This Ferrari is the world’s sexiest police car – and it’s for sale!

Too hot to handle?

You don’t want to get stopped by the police, but you could be forgiven for making an exception in this case.

This beautiful 1962 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 Series II served Rome’s police between 1963 and 1968, and has been lovingly preserved ever since.

What’s more, it’s now unique, because its sister car was destroyed on duty, and these were the only two Ferrari police cars built.

And now this special piece of Ferrari history is for sale with Girardo & Co. Here’s its story.

Taking it up a gear – or three!

Rome’s police were losing out to criminals in car chases and needed something faster, the Alfa Romeo 1900s and later Giulia 1600 saloons not up to the job.

So respected officer Armando Spatafora suggested a Ferrari – his wish was granted.

Duty bound

This is chassis 3999 which its Ferrari build sheet lists as being a police car from the start.

Its sophisticated bodywork was fitted by Pininfarina in August 1962, before the car went back to Maranello to be finished, this work completed in November of that year.

Pretty, practical

This Prancing Horse departed that famous factory in the finish you see today – painted black and with a tan-coloured, leatherette cabin.

Doubtless that interior finish was chosen because it would be hard-wearing.

The power to perform

Meanwhile, under the bonnet was arguably the real star of the show.

How many police cars do you know with a three-litre, 24-valve V12 under the bonnet? Its 240bhp was ready to give Rome’s criminals a serious run for their money.

High-speed hero

Just four officers from Rome’s force, including Spatafora, were picked to complete a high-speed driving course at Maranello, to equip them for driving this 250GTE and its short-lived sister car.

And with the course done, Spatafora was taken to see this very car.

Mission accomplished

In Spatafora’s hands, this Ferrari 250GTE achieved great success, as well as gaining serious legend status in the police force, but also among the public and those it was enlisted to catch.

And to ensure it was kept in fine fettle, the car returned to Maranello for regular servicing and maintenance work.

The one to beat

In fact, Spatafora and this Ferrari established such a formidable reputation on night patrol in Rome that for the city’s criminals, beating this combination in a car chase became a badge of honour.

Lifesaver

But that’s not all.

As if crime-fighting in the Italian capital wasn’t enough, this Ferrari also carried out emergency blood deliveries to Naples.

Six of the best

After six years on duty, this pantera, as Rome’s police cars were known, was retired from active service – this was in late 1968.

However, chassis 3999 remained in remarkable condition.

Special permission

Today, it still has all its original features – including its original Polizia radio.

Plus, it’s the only private car in Italy permitted to be driven with a siren, a blue light and this ‘Squadra Volante’ livery.

The star of the show

This unique Ferrari was sold by auction in 1972 to an Italian gentleman called Alberto Cappelli who lavished care and attention on it for the next 40 years.

Together with his sons, he’d take it to shows and tours in Italy, and right across Europe.

Back with the best

Indeed, in 1984, at the Coppa delle Dolomiti race, chassis 3999 was reunited with Spatafora, where the retired policeman achieved the second fastest time!

Well, you knew he was good…

Ready for its next adventure

The 250GTE changed hands again in 2015 and made an appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2016.

Now this Ferrari Classiche certified, matching numbers classic, with all its original features and a packed history file, is for sale with Girardo & Co.

It is going to make a very special addition to a lucky buyer’s collection.