Driver whose yellow Corsa ‘ruined tourists' photos’ finally admits defeat and buys grey car

A resident of a picturesque village has finally swapped his controversial bright yellow car for a grey one following an attack by vandals.

Peter Maddox, 84, has traded his yellow Vauxhall Corsa for a grey model to avoid being targeted again.

Visitors to Arlington Row in Bilbury, Gloucestershire, had complained that his previous car ruined their tourist photos.

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Last month, the car was attacked by vandals who smashed its windows and scratched the words, “Freddie Move” into the bonnet.

The car, which was three years old, had to be written off with £6,000 worth of damage.

Mr Maddox bought another Corsa, but this one is a more sedate grey to fit in with the surroundings of the village.

“Yellow is lovely but it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Daughter-in-law Marie Kraus said: “Peter was absolutely thrilled when we got the car.

“He likes having his own car and drove it straight home from the garage. I took a photo of him and he had a big smile and a firm grip on the key.

“Obviously, it is sad to lose the yellow one but he feels he does not want to antagonise anyone with a bright colour. He just wants to drive peacefully.

“He does like bright colours and he liked his bright yellow car but since he feels he was targeted because it was yellow, he doesn’t want to attract the same sort of attention.

“He feels it’s possible it would happen again.”

Although he was targeted by vandals, Mr Maddox has received support – and a Bright Yellow Car Convoy has been organised in his honour on April 1.

He will choose his favourite yellow car at the event and the money raised will go towards The Butterfly Garden, a Cheltenham charity he selected.