Compiled by the team at Metropole Classics in Druten, specialists in classic and historic vehicles with years of experience in the buying and selling of special cars. Metropole has owned and sold several original National Police examples.
When you think of iconic police cars, you might immediately think of American muscle cars or fast Italian sports cars. But did you know that we in the Netherlands also have a special piece of automotive history with the Porsche Rijkspolitie ? These striking white Porsches, often with orange and blue stripes, drove on Dutch highways in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. They were not only fast but also a style icon. No other police car has made as much of an impression as the Porsche 911 with the Dutch Rijkspolitie, but why did the Dutch police choose Porsche specifically? What made these cars so special, and why are they still super popular among collectors today?
In this blog post, we delve into the history of these legendary police cars. We will discover why Porsche was the perfect choice for the Dutch National Police, which models were used, and how they differed from regular civilian models. We will also look at the lasting impact of these cars on the image of the Dutch police and why they are such a popular collector's item today.
Are you ready for a ride through the history of the Porsche Reich Police?
The choice of a Porsche as a police car was anything but accidental. In the 60s, the Dutch National Police sought a fast, agile, and above all reliable car to control the growing traffic on the highways. At that time, there were few cars that combined speed, stability, and prestige as perfectly as a Porsche.
In 1962, the first Porsche 356 was deployed by the National Police, a model that quickly became popular due to its reliability and speed. The Dutch police Porsche was deployed on virtually all Dutch highways from 1962 well into the 1980s. This choice was bold, as sports cars had not often been used as police vehicles until then. The reason for this choice lay primarily in the increasing speed of traffic. Particularly on highways, a fast car was necessary to maintain traffic control. Furthermore, Porsche's sporty image fit perfectly with the progressive image the National Police wanted to project.
Following the successful deployment of the Porsche 356, the Porsche 911 Targa and the Porsche 911 S soon followed . These cars were equipped with an open roof, allowing officers to communicate more easily with road users. The iconic orange and white livery made the vehicles recognizable on the roads. The Porsches were primarily deployed as surveillance vehicles on highways, where they could effortlessly keep up with and overtake speeding offenders.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, Porsche 911s remained a very important part of the National Police fleet. They were equipped with advanced communication equipment and special police modifications, such as flashing lights and sirens. They also had reinforced braking systems to come to a quick and safe stop after reaching high speeds.
The Porsches of the Rijkspolitie were not only effective on the road, but also contributed greatly to the image of the Dutch police. The combination of speed, style and innovation gave the Rijkspolitie a modern and progressive appearance. These striking sports cars became a symbol of authority and efficiency, and they aroused respect and admiration among the general public.
Furthermore, the use of Porsches reinforced the image of a professional and well-equipped police organization. This was not only important for traffic enforcement, but also contributed to the general confidence in the National Police as protectors of safety on the highways.
The history of the Porsche National Police shows how a bold choice led to legendary status on Dutch roads. The combination of speed, agility, and an iconic design made these cars not only a powerful weapon against traffic offenders but also a lasting symbol of authority and class.
The Porsche National Police used various iconic models, including the Porsche 356 , Porsche 911 Targa , and Porsche 911 S. Each model had unique features that perfectly matched the needs of the National Police.
The police Porsches were not just standard models. They were given special modifications such as:
One of the most striking features was the convertible roof of the 911 Targa. This open roof was unique for police use and gave officers a better view. In addition, police versions often had extra storage space for equipment, and the interiors were more simply designed for practical use.
The combination of sporty design, adaptations for police work, and the iconic color scheme made the Porsche Rijkspolitie a legendary sight on Dutch roads.
The Porsche Rijkspolitie was not only a fast and effective police car, but also a style icon that changed the image of the Dutch police forever. These striking sports cars gave the Rijkspolitie a modern, progressive and powerful image, which contributed to the respect and authority that the police radiated on the highways.
The Porsche 911s, with their iconic orange and white livery, became a symbol of speed and efficiency. Motorists were impressed by the sporty design and impressive performance of these police cars. As a result, the National Police acquired a modern and innovative image that perfectly aligned with the rapidly changing traffic world of the 60s and 70s.
The use of Porsches significantly reinforced the authority of the National Police. Speeders knew they stood no chance of escaping these fast cars, which had a preventative effect on speeding violations. In addition, their striking appearance ensured that the police cars were visible from a distance, which contributed to overall road safety.
The Porsches of the National Police have achieved iconic status in Dutch automotive history. To this day, these cars are remembered as legendary police vehicles. They can be seen in museums and at classic car events, where they continue to command admiration. The National Police Porsche remains an unmistakable part of Dutch cultural heritage.
Although the Porsche has long since stopped patrolling the highways, the appeal of these iconic police cars remains very strong. For many car enthusiasts and collectors, these cars not only represent speed and style, but also a unique piece of Dutch history. The striking orange-white design and the rarity of the models make them sought-after collector's items.
The combination of Porsche and the iconic Rijkspolitie design makes these cars super popular among collectors. They are rare and have a special Dutch historical value, which only increases their exclusivity and price. Original models with authentic police equipment are nowadays rare and are considered true classics.
The market value of a Porsche Reichspolitie is very high today. Depending on the condition, history and rarity, prices can range from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of euros. Especially fully restored examples are very sought after and are often offered at exclusive auctions or via specialist dealers.
Would you like to admire these iconic Porsche National Police models in real life? Then pay a visit to our museum . Here you will find a unique collection, complete with their authentic police equipment and striking color schemes. These classics have been beautifully restored and bring the history of the Dutch highways to life.
Don't miss the chance to get up close and personal with an iconic piece of automotive history! Plan your visit to the Metropole Museum and discover why the Porsche Rijkspolitie continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world.
The Dutch police used several models, including the Porsche 356, the Porsche 911 Targa, and the Porsche 911 S. The Porsche 911 Police was the most iconic model and was deployed on Dutch highways for the longest period.
The exact number of original Rijkspolitie examples still in existence is not precisely known, but they are exceptionally rare. An authentic police Porsche in original condition is considered one of the most sought-after classic vehicles in the Netherlands.
Yes, Metropole has had several original National Police Porsches and specializes in this type of vehicle. Visit the Metropole Museum in Druten to view a police Porsche up close, or contact us via sales@metropole.nl for more information about available examples.