too luxurious, and most important, it has a storied history taming criminals.
It all began in early 1960s Rome, when car chases were extremely common and police cars of the time just couldn’t keep up with the bad guys. Criminals often outran the traditional Alfa Romeo 1900 and 2600 police cars, known as Pantera for their engine roar and black paint. Armando Spatafora, one of Italy’s most revered police officers, made the bold suggestion that a Ferrari should join the force. And that’s exactly what he received: the black-painted 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Polizia, chassis number 3999.
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Spatafora and three other officers had to complete a track driving course before taking stock of the car, which packed a 3.0-liter V-12 and four-speed manual transmission. The engine produced around 240 horsepower, enough to propel the car to a top speed in excess of 155 mph.
The model was completed in November 1962, after receiving its sleek bodywork from Pininfarina. Ferrari built one other copy, but it was destroyed after just a few weeks in service. Chassis 3999 went on to serve Italy for the next six years and became something of a legend. Outrunning Spatafora in his Ferrari police car would become a matter of pride in Rome’s criminal circles. When it wasn’t pursuing criminals, the special GTE also made emergency blood deliveries to Naples. Rumor has it that the car could complete the 124-mile trek in just 50 minutes.
In the decades since its retirement, multiple owners have worked hard to keep the car in its original state. Today, the car looks fantastic, and has made its rounds at numerous events. Spatafora returned to the wheel in 1984 during the Coppa delle Dolomiti race, securing the second fastest time overall. The car also made an appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2016.
Now known as the ultimate Pantera, the Ferrari police car maintains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and rear axle. It still has its luxurious tan leatherette interior, too.
Girardo & Co. isn’t disclosing the price of the police car now on sale at its Milan showroom. But the old adage is true: If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. Taking into account the current value of 250 GTEs and this car’s status as a rare police vehicle, we can see it selling for around half a million dollars.
