The Legendary Dutch Police Porsche 356 Returns to the Spotlight
Heritage Reborn- Every once in a while, a car resurfaces from history that reminds us how vehicles can be more than just machines — they can be living pieces of a nation’s story. One such legend comes from the flat, scenic highways of the Netherlands, where the roar of a German sports car once echoed in the name of law and order. It’s not your everyday police cruiser — it’s a Porsche 356 Cabriolet, a rare relic that once patrolled Dutch roads with grace, speed, and unmistakable flair.
Porsche 356 Cabriolet as Rijkspolitie patrol car in its heyday. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
Back in the early 1960s, the Netherlands had a problem. With few speed limits on the roads, drivers often pushed their luck, and the result was a surge of tragic accidents. In an effort to restore safety, the Dutch police — known as the Rijkspolitie — decided to look abroad for inspiration. Their neighbors in Germany had already discovered an effective solution: since 1956, German highway patrols had been using Porsche cars to chase down reckless speeders. If it worked for them, why not give it a try?
The Dutch followed the same path, quite literally. They ordered twelvePorsche 356 Cabriolets — elegant, open-top sports cars built in Stuttgart — to patrol more than 500 kilometers of Dutch highways. The cars weren’t just fast; they were agile, reliable, and surprisingly durable. These white convertibles, marked with the official Rijkspolitie insignia, became an unmistakable sight along the highways, turning heads while enforcing the law.
For four years, the Porsche 356 Cabriolet served with distinction. Each one clocked up to 190,000 kilometers — a remarkable feat for a car originally designed for performance rather than police work. But despite the demanding duty, these cars remained in pristine mechanical condition. The open-roof design wasn’t just for style; it allowed officers to communicate easily with drivers and control traffic on the spot. It was functionality wrapped in elegance — a rare balance of speed, safety, and sophistication.
Dashboard and interior view of Rijkspolitie's Porsche 356 Cabriolet.(Picture from: Jalopnik)
Eventually, time caught up with the fleet. The Porsches were retired, and as they transitioned from state service to civilian life, the police stripped them of all official equipment. The sirens, stop signs, radio antennas, loudspeakers — everything that identified them as police vehicles — was carefully removed. What remained were pure Porsche classics, ready to live a new chapter as collector’s gems.
Among the original twelve cars, only one has survived in exceptional condition. This particular Porsche 356 Cabriolet, once a proud member of the Dutch highway patrol, resurfaced years later and was offered for auction in London by Bonhams in 2014. Experts valued it between $110,000 and $160,000 — a testament not only to its rarity but to the story it carried within its frame.
Rear three quarter of Rijkspolitie's Porsche 356 Cabriolet.(Picture from: Jalopnik)
Today, that very car stands as a reminder of an era when speed met service, and design met duty. It’s a piece of history that embodies both the innovation of Porsche and the forward-thinking spirit of the Dutch police. Beyond its gleaming chrome and timeless silhouette, it represents a moment when nations collaborated to make roads safer — with the help of one extraordinary machine.
Decades may have passed, but the legend of the Rijkspolitie Porsche 356 continues to capture hearts. It’s more than a collector’s dream; it’s a symbol of how elegance and efficiency once joined forces to keep the highways safe. Somewhere, you can almost imagine it again — a white blur on an open Dutch road, engine humming, chasing not just speeders, but the thrill of history itself. ***[EKA [13102014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | BOLDRIDE]
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The Legendary Dutch Police Porsche 356 Returns to the Spotlight
Back in the early 1960s, the Netherlands had a problem. With few speed limits on the roads, drivers often pushed their luck, and the result was a surge of tragic accidents. In an effort to restore safety, the Dutch police — known as the Rijkspolitie — decided to look abroad for inspiration. Their neighbors in Germany had already discovered an effective solution: since 1956, German highway patrols had been using Porsche cars to chase down reckless speeders. If it worked for them, why not give it a try?
Back in the early 1960s, the Netherlands had a problem. With few speed limits on the roads, drivers often pushed their luck, and the result was a surge of tragic accidents. In an effort to restore safety, the Dutch police — known as the Rijkspolitie — decided to look abroad for inspiration. Their neighbors in Germany had already discovered an effective solution: since 1956, German highway patrols had been using Porsche cars to chase down reckless speeders. If it worked for them, why not give it a try?
Decades may have passed, but the legend of the Rijkspolitie Porsche 356 continues to capture hearts. It’s more than a collector’s dream; it’s a symbol of how elegance and efficiency once joined forces to keep the highways safe. Somewhere, you can almost imagine it again — a white blur on an open Dutch road, engine humming, chasing not just speeders, but the thrill of history itself. *** [EKA [13102014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | BOLDRIDE]
