A routine weed inspection led to the discovery of a blue 1982 Ford Capri covered in algae as it was submerged in the National Water Sports Centre Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont, near Nottingham, for approximately 30 years.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reviewed and confirmed that, based on records, the car was last subjected to tax dues in 1993. Other specific information pertaining to the exact duration of the car's immersion in the water cannot be determined at this time.

The car was initially found on Tuesday, June 30, and was taken out of the lake the following day. The DVLA suggests that the vintage car may have been submerged in the 13-foot deep lake for more than 20 years.

According to the police, the issue of car theft may be possible. Identifying the owner, however, may be a challenge at this time.

"It was a surprise to find it was an old Ford Capri that was actually blue underneath all the growth on it," said Detective Sergeant Nick Sawdon. "We're still trying to find out why the car was there. I suspect it was stolen but it might have been there for so long that we'll never know."

When the team of specialist police found the car, 50 percent of it was doused in sand. They had to use devices such as lifting bags and winches to be able to retrieve it. The team also discovered that the car had become a temporary sanctuary for a family of four big eels.

This is a bit far from their usual underwater rescue missions, where they typically encounter fish only. The entire operation was quite a challenge and, according to the team, they had a good exercise on their training day.

Brian Taylor, chair of the Holme Pierrepont Leisure Trust, said it was good to know that the car has now been retrieved. "It's amazing the things that people throw away," he stated.

The Capri was made by Europe's Ford from 1969 to 1986. It appeared in television programs, particularly in The Professionals. If the vintage car, which is already considered a classic, were to be sold at this time, the estimated cost would be roughly £15,000 (approx. US$23,100).

Photo: Kieran White | Flickr