A rare pink sports car that was stolen nearly three decades ago has finally been returned to its owner. Carol Richards of Melbourne, Australia, will not forget the day when she discovered that her beloved Holden Torana GTR XU-1, which she nicknamed "Sexy Lexy," had been stolen from her driveway, according to 9News.
The now 74-year-old had purchased the classic in 1973 and rally raced it for years before thieves made off with the vehicle in 1992. "Sexy Lexy" was resold via a stolen car reselling ring, which later fell under investigation by police. In 2016, officers discovered the car as part of a collection owned by an unsuspecting buyer and immediately contacted Richards.
The culprit responsible for stealing the vehicle was sentenced to two years in prison, and, after a $400,000 restitution was paid to the buyer, Richards was reunited with "Sexy Lexy."
"She's just been so depressed over the years," Richards' son, Connor McLeod, said. "We had pretty much lost all hope of ever finding the car," he added.
Richards said she was shocked to learn that "Sexy Lexy" had been recovered.
"Maybe it's got a homing pigeon under the bonnet," she joked.
Richards purchased the Holden Torana for $1,000, but the vehicle is now valued at over $90,000. Despite its worth, Richards is not prepared to sell it. She had taught McLeod to drive in it and now he would be teaching his own son to drive in it. And, if the sentimental value of the car was not enough, Richards said she is determined to get back onto the race track.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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