American police departments use a wide range of vehicles in their daily operations. Traditionally, the basic squad car was a solid, American-made vehicle with a non-nonsense look. A dependable fleet of Fords or Chevys with flashing red and blue lights was the standard. These days, however, some police departments have incorporated a few unique and specialized high-performance vehicles that are anything but basic.
To compile a list of America’s rarest and most expensive police cars in use, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed various sources, including state records, media reports, and law enforcement agencies. We have included vehicle details such as model year, horsepower, and top speed.
The majority of the vehicles featured on the list are not used primarily for routine traffic stops. Some of the cars on the list are used exclusively for public relations initiatives and charitable events. Some of the cars have been donated by individuals or businesses, and two were seized from felony suspects.
One Chevy Camaro model, called a “ghost car,” is in active use by the Houston, Texas, Harris County police force for traffic enforcement and pursuits. These vehicles are outfitted with specialized lights and police graphics, but lack emergency lights on top or reflective graphics, making them more inconspicuous to passing motorists. This distinctive Camaro model boasts a top speed of over 160 mph.
One of the exceptional vehicles featured on this list is the Ford Mustang Saleen S302. In 2017, this rare car was donated to the Riverside Police Department of California. With an impressive 730 horsepower under the hood, it is definitely one of the most exceptional cars used by any American police squad.
Even though quite a few of the listed vehicles have enough power to outpace any cars on the road today, these flashy police vehicles are rarely used for anything other than promotional events. And while some of these supercars can hit top speeds of 200 mph or more, they still might not be the fastest cars in the world. (Here is a list of the fastest cars in the world.)
These are the rarest and most expensive police cars in the United States:
Chevrolet Camaro
Source: Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images
The 2021 Chevy Camaro is used by the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office. It has 650 horsepower and a top speed of 165 mph.
Dodge Challenger R/T
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T is used by Arizona State Troopers. It has 305 horsepower and a top speed of 153 mph.
Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
The 2007 Chevrolet C6 Corvette Z06 is used by the New Braunfels, Texas, Police Department. It has 505 horsepower and a top speed of 198 mph.
Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06
Source: Roman Stasiuk / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The 2015 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06 is used by the Escambia County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office. It has 650 horsepower and a top speed of 205 mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo
Source: Airwolfhound / Wikimedia Commons
The 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo is used by the Los Angeles Police Department. It has 562 horsepower and a top speed of 198 mph.
Jaguar XJ
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
The 2011 Jaguar XJ is used by the Hazel Park, Michigan, Police Department. It has 385 horsepower and a top speed of 182 mph.
Tesla Model S
Source: Andrei Stanescu / Getty Images
The 2019 Tesla Model S is used by the Fremont, California, Police Department. It has 518 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph.
Tesla Model 3
Source: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is used by the Dallas County, Texas, Sheriff’s Department. It has 455 horsepower and a top speed of 162 mph.
Ford Mustang GT
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
The 2016 Ford Mustang GT is used by Arizona State Troopers. It has 435 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph.
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Source: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is used by the New York Police Department. It has 480 horsepower and a top speed of 120 mph.
Ford Mustang Saleen S302
Source: AlessandroPhoto / iStock via Getty Images
The 2017 Ford Mustang Saleen S302 is used by the Riverside, California, Police Department. It has 730 horsepower and a top speed of 268 mph.
Ferrari Nero F8 Tributo
Source: DarthArt / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The 2022 Ferrari Nero F8 Tributo is used by the West Bloomfield, Michigan, Police Department. It has 711 horsepower and a top speed of 211 mph.
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)
Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.
Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.
Click here now to get started.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
