The Metropolitan Police confiscated more than £8 million worth of vehicles, including a Ferrari valued at £3.7 million, following a large supercar gathering in London. The operation, which took place between August 7 and August 9, resulted in the seizure of 90 luxury cars in the Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea areas.
This seizure marks a record for the Metropolitan Police. The operation involved 120 officers and focused on drivers without insurance and those engaging in anti-social or dangerous driving. Authorities believe many of the vehicles were brought into the UK for the event, with owners potentially lacking valid insurance for British roads.
Among the high-value vehicles impounded was a Ferrari Monza SP2, one of only 499 ever produced, with an estimated value of £3.7 million. The driver of this particular car was found to possess only a provisional license and had been driving the vehicle for just one hour before being stopped by police.
Other seized supercars included a Lamborghini Revuelto, a Rolls-Royce Wraith, and a Porsche 911 GT3.
Unrelated Arrests and Offences
During the operation, officers also made four arrests for unrelated offenses. One individual was apprehended for possessing 19 bank cards belonging to other people. Another man was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing after being stopped for driving without insurance, leading to the discovery of £5,500 in cash and suspected Class A, B, and C drugs.
Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation, stated that the police are responding to concerns from local residents about dangerous driving and nuisance vehicles. "Through operations like this we're arresting these drivers and seizing their cars so we can keep our roads safe and send a clear message that we won't put up with their reckless and dangerous behaviour," Tatman said.
The Metropolitan Police utilized the Motor Insurers' Bureau's Navigate database to identify uninsured drivers. Angus Eaton, CEO at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, commented that such operations underscore that legal rules apply to all drivers, regardless of vehicle value. He noted that while some offenders intentionally break the law, others might be caught due to genuine insurance errors.
Last year's similar operation by the Met Police resulted in the seizure of 72 vehicles, the recovery of two stolen cars, and eight arrests.
Following the seizure of the rare Ferrari, a Metropolitan Police officer was seen driving the vehicle through Mayfair, accompanied by a police escort. The Ferrari Monza SP2, originally sold for over $1 million, has seen its value increase significantly due to its rarity, with some selling for nearly $5 million (£3.7 million) this year. The car was reportedly impounded at a supercar meetup near Wellington Arch by Hyde Park Corner.