84-YEAR-OLD Peter Maddox, the owner of a much-loved yellow car vandalised last month allegedly for destroying a picturesque view in Bibury, has bought a new neutral-coloured car.

Peter’s bright yellow Vauxhall Corsa caused a social media storm in 2015 after photographers and tourists said it spoiled their photos of Arlington Row in Bibury.

On the morning of Monday, January 23, Peter found his car vandalised with the windows smashed and the words ‘Freddie Move’ scratched into the bonnet.

The three-year-old car, which sustained damage valued at £6,000, was written off.

On Tuesday, February 14, however, the retired dentist returned home with a brand new grey Vauxhall Corsa.

He said: “Yellow is lovely but it doesn’t matter.”

He added that he would continue parking at his usual spot in Arlington Row.

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.

“Vauxhall were able to get him a new car very quickly. 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.”

Speaking of Peter’s previous fancy for a lime green car, she said: “It was a bit frivolous, it was a family joke.

“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.”

Since the story of Peter’s vandalised car, yellow car owners and people from around the country have shown their support for the 84-year-old.

A Bright Yellow Car Convoy has been organised to travel to Bibury on April 1.

Peter will be attending on the day as a passenger and will also be choosing his favourite yellow car.

Money raised from the event will go towards The Butterfly Garden, a Cheltenham charity chosen by Peter and his family.