THE owner of a classic car that was stolen during an exhibition show has described it as “like losing a close friend”.

Retired bank manager Andy Dimbleby, from Chelmsford, returned to where he had parked his green Truimph TR5 at Battlesbridge Antiques, in Maltings Road, on Sunday, only to find it missing, along with another valuable car.

Mr Dimbleby, 57, said: “It had been parked in the public car park for a couple of hours and my wife and I returned to get our lunch. My wife said ‘it is gone’, but I just didn’t believe it.”

The car is worth around £25,000 and is one of only 1,108 to be made in 1968. Its registration number is MOE 954F.

Mr Dimbleby said: “I think the thieves knew what they were after and it is hidden away somewhere.

“It is not the kind of car you drive about every day – it is for high days and holidays.”

Mr Dimbleby said he has a real passion for the car which he has owned for six years.

He said: “I have shown it around the county. I am the local leader of the Essex Group of the TR Register. We regularly have a stand at the September show at Battlesbridge, but popped in at the May show on our way back from a group day out at Tilbury Fort.”

Also stolen was a 1969 Rover 9XD owned by a man from Canvey.

Donna Veasey, spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “Police want anyone who saw anything or anyone acting suspiciously at the car show to contact them.

“They are also appealing for anyone who is offered one of these vehicles for sale, or anyone who sees these vehicles for sale to contact them.”

Witnesses to the thefts, which happened between 10am and 3pm or anyone who knows the whereabouts of the cars can contact police on 0300 3334444.