‘Overwhelmed by their warmth’
Classic community rallies round to help owner of vandalised Morris
More than 4000 classic enthusiasts worldwide have offered support to the owner of a 1958 Morris Oxford Series 3 after vandals damaged it on 12 June.
Joe Foxwell’s car was targeted outside his home in Worthing, West Sussex, just three weeks after he bought it. They hurled bricks at the car, breaking its windows and damaging the seats and instrument panel.
Joe said: ‘I was in bed at around 11.30pm when my son woke me and said that people had been throwing things at the car.
‘I can only wonder why someone would do so something like this. The Oxford is hardly a high-end classic. I bought it because I had an Oxford when I was 18 and always loved them. I decided I wanted another one – a car I could use regularly and love driving.
‘I worked hard to raise the money to buy the car, then this happens.’
Joe said that the police said there was nothing they could do because the culprits wore hoodies, so he put news of the incident on Facebook, with incredible results.
He said: ‘I’ve had something like 4100 responses, which is incredible. I’ve had people get in touch from literally all over the world, from Australia to Estonia. Not only has it restored my faith in human nature, it shows what a good community we have in the classic movement. I am overwhelmed by their warmth.’
Among the respondents was Wayne Prichard of Pritchard Motor Services, in Birkenhead. He said: ‘I was very sad to hear about what happened. I have a Morris Oxford and had a spare door. It was no problem to remove the glass and send it down to Joe.’
The 6/80 & MO Oxford & Cowley Club, which caters for the cars, has also pledged its support. Club chairman Neville Holmes, said: ‘If he needs any help, we’ll help.’
Joe is still looking for a red front bench seat for his Oxford; if you can help, let him know via email.