Yes, I've heard lots of stories but I think 30 years tops it. My question is what happens about the insurance? As I understand it, if you accept a settlement you are no longer the legal owner of it anyway and they've asked me to hand in my keys and V5 and MOT (without yet offering me anything). If it then turns up can I take it back and ring them and say I'm keeping it here's your money back again or am I then handling stolen goods to take my own car back??? Knowing my luck I'd get done for it! I've done a long rant about this on the 105speed.com website but no one prepared to stick their necks out and tell me what happened with the insurance although several people had earlier commented that they had also got their classics back, one guy after 2 years.
I also had one stolen in Perth, Australia but in entirely different circumstances and this now stolen one was its replacement and I was intending to export it back to Australia next year when I leave. The Aussie one wasn't insured as it was off the road at the time and a project and it was my ex-husband who stole it and claims to not remember who he sold it on to. I do have every expectation that one day somewhere, someone will try to re-register it and it will turn up (like your above story of the American guy). Up to 12 years and still counting...
However this recent one was insured fully comp. If they don't offer me anything then its obviously still mine, if however, I accept a payout would anyone like to comment on this? Send a pm or email if you don't want to put it in the public domain.
I also had one stolen in Perth, Australia but in entirely different circumstances and this now stolen one was its replacement and I was intending to export it back to Australia next year when I leave. The Aussie one wasn't insured as it was off the road at the time and a project and it was my ex-husband who stole it and claims to not remember who he sold it on to. I do have every expectation that one day somewhere, someone will try to re-register it and it will turn up (like your above story of the American guy). Up to 12 years and still counting...
However this recent one was insured fully comp. If they don't offer me anything then its obviously still mine, if however, I accept a payout would anyone like to comment on this? Send a pm or email if you don't want to put it in the public domain.