A police officer got the chance to drive a £3.7m Ferrari seized in a Met crackdown on uninsured vehicles, showcasing the high-stakes enforcement of road laws. The open-top limited edition Ferrari Monza SP2, worth £3.7 million, was confiscated in Mayfair after being driven by someone with a provisional licence and no insurance. Instead of loading the supercar onto a flatbed truck, a Met officer wearing sunglasses drove it to the police pound, escorted by police vehicles.
Record-Breaking Seizure Operation
The Ferrari was one of 90 vehicles seized over the weekend, with a combined value exceeding £8 million. This operation, conducted in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), targeted uninsured motorists and antisocial driving around Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea. The Met confirmed it was the highest number and value of vehicles seized in the operation’s five-year history.
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Fifteen vehicles were confiscated under new powers that allow police to seize vehicles involved in antisocial behaviour without prior warning. This marks a significant shift in enforcement, emphasizing that no vehicle, regardless of its price tag, is exempt from road safety regulations.
The Ferrari Monza SP2: A Rare Supercar
The Ferrari Monza SP2 is one of only 499 made by the Italian manufacturer, making it a highly coveted collector’s item. With a top speed of over 186 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds, this barchetta-style roadster is a marvel of engineering. Its presence on London’s streets turned heads, especially when driven by a police officer as part of the seizure process.
The Dubai-registered supercar had been in the UK for only a day before being stopped. The driver, holding a provisional licence, lacked insurance, violating UK road laws. This incident highlights the importance of having proper insurance and a valid licence, regardless of the vehicle’s origin or value.

Why Insurance Matters for All Drivers
Angus Eaton, chief executive of MIB, stressed that “operations like these show that the rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of the vehicle they chose to drive.” He noted that while some offenders knowingly break the law, others may make genuine insurance mistakes. The consequences of driving uninsured can be severe, including fines, penalty points, and even vehicle seizure.
Motorists are urged to check their coverage is adequate for their vehicle and journey types. This operation serves as a reminder that insurance is not just a legal requirement but a crucial protection for all road users.
Comparison: Seized Vehicles by Value and Type
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Value | Seizure Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari Monza SP2 | £3.7 million | No insurance, provisional licence |
| Luxury SUVs (e.g., Range Rover) | £100,000+ | Uninsured driving |
| Sports cars (e.g., Porsche) | £80,000+ | Antisocial driving |
| Standard family cars | £15,000+ | No insurance |
This table illustrates the wide range of vehicles targeted, from high-end exotics to everyday cars. The operation’s success demonstrates that enforcement is impartial and thorough.
Key Takeaways from the Met Crackdown
- Police seized 90 vehicles worth over £8 million in a single weekend.
- The Ferrari Monza SP2 was the most valuable, at £3.7 million.
- New powers allow seizure for antisocial behaviour without warning.
- Driving without insurance can lead to vehicle confiscation and legal penalties.
- All motorists must verify their insurance coverage is valid and sufficient.
This crackdown sends a clear message: no one is above the law, even in a £3.7m supercar. The Met’s proactive approach aims to reduce dangerous driving and uninsured motorists, making London’s roads safer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to a car seized by police for no insurance?
Seized vehicles are taken to a police pound. The owner must provide proof of insurance and pay recovery and storage fees to retrieve it. In some cases, the vehicle may be crushed or sold if unclaimed.
Can police seize a luxury car like a Ferrari for a minor offence?
Yes, if the driver is uninsured or driving without a valid licence, the vehicle can be seized regardless of its value. The law applies equally to all vehicles.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in the UK?
Penalties include a fixed fine of £300 and six penalty points. If the case goes to court, fines can be unlimited, and the driver may face disqualification. Vehicle seizure is also common.