'Irreplaceable’ 100-year-old Rolls-Royce found after being stolen in Orsett
The car was valued at over £300,000.
Last updated 8th Jul 2025
A 100-year-old Rolls Royce Silver Ghost that was stolen in Orsett last month, has been found following a three-day investigation.
The car, valued at over £300,000, was reported to police to be in a yard in the Tilbury area on Sunday 29 June.
The Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Team headed to the location, armed with a warrant, and found the vintage vehicle inside an outbuilding. There was no mistaking the silver body shape with its distinctive black wings that was now covered in a tarpaulin.
Officers found the vehicle intact with its original features sitting on top of the trailer that was also stolen from Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, in the early hours of Thursday 26 June.
Cheshire Rolls Royce enthusiast, Mr Brian Fitton, 82, spoke about the recovery of his “pride and joy”, a car that he’s travelled the world in for the past 25 years.
"I was staying at a local hotel and was shocked to find my beautiful car missing the following morning.
I was taking my vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost to Helsinki for a European tour.
The route included touring Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Estonia before returning to the UK at the end of the month."
Mr Fitton thanked everyone who helped find his irreplaceable Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, adding:
The support received from the public was unbelievable.
Sergeant Curtis Price, Thurrock NPT said:
"Thanks to our swift response, we were able to locate and recover the stolen vehicle safely.
It’s always a positive outcome when we can return property to its rightful owner and prevent further criminal use."
"Our focus now is to continue our investigation and to secure all evidence that will help us find out who was responsible for stealing this irreplaceable car.
We’d encourage anyone who spots suspicious activity to report it immediately—it makes a real difference."
Thurrock's District Commander Tony Atkin added:
"We know how distressing it is to have your car stolen whether it’s a vintage car, a van used for business or a car to do the school run.
That’s why we take every report seriously and work hard to recover stolen vehicles quickly."
"We investigate all reports of stolen cars because vehicle theft is often the beginning of other more serious crimes. Every stolen car we recover is one less tool for criminals and by catching those responsible, we disrupt wider criminal activity.
Our investigations help prevent future crimes and send a clear message that vehicle theft won’t be tolerated.
It’s about restoring trust and keeping our neighbourhoods and streets safe."