INVESTIGATIONS are underway after two stolen classic cars were all but destroyed following use in a banger race.

As reported, the owner of a 1965 Pontiac 65 Grand Prix – which had been stolen in June from Salisbury – received a message suggesting his beloved motor was at Matchams Park Stadium near Hurn.

This was ahead of the final ever car event at Ringwood Raceway on Sunday, August 7.

It soon transpired another recently stolen classic car was also used for the final banger race.

A 1985 Ford LTD Country Squire had been stolen from Andover between 9pm on Monday, June 13, and 6.30pm on Tuesday, June 14.

Both stolen cars had been stripped and painted light blue ahead of the raceway event.

Three neighbouring police forces have subsequently made enquiries into the thefts with investigations still ongoing.

Bournemouth Echo: Pontiac before and after the Ringwood banger race. Pictures: Fred Fieber & Dan ChapmanPontiac before and after the Ringwood banger race. Pictures: Fred Fieber & Dan Chapman

Dorset Police said: “We were called at 2.12pm on Sunday August 7 to reports that two classic cars that had been previously reported as stolen from Wiltshire and Hampshire were at Matchams Park Stadium.

“Officers attended and both vehicles were recovered. Our records say that the theft matters are being investigated by those forces.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Sometime between 9pm on Monday, 13 June and 6.30pm on Tuesday, 14 June, a grey Ford LTD Crown Victoria Squire station wagon, with wood look panels, was stolen from Floral Way in Andover.

“This was sighted at Matchams Park Stadium on Sunday, August 7.”

Wiltshire Police, meanwhile, added: “We are investigating a theft of a vehicle which occurred in St Martin’s Street. A Pontiac 2000 was stolen from a parking bay after offenders gained entry into the vehicle. The vehicle has since been recovered in the Dorset area.

“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220062274.”