A CLASSIC car enthusiast has been left distraught after thieves stole his pride and joy just hours after the UK's largest classic car gathering.
Matt Wright, editor of Practical Classics magazine, had been to the Beaulieu Autojumble on Saturday and had gone on to Ringwood for dinner.
Thieves broke into his bronze 1973 Ford Granada Mk 1, made famous in the 1970s' TV show The Sweeney, and made off with the £4,500 motor.
Matt, from Ringwood, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. I'd put in quite a lot of work on the car, and really enjoyed driving it."
The car was taken sometime between 9pm and 10.30pm after it had been left locked and parked outside the Ringwood Conservative Club in Christchurch Road.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ringwood police on 0845 045 4545.
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