It reads like something out of a movie script. Six decades ago, fed up with their Alfa Romeo 1900s and 2600s being bested by Rome's crooks, the local Polizia had a plan: let's get a Ferrari. Because nothing will outrun that, obviously. And because this was Italy in the sixties, the very special request for a new, faster pursuit vehicle was accepted. That's the 250 GTE 2+2 Series II you see here: the world's most glamorous police car.
It's quite some story. Chassis #3999 was completed in November 1962, its stunning bodywork fitted by Pininfarina that August. It was one of two 'vett. Polizia' GTEs built in Maranello, the sister car was destroyed early in its law enforcement career. Four officers were chosen, led by Armando Spatafora, to drive the Ferraris (or Ferrari, as it became); all went on a driving course at Maranello to ensure they could handle the V12, then it was out to the streets of Rome with them, fighting crime in a Ferrari 250.
Unsurprisingly, the black Squadra Volante Ferrari became well known around the streets of the Italian capital. It's said that miscreants would actively seek out a chase involving Spatafora and the 250, the prestige of evading capture a real badge of honour in the murkier parts of 60s' Rome.
Amazingly, #3999 saw service for six years, somehow avoiding any significant damage as it set about laying down the law in style. It was also called into action for emergency blood deliveries, regularly completing the Rome to Naples journey of 200km in somewhere around 50 minutes. Just in case being a police Ferrari wasn't cool enough.
Suffice it to say the 250 GTE made quite the impression on all those who saw it, drove it, or attempted to escape it. So much so, in fact, that the 1977 film 'Highway Racer' was said to be inspired by the exploits of Spatafora and the Ferrari; that won't happen with the diesel X5s from Police Interceptors, that's for certain.
Retired from active duty in 1968, then sold at an auction of army surplus in 1972, the GTE spent 40 years with owner Alberto Capelli. During that time it was driven all over Europe and actually reunited with Spatafora at a road rally, before loaned to the then-new Museum of Police Vehicles in Rome during the early 2000s. It's also been to Pebble Beach, and remains the only private car in Italy with permission to drive around with siren, blue light and the livery. Makes it worth the asking price alone, surely...
Speaking of which, the Polizia 250 GTE is now for sale with Girardo and Co. Of course there isn't a price listed publicly, but interested parties are invited to make contact. Described as "ready to be enjoyed" and boasting a huge history file including Ferrari Classiche certification, #3999 really is one of a kind. And even with classic cars, it's not often that that can be said. If the collection needs a really, really special Ferrari, forget the race cars - this 250 might be just the ticket.
Images: Tom Gidden for Girardo & Co.
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