Coveted car award goes to Colchester's classic Rover owner

Frank Butler recently collected the Masters of the Marque award for his rare 1953 Rover P4 Pininfarina Drophead.

Mr Butler has owned the car for more than 25 years. 

Designed by Battista Pininfarina, the car was declared as ‘The one we would most like to steal for Great British Car Journey collection’.

The prestigious award was received at the Rovers Return event held at Derbyshire’s Great British Car Journey museum.

The event, honouring 120 years of Rover car production, was attended by more than 200 classic Rover owners from across the UK.

Rover cars were manufactured in the UK from 1904 to 2005, becoming the nation’s largest car manufacturer before going bust.

The Masters of the Marque awards are sponsored by Wera Tools UK and organised by the classic car museum.

They recognise individuals who cherish their classic cars.

Museum founder Richard Usher said: "The awards follow the slightly quirky nature of the museum.

"I wanted to give classic car owners an incentive to visit us when we promote days celebrating specific British cars and I am delighted that Wera, who make a massive range of top-class tools, have decided to support the awards."

The top winner at each event earns a year’s membership of the Great British Car Club, an engraved glass trophy, and a variety of Wera tools.

Every participant receives a commemorative plaque, and the £10 entry fee per car gives the driver complimentary access to the museum and its facilities.

Future Masters of the Marque events are planned until the end of the year at Great British Car Journey.

Fleet enthusiasts can register for events and purchase discounted advance tickets at the museum’s website.

The next event titled 'A Fiesta of Fords' will be held on June 2, following by 'Morris Minor Day' on June 9.

Other upcoming events include 'Reliant Regatta' on June 23, 'MG Summer Festival' on July 14, and 'Show Your Rootes' on August 18.