Beverly Hills Police Ferrari FF is a Rental Agency Stunt
A Ferrari FF in police livery appeared in Beverly Hills, but the car was supplied by a rental company as a publicity stunt, not for real law enforcement use.
In late 2012, a Ferrari FF dressed in Beverly Hills police colours attracted considerable attention on the streets of California. Despite appearances, the car was not a genuine addition to the Beverly Hills Police Department’s operational fleet. Instead, it was provided by Black & White, a local luxury car rental agency, as part of a publicity campaign. The car’s striking two-tone black and white paintwork and aftermarket Forgiato wheels were designed to mimic the look of a typical Beverly Hills patrol vehicle, but its purpose was promotional rather than practical.
Ferrari FF in Beverly Hills Police Livery
Origins: A Publicity Stunt, Not a Patrol Car
The Ferrari FF’s appearance in police livery was orchestrated entirely by Black & White, the rental agency. The car remained mechanically unchanged, with no police equipment or modifications beyond the cosmetic transformation. The intention was to generate publicity, attract attention on social media, and create a memorable spectacle, rather than to enhance the capabilities of the local police force. The Beverly Hills Police Department did not receive or operate the Ferrari FF, and it was never entered into active service. Instead, the car was displayed at events and occasionally seen on the street, always as a promotional vehicle belonging to the rental agency.
Comparisons with Other Police Supercars
The use of high-end supercars in police liveries is not unique to Beverly Hills. For example, Italian law enforcement has operated a Lamborghini Gallardo for ceremonial and high-profile roles. Unlike the Beverly Hills Ferrari, the Gallardo was actually used by the police for official duties, including high-speed medical transport and public relations events. In contrast, the Ferrari FF in California was never intended for any police function and served only as a marketing tool for the rental company.
Ferrari FF: Technical Overview
The Ferrari FF, which stands for “Ferrari Four” due to its four seats and four-wheel drive, was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. It marked Ferrari’s first production model to feature all-wheel drive, combining grand touring comfort with supercar performance. The FF is powered by a 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 651 horsepower and 683 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Ferrari claimed a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph), and the car could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest four-seater at the time of its launch.
| Engine | 6.3-litre V12 |
|---|---|
| Power | 651 hp |
| Torque | 683 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 335 km/h (208 mph) |
Ownership and Use
Despite the authentic-looking livery, the Ferrari FF was never part of the official Beverly Hills police fleet. It remained the property of Black & White, the Californian rental agency that commissioned the transformation. The car’s appearances were limited to promotional events, static displays, and staged photo opportunities. At no point was it used for patrols, pursuits, or any form of law enforcement activity. The Beverly Hills Police Department did not have operational control or ownership of the vehicle.
Impact and Public Reaction
The sight of a Ferrari FF in police livery inevitably generated headlines and widespread attention both locally and online. Many observers initially believed the car might be a genuine police vehicle, but it quickly became clear that its role was purely promotional. The stunt succeeded in drawing significant interest to the Black & White rental agency, sparking conversations about the use of luxury cars for marketing purposes and the occasional blurring of lines between official and promotional vehicles.
Summary
The Ferrari FF that appeared in Beverly Hills police colours in 2012 was never intended for real police work. Supplied by a rental agency as a marketing exercise, it retained its standard mechanicals and was used solely for publicity. The Beverly Hills Police Department did not operate or own the car, and it was never seen in active law enforcement roles. The episode highlights both the appeal of supercars in popular culture and the creative lengths to which companies will go in pursuit of attention.
