A multi-million pound convoy of sports cars pulled away from the Hoste Arms in Burnham Market this morning in memory of charismatic hotelier Paul Whittome.

Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche... the words alone evoke images of sleek luxury and purring mechanical perfection.

But as �40m of sports cars pulled away from the Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, there was a different name on everyone's minds.

That name was Paul Whittome, the flamboyant hotelier who indulged his lifelong passion last year by organising the first Hoste Arms Supercar Club before losing his battle with cancer in July.

The second annual event was run in his memory on Friday, as Mr Whittome's high-flying friends once again brought a stunning array of cars for a high-octane cavalcade through the Holkham Estate to Houghton Hall.

His widow Jeanne took his place at the head of the parade as a passenger on a Harley-Davidson motorbike, ridden by family friend Steve Dawes.

Mrs Whittome, now chairman of the Hoste, said the day was all about fun – along with some poignant memories of her late husband, who rated cars as his greatest love alongside his hotel and his family.

'It is just amazing to see everyone here,' she said. 'Paul would have just loved it. They are all friends, and all local people who frequent the hotel and that is how it all started. Paul wanted to enjoy the cars and have fun. That's why I wanted to continue it.'

The cars on show included a black Ferrari 360 Spider, which Mrs Whittome bought for her husband so she could drive him around during his illness.

'He couldn't drive, but every day he would wait to go out in that car,' she said. 'It gave him so much pleasure in the last days of his life.

'It does bring back memories, but they are all good memories – nothing sad.'

TV presenter Anneka Rice, a close friend of the Whittomes, also joined the road trip.

Another star attraction was a 1970 Mercedes 600 limousine which once belonged to Beatles legend John Lennon.

It is now owned by Graham Dacre, millionaire businessman and founder of the Open Academy in Norwich.

'I don't talk about prices,' he said. 'But it would be fair to say I didn't get much change out of a million dollars. It is a wonderful car for its generation.'

Also on display were Mr Whittome's favourite car – a 2-series E Type Jaguar Roadster – and some vintage four-wheelers including a 1930 Bentley Blower.

Jack Sears, president of the Ferrari Owners' Club of Great Britain, said: 'When Paul decided to have this supercar event I was immediately attracted to the idea. This year, it is just as wonderful in his memory. I always felt he was looking down saying: 'Good on you for keeping it going.'

'This was Paul's skill. He was able to bring people together through his hotel with a common interest in motorcars.'