Little Blue Corvette

The story of a blue 1968 corvette that was stolen in 1969 and finally returned to its rightful owner 36 years later is either magically inspiring or many men's middle-aged fantasy. On one hand, it's like an auto cold case file - who would think their sweet ride from 1969 would every turn up again, let alone 36 years later? On the other hand, it's a story of youth and innocence (owner Alan Poster didn't have insurance at the time because he couldn't afford it!). The NY Times has the most extensive article about the car, this side of a GM press release. The car was on its way to be shipped to a buyer in Sweden, but then custom officials checked the VIN, leading them to the auto crimes unit of the NYPD. The car was stolen from Poster's Queens garage, and detectives had to wade through thousands of microfilm (microfilm!) stolen car reports. Now that is called legwork. Poster, who told the NY Times he "used to drive up the West Side Highway to Jersey" while he was dating, now lives in California and will get the car today. We bet he'll put Lojack in it.

The Corvette is now painted silver and has no engine. It still looks pretty sweet. And here are the NYPD's tips on how to prevent auto theft.