A Metropolitan Police officer has been filmed behind the wheel of an exceptionally rare Ferrari worth an estimated £3.7 million after the supercar was reportedly seized during a police operation in central London. The limited-edition Ferrari Monza SP2 was among a number of high-value vehicles reportedly seized during a supercar gathering around Wellington Arch and Hyde Park Corner on Saturday. Footage circulating online showed an officer driving the open-top Ferrari through the streets of Mayfair while accompanied by other police vehicles. The unusual sight quickly attracted attention from motorists and supercar enthusiasts, with social media users joking that the officer had landed one of the best assignments of his career. One person described it as the “pinnacle of his career”, while another joked about officers playing “rock, paper, scissors” to decide who would get behind the wheel.
One of only 499 produced
The Ferrari Monza SP2 is one of the Italian manufacturer’s most exclusive modern models. Just 499 examples of the Monza SP1 and SP2 were produced, making the vehicle highly sought after among collectors. The cars were unveiled in 2018 and originally cost more than $1 million, but their rarity has subsequently pushed values significantly higher. One example reportedly changed hands for just under $5 million — approximately £3.7 million — earlier this year. The two-seat SP2 has no conventional windscreen and takes inspiration from Ferrari’s racing barchettas of the 1950s.
Supercar reportedly seized during London operation
The precise reason the Ferrari seen being driven by the officer was seized has not yet been publicly confirmed. Reports suggest it was among vehicles targeted during an operation around Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner and Mayfair on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police has been approached for further information about the operation. London has previously seen major police operations targeting supercars over concerns including dangerous and anti-social driving, insurance offences and other road traffic violations. During one operation last year, more than 70 high-value vehicles reportedly worth around £7 million were seized across areas including Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea. Officers worked alongside the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, with vehicles stopped over suspected offences including driving without insurance or a valid licence, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences and illegally tinted windows. Up to 75 Metropolitan Police officers were involved in that operation, with ANPR and other intelligence used to identify vehicles. For Saturday’s operation, however, authorities have yet to confirm exactly why the Monza SP2 was seized or why it was driven from the scene rather than transported on a recovery vehicle. The sight of the extraordinarily valuable Ferrari being driven under police escort nevertheless proved difficult to miss — and quickly became a talking point online.
