An 80-year-old vintage car enthusiast killed in a crash on the M23 has been identified as Canadian oil millionaire Ron Carey. He was driving a 1903 Knox Runabout, known as 'Old Porcupine', which had a top speed of 35mph, when he took a wrong turn off the official A23 route during the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
The collision with a heavy goods vehicle near junction 7 in Hooley threw Carey and his wife Billi into the air, witnesses said. Carey died at the scene, while Billi suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The lorry driver was treated for minor injuries and no arrests have been made.
Carey, from Calgary, Alberta, founded J&L Supply in 1973 and built a successful oil business. He owned a classic car collection valued at £3.8 million and contributed to two vintage car museums. Friend Rick Pikulski described the death as 'gut-wrenching', noting that Carey had taken part in the rally in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Witness Jocelyn Gregory criticised the organisers for poor signage and a lack of stewards, saying the wrong turn was an easy mistake. A spokesman for the Veteran Car Run confirmed the car had left the route and said they were supporting the family and working with police.
The incident comes two years after David Corry, 68, died in the same rally when his 1902 Benz was involved in a four-car crash.
