logo
Rare 1920 Rolls-Royce stolen from hotel car park

Rare 1920 Rolls-Royce stolen from hotel car park

BBC News20 hours ago

The owner of a 105-year-old Rolls-Royce said he was feeling "very low" after his treasured car was stolen shortly before he was due to set off on its latest European tour. The 1920 Silver Ghost was secured on a trailer at a hotel near Grays, Essex, on Wednesday night ahead of it being taken to Tilbury Docks and on to Helsinki, Finland. The car had vanished when Bryan Fitton went to check on it at 06:20 BST on Thursday."I'm obviously down; I'd had the car for more than 20 years and travelled all over Europe with it - it's part of the family," he said.
Fewer than 8,000 models of the Silver Ghost - named after its quietness - were manufactured by Rolls-Royce between 1907 and 1926.Mr Fitton, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, had bought the car at auction and had worked on it for years before touring it around Europe.For its latest jaunt it was to be among 26 pre-war Rolls Royces heading across Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Estonia as part of an annual event.Mr Fitton said the car had been parked within sight of two security cameras at Orsett Hall Hotel, where he had stayed overnight.Essex Police said it was investigating and urged anyone with information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage to get in contact.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Is 16 Old Enough to Race? Porsche Thinks So
Is 16 Old Enough to Race? Porsche Thinks So

Auto Blog

time17 minutes ago

  • Auto Blog

Is 16 Old Enough to Race? Porsche Thinks So

Just three weeks after turning sixteen, Porsche puts Elia Weiss behind the wheel of a purpose-built electric race car Three weeks after you turned sixteen, what were you doing? If you're like me, maybe you were trying to figure out something about a car. More likely, you were fantasizing about your favorite cars while playing Forza or Gran Turismo. What you probably weren't doing was driving an actual Porsche race car on an actual racetrack. But that's exactly what Italian kart and Formula 4 racer Elia Weiss will be doing. 0:08 / 0:09 Meet the ultimate Audi RS 6 Avant: Only 85 are coming to the U.S. Watch More Elia Weiss Weiss kart racing Weiss will be driving a 99X Electric in the upcoming Formula E rookie test. The single-seat car, specially designed for Formula E, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h quicker than an F1 car — around two seconds, the automaker says. The rookie test is a race featuring untested, usually younger, Formula E drivers, with the goal of both exposing newcomers to Formula E and gaining valuable experience. Stuttgart is making history by choosing Weiss as their driver, with the second-youngest driver in Formula E history being chosen last year by McLaren, at 17 years old. Considering that 16 is the minimum age allowed by the DMSB, this is an accolade Weiss will hold forever. For reference, the average age of a Formula E driver hovers around 31. Although Weiss may be young, he's got a fair bit of experience making things go quickly around a racetrack. Weiss won the German karting championship title just last year and conducts sim racing tests with OEMs like Audi, BMW, and Porsche. Further padding his resume is his upcoming participation in Italian Formula 4. The rookie says he has already practiced a bit with the Formula E car in a simulator. 'I was able to get to know the systems, felt right at home there, and got on really well with the engineers. Other than that, I'm preparing myself as best I can.' He goes on to drive home the importance of fitness and strength when piloting the rapidly accelerating Formula E cars. Porsche's decision has left critics a bit puzzled. What does Weiss offer? You aren't alone if you're wondering how Weiss got a gig like this. According to The Race, a few Porsche bigwigs noticed Weiss two years ago at the Karting World Cup finals. The publication raises some solid questions, though: most other Formula E rookie test programs are utilizing older drivers, and certainly racers with a few more competitions under their belts. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The answer, perhaps, is hidden in comments made by Florian Modlinger, Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E. 'The energy management [of Formula E cars] is complex, which means that the mental challenges in particular are incredibly tough in Formula E. This reduces the pool of potential drivers.' Thinking about regen and energy usage, according to Modlinger, isn't a skill every racer has. 'While he was a guest in our simulator, we were particularly impressed by how he interacted with the engineers,' he says of Weiss. He goes on to say that the 16-year-old 'comes across as a much more mature racing driver.' Final thoughts Experience is just one component of victory on the track. Especially in a budding motorsport like Formula E, there are other variables OEMs and teams need to account for when choosing drivers. All eyes will definitely be on Weiss come the July rookie test, especially with rival teams placing older and more experienced drivers in the same position. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile

The Spanish resort where Brits 'can't stop cheating' revealed as tourist hotspot is nicknamed 'marriage destroyer'
The Spanish resort where Brits 'can't stop cheating' revealed as tourist hotspot is nicknamed 'marriage destroyer'

Daily Mail​

time28 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

The Spanish resort where Brits 'can't stop cheating' revealed as tourist hotspot is nicknamed 'marriage destroyer'

According to new research, couples should be wary of one Spanish resort which has been dubbed the 'marriage killer' as people are more likely to cheat when they holiday there. A survey carried out by affairs website IllicitEncounters revealed this area is Magaluf. While the town has previously been known for its affordable pints and sun-soaked beaches, the recent research has labelled it the top destination for Brits looking to cheat. For the survey, more than 2,000 users of the site were polled, and asked where there were most likely to travel to if they wanted to be unfaithful. The answer that came top of the list was Magaluf. As a result, IllicitEncounters described the destination as the 'marriage destroyer' of Europe. Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters, said: 'Magaluf has been famed for its booze-fuelled breaks for decades, and its popularity with stag and hen-dos is another reason it is still considered a mecca for cheating. Leoni added why she believes the area makes people more likely to be unfaithful. She described the trinity of a sense of freedom, heat, and alcohol all combining to create a holiday romance (or something rather more tawdry). And it's not the case that all cheaters leave their infidelity in Magaluf. According to the majority of those polled (87 per cent) they kept in touch with their affair partner once returning home. When it comes to the cheating capital of the UK, some may be surprised to learn where it is. Last November, Cheltenham was crowned the UK's 'new adultery capital'. According to figures from the annual Infidelity Index data provided by the UK's 'leading affairs site', 6.98 per cent of the town's population reportedly had affairs last year. Not far behind Cheltenham, known for its posh surroundings and four-day horse racing festival, was Farnham, Surrey, with 5.99 per cent of people allegedly cheating on their partners. In third place was Motherwell, Lanarkshire (5.63 per cent), followed by Warwick (5.61 per cent) and Braintree in Essex (5.55 per cent). Elsewhere, 5.36 per cent of the population in Rhyl, Denbighshire were reportedly caught up in affairs, as were 5.35 per cent of people in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Towards the bottom of the list were Newbury, Berkshire (5.23 per cent), Frome, Somerset (5.18 per cent) and Wilmslow in Cheshire, (5.12 per cent). Commenting on the Infidelity Index results at the time, sex and relationships expert at Jessica Leoni said: 'While picturesque towns like Cheltenham may seem serene on the surface, data suggests that love lives here are anything but tranquil.' When it comes to the opposite end of the scale, Swindon has been dubbed the UK's 'most faithful town', with only 0.35 per cent reportedly cheating. Close behind are Bracknell, Berkshire (0.36 per cent), Dewsbury, West Yorkshire (0.39 per cent), Castlereagh in County Down (0.44 per cent) and Rotherham, South Yorkshire (0.58 per cent).

Live Austrian Grand Prix qualifying: Latest lap updates after Norris sets pace in practice
Live Austrian Grand Prix qualifying: Latest lap updates after Norris sets pace in practice

Telegraph

time41 minutes ago

  • Telegraph

Live Austrian Grand Prix qualifying: Latest lap updates after Norris sets pace in practice

2:17PM Top five in the drivers' standings Oscar Piastri (McLaren)- 198 points Lando Norris (McLaren)- 176 points Max Verstappen (Red Bull)- 155 points George Russell (Mercedes)- 136 points Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)- 104 points 2:12PM Wolff admits Mercedes in talks to sign Max Verstappen Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has reignited talk of Max Verstappen potentially joining his team by admitting that he is having 'conversations' with Red Bull's four-time world champion with regard to a future drive. Wolff's comments came after his driver, George Russell, strongly suggested that Mercedes' pursuit of Verstappen was delaying his own contract talks. Russell has repeatedly said that he is not concerned about signing an extension to his deal, which expires at the end of this season, given his current performance levels. The Briton, 27, is fourth in the drivers' championship, 19 points behind Verstappen in third. But by common consent Russell has extracted everything he possibly could out of his car. 2:06PM Top ten in final practice earlier Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:04.324 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.118 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.210 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.250 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.466 George Russell (Mercedes) +0.694 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.729 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +0.738 Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +0.815 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +0.858 2:01PM Who will take pole in Austria? We are in the picturesque Styrian Hills of Austria and are all set for qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix. It has been two weeks since the last race in Canada, won by Mercedes' George Russell, which saw the two McLarens collide, with Lando Norris crashing out and current drivers' championship leader Oscar Piastri finishing fourth. That result means Piastri heads into this weekend 22 points clear of Norris. McLaren, who lead by 175 points in the constructors' standings, have brought an upgraded front suspension to their car this weekend. Friday was a special day for Irishman Alex Dunne, who took part in first practice in Norris' McLaren and impressed finishing fourth, under a tenth off Piastri in the other McLaren. Dunne is currently leading the F2 Championship and did test McLaren's 2023 car in Texas last week in preparation for this run-out. Speaking after second practice yesterday, Norris, who topped the timesheets in both second and third practice, was full of praise for Dunne. 'The car felt good from the off. Alex gave good feedback this morning [yesterday] after FP1 and he was on the pace straight away, so it was good to see. I think they moved the car in the right direction for FP2, and we just need to understand whether we want more of that [on Saturday], or a little bit less, or somewhere in the middle. So good steps in the right direction, but still a little bit more to come hopefully. We have shown a bit more pace than some of the others. I certainly think they are going to catch up. Max is not far behind and they usually improve a lot into Saturday.' After topping second practice yesterday, Norris was also fastest in third practice earlier. Piastri was second, with Max Verstappen in third and Charles Leclerc fourth. McLaren are not the only team to bring upgrades to their car for this weekend; Red Bull have a new floor edge whilst Ferrari have a completely redesigned floor. Friday was a tough day for Lewis Hamilton, who had gearbox issues in practice one before impeding Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in second practice. The seven-time world champion did escape serious punishment, receiving just a warning for 'unnecessary impeding'. A lot of the talk going into the weekend surrounds the futures of Verstappen and George Russell. Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes, with their boss Toto Wolff confirming conversations are being had. The Dutchman is under contract at Red Bull until 2028 but it is believed to have break clauses which Verstappen could use. Verstappen and Russell have come to blows on a number of occasions on and off the track, including as recently as the Spanish Grand Prix where the two collided on track, but Wolff has said he would be happy to pair the two drivers together. Qualifying gets going at 3pm BST.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store