A little over forty years ago, Bob Russell had his 1967 Austin-Healey stolen from outside his Philadelphia apartment. After keeping a vague eye out for it on the road ever since, last month he found it… for sale, on the internet.

While browsing eBay in May, Bob found his long-lost car, listed by a dealer in Beverley Hills, California. The dealer assured Mr Russell that he had the proper documentation, so began the project to recover the car. He tried to enlist the help of the Philadelphia police, who, as it turns out, were unable to do do anything initially, due to the report of the stolen car having been destroyed in the ensuing years. Finally Bob was able to find an archived copy of the report, and with the help of Philadelphia and the LA Sheriff's Department, was able to have the car impounded in mid-June.

He took delivery of the car on June 18. All up, with impound, towing and shipping charges, it cost Bob $2,000 to be reunited with his Austin-Healey. It was still in good shape, and when given a little TLC, should have a value of around $50,000.