LONDON - J K Rowling has a new mystery to contend with. The Ford Anglia that was used in the famous Harry Potter films has been stolen from a studio lot, the police confirmed on Friday.
“For those who have not seen the Harry Potter films, this is the car that flies in the movies and is very well known,” a police spokesman for Devon and Cornwall told reporters. The blue Ford Anglia bearing the registration number 7990 TD was last seen parked under a tarpaulin at South West Film Studios in St Agnes, Cornwall, where it was to be exhibited.
Police believe that the car was stolen either on Wednesday or Thursday. They also speculate that since the car was not in good shape, it was unlikely to have been driven away from the scene, "It was not in good condition and could not have been driven away under its own steam.
The thieves may not have known its connection with the films, and just thought it was a classic car, or it may have been a Harry Potter freak," the police spokesman said adding that the vehicle might have been towed away or full-lifted from the area.
The Anglia was seen to help Harry in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and his friend Ron flew in the car to Hogwarts after they missed the magic train from King's Cross.
The 1962 Ford Anglia could fetch up to £20,000 according to Ted Owen, of Cooperowen, the largest film and rock music auctioneers across the globe, "A Harry Potter car could fetch in the region of £20,000 at an entertainment auction. I have sold wands, which have been used in a Harry Potter film for £1,500. You couldn't sell something which had been stolen at an auction, it could only be sold privately," he said.
