John Thwaites thought he might never see his retro red mini again but a Tauranga resident with a keen eye has today helped reunite the Mount Maunganui grandfather with the 1979 classic.
Semi-retired 70-year-old Mr Thwaites was at work on Newton St in Mount Maunganui when he heard his 1979 Mini's engine on Tuesday. Mr Thwaites walked out on to Newton St and saw his car being driven towards the Hewletts Rd roundabout and almost side-swiped by an oncoming truck.
The Bay of Plenty Times helped Mr Thwaites public appeal for its return on Wednesday and today, he received a call saying it had been found.
The mini had been parked in Tauranga's Bernard St, with its number plates missing but keys still inside.
A local resident recognised the mini and called Mr Thwaites, suggesting he come to check it out.