Whereas it is good for the stolen property to be found and returned to its owner, there is another side to this story. Has the recovery of the car helped in the apprehension of the original thieves? Has the unlucky buyer been re-imbursed or apprehended as dealing in stolen goods? How much was paid for the car? Is eBay doing anything to tighten up its security? These are all interesting questions that many of us would like to hear in the next report.

Yes, I'd like to know the answers to those questions too. I really feel for the people who last bought this car.

This is still a Palo Alto case, 31 years later, even though the original police report hasn't been found, Sgt. Sandra Brown said. Maybe recovery of the car could eventually lead back to the original theft although the car has had several owners in between. I called eBay about the company's stated policy of insuring car purchases against fraud for up to $20,000 but haven't heard back yet. Company officials declined to talk to a reporter from the Ventura County Star.

Thanks for the update