News

Police are making final appeals to the owner of a classic car to come forward and save it from being scrapped.

This white 1969 Chevrolet Impala was found abandoned and sporting a few dents in rush-hour traffic in Sutton, Surrey, last month.

The vehicle, which police believe had been stolen and then abandoned, is quite rare in the UK, but efforts to trace the owner have proved fruitless.

PC Jamie Stone, of Sutton Police Station, said: "Unless we find the owner, this classic American muscle car faces being turned into soup cans, which breaks my heart a little."

He said the vehicle may have been kept in a lock-up and the owner may not yet be aware that it has been taken.

"This is the only opportunity we have to try and re-unite it with its owner before it gets destroyed," he added.

The car's plight has already struck a chord with classic car enthusiasts on social media keen to make sure it doesn't end up on the scrap heap.

The Met Police take into consideration the condition of the vehicle when it makes a decision about whether the vehicle is sent to auction for sale, breaking or scrap.

Vehicles that are in un-roadworthy condition may be auctioned for breaking purposes at an authorised treatment facility.

The owner has until 20 March to come forward when the mandatory retention period for the disposal of this abandoned vehicle - under the vehicle disposal regulation - is due to expire.

Anyone who is the owner, or knows the owner of this vehicle should contact Sutton Police on 101 quoting reference number 4001824/15.