Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia Stradale thrills at Monza
Italy’s police-spec Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, one of only two ever delivered, took to the Monza circuit for a rare high-speed demonstration alongside other supercars.
The Italian State Police’s Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 made an unusual appearance at the Monza circuit, demonstrating its performance on track rather than the autostrada. The police-liveried supercar, one of only two Gallardo LP560-4s ever delivered to the Polizia Stradale, was filmed in November 2010 taking part in a session with other high-performance cars.
A rare sight: police supercar on track
The Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia Stradale is usually tasked with patrolling high-risk motorways and transporting organs for emergency transplants, thanks to its speed and a built-in refrigerated compartment. Its Monza outing, however, was strictly for show. The car, complete with blue-and-white police livery, roof lightbar and siren, was driven by a trained police officer, one of just 30 in Italy permitted to handle the Gallardo in official service.
On the famous circuit, the police Gallardo joined a group of other exotics, standing out with its flashing lights and official markings. In wet conditions, the all-wheel-drive system and 560hp 5.2-litre V10 allowed the car to perform controlled drifts and donuts, producing smoke and tyre marks usually reserved for racing cars. The session was brief but left a strong impression on spectators and fellow drivers alike.
Purpose-built for high-speed emergencies
Lamborghini originally donated two Gallardo LP560-4s to the Italian police in 2008, replacing earlier 2004 Gallardo models. The cars were equipped with specialist kit: a defibrillator, advanced communications, and a refrigerated unit in the front boot for transporting donor organs. The purpose was to provide rapid response capability for emergencies, particularly on Italy’s fastest roads.
The Monza demonstration car is now the only LP560-4 in police service after the second was written off in 2009 near Cremona. The crash occurred when a car pulled out from a petrol station, causing the police driver to swerve and collide with parked vehicles. Since then, the surviving Gallardo has become something of a symbol for the Polizia Stradale, making occasional appearances at events and on track rather than in regular motorway patrols.
Technical highlights of the police Gallardo
| Engine | 5.2-litre V10 |
|---|---|
| Power | 560hp |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Top speed | over 200mph (claimed) |
| Special equipment | Refrigerated organ transport, defibrillator, police lightbar |
The Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia Stradale remains one of the most distinctive police cars in Europe. Its Monza track session offered a rare chance to see the car’s full performance in a controlled environment, far from its usual emergency duties. For more on the fate of the other police Gallardo, seeItalian Police Lamborghini Gallardo Written Off After Crash
