A Canadian oil tycoon with a £3.8m classic car collection died during the London to Brighton rally on Sunday after taking a wrong turn and ending up on the motorway.

Ron Carey, an 80-year-old businessman from Alberta was at the wheel of a 1903 Knox Porcupine classic car when the vehicle turned onto the M23 motorway.

Mr Carey died when the classic motor collided with a HGV lorry, according to Canadian channel, CTV News.

Rick Pikulski, a friend of Mr Carey told the news station: “It’s very tragic, gut-wrenching news, I’ve known Ron for almost 40 years and he was very well-respected and well-liked.”

Mr Carey's wife Billi was reportedly also involved in the collision before being airlifted to a nearby hospital after suffering injuries. On Monday, she was still in hospital and in a stable condition, according to Sussex Police.

Mr Carey was founder of J&L Supply, a company which worked as a supplier to the oil industry in Canada.

Alongside his work Mr Carey preserved antique vehicles as well as oil and gas memorabilia, many of which he donated to museums for public view.