Talk about determination. I wander just how accurately he visualized it.

Man Finds His Stolen Austin-Healy -- Forty Years Later (http://autos.aol.com/article/man-finds-his-stolen-austin-healy-forty-years-later/)

Not quite on the same scale, but years ago I had a motor bike stolen. About 6 months later I was looking out the window at work and saw a similar bike. Went to check, and sure enough it was mine. I even still had the key for it on my keyring.
A workmate went to the nearby police station while I waited. A constable & I then waited in a shop until two scrotes arrived and attempted to climb aboard, when they were collared.
Police later advised that they found several stolen bikes at the home of one.

Doesn't mention anything of the perpetrator...

...even though the car needs some work, it's still in good condition.

That part sounds real familiar.