From Jalopnik · Chloe Clougher · · 40s
Jam Sandwich Police Cars Explained
British police cars got the nickname 'jam sandwich' from their 1970s design.
In brief
British police cars got the nickname 'jam sandwich' from their 1970s design. British police cars were called 'jam sandwiches' because their 1970s white-and-red designs resembled jam sandwiches. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Quick answers
- Why Jam Sandwich?
- Passing at speed, the cars looked like jam sandwiches with the dimensions of a Rover SD1.
- What is the key takeaway from Jam Sandwich Police Cars Explained?
- British police cars were called 'jam sandwiches' because their 1970s white-and-red designs resembled jam sandwiches.
Jam Sandwich Origin
British police cars were nicknamed 'jam sandwiches' after 1970s white-and-red designs.
Design Change
The 1970s police cars had white or silver bodies with fluorescent red stripes.
Why Jam Sandwich?

Passing at speed, the cars looked like jam sandwiches with the dimensions of a Rover SD1.
Design Replacement
The 'jam sandwich' name faded when police cars switched to yellow-and-blue Battenburg designs.
What it means
British police cars were called 'jam sandwiches' because their 1970s white-and-red designs resembled jam sandwiches.





