An ‘irreplaceable’ 100-year-old Rolls-Royce worth £300,000 has been miraculously recovered after being stolen during a brazen hotel heist in Essex.
The rare Silver Ghost – which has travelled across Europe and even survived World War II – was snatched in the early hours of June 26 from outside the Orsett Hall near Grays while its owner, 82-year-old Brian Fitton, was asleep inside.
The vintage car, which had been due to depart for a tour of Helsinki and the Baltic states, vanished along with its trailer, leaving the retired scrapyard owner’s ‘heartbroken’.
But in a remarkable twist, the treasured motor was discovered in a ramshackle shed thanks to a schoolboy’s eagle eye.
Mr Fitton, who had offered a £2,000 reward for the car’s safe return, shared his relief following its recovery.
The vehicle’s owner said: ‘It was thanks to the power of the press that the car has been recovered.
‘A schoolboy spotted it and told his father he had seen a lovely vintage car. His dad had seen the publicity around the theft and got in touch to help with the recovery.
The veteran vehicle enthusiast, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, added: ‘Essex Police went to the area it was spotted in and recovered it intact on the trailer from a dirty old shed.
The rare Silver Ghost – which has travelled across Europe and even survived World War II – was snatched in the early hours of June 26 from outside the Orsett Hall near Grays
In a remarkable twist, the treasured motor was discovered in a ramshackle shed thanks to a schoolboy’s eagle eye
Mr Brian Fitton, who had offered a £2,000 reward for his car’s safe return, shared his relief following its recovery
‘The vehicle has survived Hitler and World War Two, and now it has survived a trip to Essex.
‘I am delighted it has been recovered. I am hoping the reward is a small fortune for the young lad, and hope that shows him that doing the right thing in life pays off.
‘To have the vehicle stolen ahead of dropping it off at Tilbury Docks for the ferry to Helsinki was absolutely heartbreaking, but this is a happy ending.’
The century-old Silver Ghost, fitted with original parts and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament, was bought from a British Petroleum collection in Denmark through a Bonhams auction.
Mr Fitton spent years restoring its engine and has toured it around Europe, from Portugal to Poland and everywhere in between.
‘The car is full of irreplaceable parts, it’s an original and has even got the original Lady on the grill,’ he said.
‘The car has been all over the world and is an advert for British motors. It’s been everywhere and it was just appalling that it got stolen in Essex’.
Development of the Silver Ghost goes back to the start of the 20th century, before development was suspended during World War 1.
During the conflict, the chassis and engine were used for armoured cars – while a blue 1909 model known as Blue Mist was used by legendary officer Laurence of Arabia.
Development of the Silver Ghost goes back to the start of the 20th century, before development was suspended during World War 1
Mr Fitton says he is delighted to be reunited with his beloved Rolls – and he hopes its next stop will be Helsinki, as originally planned
A total of 7874 Silver Ghosts were produced between 1907 and 1926, with former owners of the luxury vehicle including American President Woodrow Wilson. It was named the ‘best car in the world’ by Autocar in 1907.
The theft – and joyful recovery – comes as Essex Police announced a drop in vehicle crime, with 573 fewer offences recorded in the country over the past year, representing a ten per cent decrease.
Shaun Kane, Essex Police’s Detective Superintendent, said: ‘Vehicle theft is not a victimless crime – it causes real distress to owners and disruption to their everyday lives and their businesses.
‘We’re proud to have made such significant progress in reducing this type of crime, and it will be welcomed by everyone in Essex.’
For now, Mr Fitton says he is delighted to be reunited with his beloved Rolls – and he hopes its next stop will be Helsinki, as originally planned.
