Classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s rolled into Harwich today to mark the centenary of one of Britain's most audacious April Fool's Day pranks — the tunnel that never was.
The vehicles gathered outside the Pier Hotel to commemorate the extraordinary events of April 1926, when a mysterious figure known only as W H Par sent invitations to national newspapers and motoring organisations announcing the grand opening of a road tunnel beneath the River Stour and River Orwell, linking Harwich with Felixstowe.
The story was published without verification, and more than 300 motorists made the journey to Harwich expecting to witness a historic moment — only to find no tunnel existed.
The elaborate hoax was rooted in genuine ambition.
It was inspired by Harwich councillor, engineer and entrepreneur John Elliott, who had championed plans during the 1920s to improve connectivity between Harwich and Felixstowe at a time of real economic hardship in the area.
To mark the centenary, a distinguished collection of Rolls-Royces — echoing the convoy of vehicles that arrived in 1926 — was welcomed by members of the Harwich Tourism Group, who were keen to highlight that the dream of better connections across the estuary is still very much alive.
Paul Milsom, chairman of the Harwich Tourism Group, said: "The 1926 hoax may have been a prank, but it was rooted in a very real ambition — John Elliott's vision to make a better future for Harwich and the surrounding area."
Anthony Kearsley from Autocouture, who supplied the classic cars, said seeing the vehicles arrive outside the Pier "really brought the history of this story back to life".
One hundred years on, investment in the area continues through the £737,000 Dovercourt High Street Accelerator Programme — a national scheme supporting high streets across England.
The second phase focuses on green spaces near Dovercourt Train Station, Mill Lane, Cliff Park and the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The tunnel may never have been built, but Elliott's spirit of ambition for Harwich lives on.
