I think that in cases like that, the garage has to keep the car for several years before they can claim it. ( So the garage really didn't have Authority to sell it ) Couldn't you just register the car in your name and use it, ?? Or why not try to contact the owner and Tell him that it needs collecting and there are 5 months storage costs to pay, Or offer him a Nominal fee to buy the car off him. ( Assuming that it hasn't got any finance owing on it ) and assuming that the owner is still alive. ??