Not many people realize that highly-modified, custom-made automobiles and motorbikes can actually be against the law if they push the limit too far. That's right, from modified engines to monster-like suspension to excessively loud exhaust systems, customization projects can easily end up with your car seized or even worse, destroyed. Even more surprisingly, every country has different rules with regards to the specifications of cars and motorbikes that are allowed on their streets and therefore, it can be difficult to understand what you can and can't do to a car or motorcycle.
So when does a vehicle become against the law? A modification can be classed as any kind of change or improvement with regards to the exterior or interior of a car or motorbike. The reason for a customization is typically to enhance the vehicle in some way, which in most cases go against the original manufacturer's intent, or against the specifications which years of research and development have put in place.
Vehicle owners and engineers are mostly interested in increasing performance, but without a doubt, aesthetics certainly plays a part. For instance, tinted windows are extremely popular at the moment but are also not legal in a number of countries across the world. Furthermore, neon lights and loud or robust sound systems are also in high demand, but again are against the law in several countries all around the globe.
So, let's take a look at some of the most intense and interesting cars that have been deemed that little bit "too much" over the years. Here are 20 pictures of cars that were seized.
Ferarri Enzo
[caption id="attachment_134660" align="alignnone" width="1636"] via gtspirit[/caption] The Enzo Ferrari is a 12-cylinder, mid-engined sports car named after the famed founder of the legendary carmaker, Enzo Ferrari. The car was originally released in 2002 and was mostly known for its use of Formula One technology such as a carbon-fiber body and flashy disc brakes. The Enzo is one of the most expensive cars on the market and therefore, it is no surprise to see that owners of such beauties belong to the rich and famous. However, the car is also a favorite of those who don't play by the rules, with London crime kingpin Alexander Surin also a proud owner. Unfortunately for him, the car was seized along with most of his assets in 2009.Porsche 911
[caption id="attachment_134661" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via datsunzcarforum[/caption] The Porsche 911 is probably one of the most famous cars to have come out of the Porsche factory and has been in production since 1963. The car is purely classic German engineering with a rear-mounted, six-cylinder boxer engine. In 1999, the 911 came fifth in a poll that determined the "Car of the Century" so it obviously a well-known and respected vehicle. Over the years, the car has been popular within the modification world and has been transformed into a number of interesting and crazy designs. In fact, the vehicle was once stopped during a routine traffic stop which then turned into a narcotics bust and a prison sentence for the unlucky owner. The car was then transformed into a police car with the words "Seized, 911 Never Forget" sprayed onto the wing.Rolls-Royce Ghost
[caption id="attachment_134662" align="alignnone" width="1200"] via theboltonnews[/caption] The Rolls-Royce Ghost was originally designed to be a much smaller version and more "realistic" version of the successful Rolls-Royce Phantom. In 2016, police in Bolton, UK, happened upon a black and white Rolls-Royce Ghost which was seen driving aggressively along the road. The vehicle was immediately pulled over, resulting in the driver being arrested and removed from the car. The car was then seized after the police found that the driver had zero identification and zero insurance. It was later revealed that the vehicle was worth a whopping $265,000 dollars, which makes it quite risky to gamble on safely piloting it home on crowded city streets.Ferrari 275 GTB
[caption id="attachment_134663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] via rmsotheby[/caption]The Ferrari 275 is a V12-powered, two-seater coupé and was produced by Ferrari between 1964 and 1968. The car has won numerous awards over the last few decades and is regarded as a favorite among car enthusiasts.
In fact, the car was once described as "the most satisfying sports car in the world" and was also named the third greatest Ferrari of all time by Motor Trend Classic.
In 2016, Sotheby's staged one of the most valuable auctions of all time when a number of cars from an Italian criminal's collection were seized. The Ferrari 275 GTB was amongst the collection and sold for a whopping $3,655,120.
Corvette Z06
[caption id="attachment_134664" align="alignnone" width="2048"] via autoevolution[/caption] In 2015, the New Braunfels Police Department in Texas, USA, showcased the newest member of their already quite flashy fleet. The car was a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 which had been seized from a trafficker with ties to the Mexican cartels. Not one to miss an opportunity, the police department decided to make use of the impounded vehicle and quickly transformed the Z06 into a fully working police car. Unlike most police vehicles, the Z06 is able to reach top speeds of more than 190mph. However, those at the New Braunfels Police Department won't be able to use it to quite such as an extent due to laws and regulations surrounding police cars.2009 Ferrari California
[caption id="attachment_138300" align="alignnone" width="2480"] Via Driving[/caption] The Ferrari California is a grand touring sports car produced by the legendary car manufacturer Ferrari. The car is popular among can fans across the world and is also a firm favorite with those who like to customize and modify their vehicles. In fact, Ferrari has been extremely open to those who want a customized Ferrari California and has worked with a number of VIP clients with regards to customizing their models. However, although it might be a supercar, that doesn't mean that it should be driven at top speeds at all times. One particular driver found this out the hard way when his Ferrari California was seized by police after he was caught speeding on a country road.Audi R8
[caption id="attachment_134666" align="alignnone" width="1919"] via motor1[/caption] The Audi R8 is a mid-engined, two-seater sports car and was first released in 2006. Interestingly, the car shares many mechanical components with the Lamborghini Gallardo, as well as the later Lamborghini Huracán. In 2017, one unwise driver was pulled over for driving dangerously on a public road in their brand new Audi R8. The driver was promptly arrested and the car seized under charges of Careless and Inconsiderate Driving, which can cause alarm or distress to members of the public. It was later found that the driver had been busted a few weeks earlier for exactly the same thing. Turns out, no matter what car they can afford, some people just never learn.2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
[caption id="attachment_134667" align="alignnone" width="1920"] via motor1[/caption] The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is one of the hottest Ferraris on the market and is popular with Ferrari enthusiasts around the world. In fact, the car magazine Top Gear named the 599 GTB the "Supercar of the Year" in 2006 and have praised it steadily ever since. In 2009, a London street thug was arrested for numerous wrongdoings in the country and found much of his assets immediately seized. Amongst these assets was a slick collection of cars which also included a trio of expensive Ferraris. A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was one of them and was promptly sold at auction not long after the arrest.1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
[caption id="attachment_134668" align="alignnone" width="2304"] via bestforddesign2018[/caption] The Ford Mustang has undergone a number of generations since its original inception in 1964 and has remained one of the most popular cars to come out of Detroit ever since. Older models of the car have also become somewhat collectible and often pop up among serious hardcore car collectors. In 2014, the ex-president of New Jersey’s Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services (BLS), David Nicoll, had his car collection seized after pleading guilty to bribery. The collection included a gold-coated Lamborghini, a diamond-encrusted Rolls-Royce, a few Ferraris, and a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429, the latter of which later sold at auction for a whopping $265,000.Customized Cobra
[caption id="attachment_134670" align="alignnone" width="2000"] via driven[/caption] The AC Cobra, otherwise known as the Shelby Cobra, is an Anglo-American sports car with a Ford V8 engine. The car was produced both in the USA and the UK and was first released in 1962. The Cobra has undergone a number of changes since its release and is now regarded as a firm favorite among car fans and classic car lovers. In 2018, a Cobra, as well as several other items, was seized in connection with narcotics trafficking and smugglers. The seizure also included firearms, jet skis, boats, motorbikes, a Ford 100 pickup, and a Ford F-150. Much of the haul was later either sold or demolished.Maserati MC12
[caption id="attachment_136297" align="alignnone" width="1920"] via motor1.com[/caption] The Maserati MC12 was a limited-edition, two-seater sports car produced by the Italian car giants, Maserati. The car was released in 2005 with just 50 vehicles available to the general public. In 2011, the playboy son of an African dictator had nearly $10 million dollars in supercars seized from outside his home. The collection was extensive, to say the least, and included two Bugatti Veyrons, a Ferrari 599 GTO, an Aston Martin V8 60o LM, a Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Ferrari Enzo, numerous Bentleys and the star of the show, the Maserati MC12.Orange Lamborghini Aventador
[caption id="attachment_134672" align="alignnone" width="1200"] via gazette[/caption]The Lamborghini Aventador is a mid-engined sports car manufactured by Italian car legends, Lamborghini. The car was received well and has often been labeled as the "best Lamborghini of all time" as well as the "best supercar in the world." In fact, famed car television show, Top Gear, picked the Aventador as their "Supercar of the Year" in 2011 and have often declared it as one of the best supercars of all time. In 2013, one unlucky owner had their stunning orange Aventador towed away due to a police crackdown on uninsured vehicles. That's got to hurt.
1 Gold Maserati GranCabrio
2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR
[caption id="attachment_134675" align="alignnone" width="1400"] via carscoops[/caption] The Ducati Desmosedici RR is a limited-edition, road-legal version of the Desmosedici MotoGP racing motorcycle. The bike was so limited that owners of the Ducati 999R were given priority in ordering first, with just one bike manufactured per day. Overall, the cost was a whopping $72,500 dollars, however, they were the first production bikes to use magnesium wheels. In 2010, one particular owner was caught short after it was revealed that they were driving around town without any insurance. The police were on hot on their tail and arrested the motorcyclist and seized their ridiculously expensive motorbike.Customized Lamborghini Aventador
[caption id="attachment_134735" align="alignnone" width="1886"] via youtube[/caption]Everybody loves a Lamborghini, and what could be better than a customized Tron-lookalike Lamborghini Aventador? But this "glow-in-the-dark" supercar was found on the side of the road in London, UK, and was said to be worth a whopping £350,000 ($460,000).
However, the police were soon called it was revealed that the driver of the machine did not have the correct insurance, so the car was then impounded and taken away.
The car has reportedly been missing part of the front number plate which was what alerted police in the first police. Furthermore, the driver was said to be using the wrong driving license which was not valid in the UK. Come on guys, at least try to get it right!