Cops And Robbers

TV presenter and all-round car nut Ant Anstead takes the reader on a journey that mirrors the development of the motor car itself from a stuttering 20mph annoyance that scared everyone's horses to 150mph pursuits with aerial support and sophisticated electronic tracking. The British Police Force's relationship with the car started with the chasing of pioneer speeding motorists, who were often caught by policemen on bicycles. However, as speed restrictions eased in the early twentieth century and car ownership increased the Police embraced the car. Crime was becoming intrinsically linked to the car, criminals were stealing them to sell on or to use as getaway vehicles and the Police needed to stay ahead, or at least only one step behind. The arms race for speed, which culminated in the Police acquiring high-speed pursuit vehicles such as Subaru Impreza Turbos, had begun.

Ant Anstead spent the first seven years of his working life as a cop. Growing up watching The Professionals and other TV programmes initially fired his enthusiasm, partly because of the cars; who doesn't love a handbrake-turning Capri. However, Ant was a serious copper who succeeded in the force and joined the armed response team, one of the force's most elite units. Ant never lost his love of cars though, especially police cars.

In this fascinating new history of the British Police Car, Ant looks at the classic Police Cars, from the Met's Wolseleys to the motorway patrol car officers most loved, the Senator, via unusual unexpected police vehicles such as an Arial Atom. It's a must read for car enthusiasts, social historians and anyone who just loves a good car chase.

About the Author

Ant Anstead is best known for his day job as a television presenter and car builder and has been building bespoke cars since he was a kid. However, before embarking on a career as a car builder Ant was a Police Constable in Hertfordshire Constabulary. After two commendations for bravery, his career as one of the UK's youngest armed police officers came to an end when he was just 25. It is Ant's passion for cars and history as a member of the police family that has inspired this book.

Ant's introduction to TV came in 2014 when he co-hosted the hit Channel 4 series For The Love Of Cars alongside onscreen copper Philip Glenister. The series was a huge hit and returned in 2015 for a second series, and again in 2016 for a one-off special. In 2015 Ant hosted BBC2's pioneering live show Building Cars Live alongside James May and Kate Humble. In early 2017 Ant took over the reins of the world's most watched car restoration show Wheeler Dealers with Mike Brewer. He also hosted the 10-part Channel 4 show World's Most Expensive Cars.