British police cars have moved from stately Wolseley saloons with chrome bells on the bumper, through the blue and white panda cars of the 1960s and the white 'jam sandwich' Rovers of the 1970s and 80s, to the Battenburg-chequered BMW 5 Series estates that patrol motorways today. Each era tells you something about British cars, British roads and the way the country was policed at the time.

Here is a quick tour through the decades.

Why were Wolseleys the classic British police car?

From the 1930s through to the 1960s, Wolseley was the name most closely linked with British police cars. Models such as the Wolseley 6/80 and later 6/90 and 6/110 were solid, comfortable and reasonably quick, which suited officers who spent long shifts behind the wheel.

They also looked the part. Wolseleys carried a badge on the grille that lit up at night, so a Wolseley in your rear view mirror was hard to miss. Black paint was standard, along with a POLICE sign on the roof and, in many cases, a chrome bell mounted on the front.

What did police cars sound like before sirens?

They rang. Early patrol cars used a bell, operated by the officer in the passenger seat, to warn traffic. From the 1960s, forces began switching to two-tone horns, giving us the classic 'nee-naw' sound that many people still associate with British emergency vehicles. Electronic sirens with wailing and yelping tones came later.

Where did the name panda car come from?

In the mid-1960s, forces began moving officers off foot patrol and into small cars to cover more ground. This approach, known as unit beat policing, was trialled in Lancashire and quickly spread.

The cars were cheap and cheerful: Ford Anglias, Morris Minors, Austin and Morris Minis and Hillman Imps. Many were painted in two tones, often pale blue with white doors or panels, or black and white. That patchwork look reminded people of a giant panda, and the name stuck. Even now, a basic patrol car is often called a panda.

What were the fastest police cars of the 1960s and 70s?

Traffic officers needed more speed than a Mini could offer. The Jaguar Mk2 became a favourite, thanks to its powerful straight six engine. Ford's Zephyr and Zodiac were also common, and the Zephyr became famous through the BBC drama Z Cars, which began in 1962.

Rover's P6 3500, with its V8 engine, and the Triumph 2.5 PI also served many forces. When the Range Rover arrived in 1970, motorway units soon spotted its potential. It could carry cones, signs and equipment, tow broken-down vehicles and cope with muddy verges, and it stayed in police service for decades.

Why were police cars called jam sandwiches?

From the 1970s, many forces moved to white cars with a bold red or orange stripe along the side. From a distance they looked like a slice of white bread with jam through the middle, so the nickname 'jam sandwich' was born. It was simple, cheap to apply and highly visible.

The car most closely linked with this look is the Rover SD1, launched in 1976. Its V8 version became a classic traffic car, and many people who grew up in the 1980s picture an SD1 when they think of a police car.

Which police cars ruled the 1980s and 1990s?

The Ford Granada and the Ford Sierra both served in large numbers, and some forces ran the rapid Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth for high speed work. Vauxhall's big Senator saloon became a common traffic car in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The 1990s also brought the Volvo 850 T-5 estate. A fast Swedish estate car was an unusual sight in police livery, but its space for equipment and strong turbocharged engine made it popular. Smaller hatchbacks such as the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra took over everyday panda duties.

When did Battenburg markings arrive?

In the 1990s, research into vehicle visibility led to a new design of bold yellow and blue blocks, named after the chequered Battenberg cake. Battenburg markings were rolled out widely across UK forces from the early 2000s and are now standard on police cars, as well as on ambulances and other emergency vehicles in their own colours.

How did the BMW 5 Series become the modern traffic car?

By the 2000s, many forces had turned to German estates for motorway and traffic work. The BMW 5 Series Touring, often with a strong diesel engine, combined high speed, long range and plenty of room for kit. It became one of the most recognisable police cars on British roads, alongside the Volvo V70 and Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus response cars. Today, forces are also testing hybrid and electric models, so the next chapter may be a quiet one.

What happens to police cars when they retire?

Once they reach the end of their service, police cars are stripped of livery and equipment. Many are sold on, while worn-out ones end their days at the scrapyard, just like any other car. If your own old motor is ready for retirement, you can scrap your car with Motorwise and get an instant quote with free collection. Our guide on how to scrap my car explains every step.

Frequently asked questions

What was the classic British police car of the 1950s?

The Wolseley is the car most associated with British policing in the 1950s. Black Wolseley saloons with an illuminated grille badge and a front bell were a familiar sight.

Why are police cars called panda cars?

The name comes from the two-tone paint schemes used on small patrol cars in the 1960s, often blue and white or black and white. The patchwork colours reminded people of a giant panda.

What is Battenburg livery?

Battenburg livery is the pattern of bold blue and yellow blocks used on UK police cars. It is named after the chequered Battenberg cake and was designed to make emergency vehicles easy to see.