On Monday 12 November Lee Clarke’s beloved classic car – an Austin A60 Suntor Caravanette dating back to 1971 was stolen much to his dismay and of course concern.
Mr Clarke, who lives in South Croydon, is a member of the Cambridge Oxford Owners Club. When he discovered that his pride and joy had disappeared he used the Internet to access appropriate forums asking other classic car enthusiasts to keep a look out for the car.
Mr Clarke had owned the vehicle for 27 years and after a week he must have thought that he would never see it again.
However, we were pleased to hear that, as a result of the watchful eyes of other people, the car turned up in Beckenham last Friday afternoon much to the delight of Mr Clarke.
Mr Clarke commented: “I am feeling a lot better than a week ago that is for sure. The police called me to say they had found it at Beckenham and I could collect it. I feel very lucky indeed that the damage wasn’t worse. “
He had said it had been a desperate week and he was thrilled to bits it was now safely back in his possession. Apparently Cambridge Oxford Owners Club used their website to circulate a description of it resulting in members in Bromley and Beckenham coming upon it as a result of which the police were informed.
Apparently this very rare classic car is one of only 21 still seen on roads in this country. Fortunately, the vehicle was not too badly damaged only requiring a new ignition and lock on the door. He did not feel it would be too expensive to put these things right and, in any event, was just so pleased to have it back home with him.
No doubt he will be keeping a watchful eye on it in the future.
