The UAE is famous for its police cars, with everything from supercars to high-performance EVs wearing the distinctive livery. However, the country's relationship with exotic performance vehicles goes back much further than most people might realize. In fact, it all started with a 924 nearly half a century ago.

Porsche has now brought that historic sports car back to life through a comprehensive restoration carried out by Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Built in 1979, it was the first performance car to join the UAE Federal Police fleet and had a special assignment: escorting Queen Elizabeth II during her first royal visit to the newly formed country that year.

As you'd expect from a proper restoration, the team focused on bringing the sports car as close as possible to its original condition. Rather than taking the easy route by simply slapping on decals and calling it a day, the specialists used paint to recreate the original police lettering.

The restored Porsche will make its first public appearance at the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai on November 21-22. Afterward, it will find a permanent home at the Al Maqta Museum in Abu Dhabi.

Today's UAE police fleets are considerably more extravagant, with the 911 and even the electric Taycan among the models that have worn police colors. Still, it's worth remembering that the tradition began with a relatively modest 924. Not every police department needs a Lamborghini or Ferrari to make an impression, although even a Porsche 924 is hardly mundane.

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