A rally enthusiast’s dream of racing with his son has been shattered after thieves stole their vehicle.

Stuart Cameron, 57, had ploughed more than £10,000 and months of his spare time into getting the specialist off-road vehicle ready to compete.

But raiders made off with the adapted Land Rover after breaking into Mr Cameron’s trailer manufacturing company workshop to steal tools. Now he is offering a £1,000 reward for its safe return.

Mr Cameron, who had taken part in off-road motorbiking for 30 years, bought the vehicle in March to compete in comp safaris, timed off-road rallying for four-wheel drive vehicles, and was storing it at the workshop in Wyke, Bradford.

He said yesterday: “We were just about to start racing and had only recently taken it on a test day to get used to it.

“I felt sick when it was stolen. It is so annoying and frustrating. It was an exciting adventure and something for me and my son Antony to do together.

“We were both looking forward to it.

“We were going to compete all over the country and take a motorhome so my wife Jackie could come with us. We had a few events lined up. It was too late to enter any championships this year, but we were going to go for it next year. Now the dream has been shattered. We can’t afford another vehicle.”

The break-in took place overnight on Sunday, June 24. Mr Cameron has since spent hours driving around the area looking for it, and there have been three sightings, including by Antony, 30, in Wyke last Wednesday.

Mr Cameron said: “Antony saw it being towed by a white Transit van, out of Brick Row and into Town Street, Wyke, heading towards Huddersfield Road. He drove past it, but by the time he was able to turn round, it had gone.”

Mr Cameron said he was offering a £1,000 cash reward for the vehicle’s recovery.

“I am not paying for it to be dumped and set alight. It must be intact. I just want it back.”

A police spokesman said: “This is clearly a distinctive vehicle and someone must have seen it or know of its current location.

“The rally car was of bespoke design and not easily replaced. It is important to the victim and their family that they have it quickly returned.

“There is a possibility that it is still in the area and we would ask anyone with information, or any witnesses, to contact Bradford South Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.”