vintage French license plates duplicated the numbers on the film car's plate. The front license was from Monaco. It looked like Grace Kelly had just valet-parked it at the Carlton Hotel. So, when I heard the price, I didn't argue with its owner. I just bought it. I knew I'd never find another one so perfect.

"In the short time I've owned my Sunbeam Alpine, I've shown the car at two Los Angeles area car shows: the Greystone Concours and the annual Rodeo Drive Father's Day Show. It was at these shows that I realized I owned the ultimate 'chick magnet.' You must understand, I've been around collector cars all my life, but I have never, ever seen anything like the attention this car gets from women! I can't begin to tell you the crowds of female interest my little roadster gets. Many immediately get the movie connection.

"I've even chatted with several ladies who quote lines from To Catch a Thief to me. Most embarrassing was a very pretty young woman who came to the Greystone show purposely to see my Alpine. Its upcoming appearance had been mentioned in an L.A. Times article. She asked if I was the owner and then blurted, 'Would you like a leg or a breast?', a bit of sexy dialogue Grace says to Cary in the movie as she's serving him cold chicken and beer.

"I got the woman's joke, but her boyfriend certainly didn't. Let's just say there were a few uncomfortable moments. Even folks who don't know about the car's film history stare in admiration. Most, including many car aficionados, have never seen one in the flesh. I have friends who own shiny Ferraris, beautiful Rolls Royces, and vintage Packards--but none get the 'thumbs up' and smiles of delight I get when I drive my Alpine.

"Of course, the question I get most often is, 'Is that the car from the movie?', and I always explain that it's an exact duplicate. I tell them that the original is probably long gone. But it doesn't seem to matter to them--you can see that dreamy look in their eyes. They picture themselves driving this sexy roadster along the Cote d'Azur, heading off to a secret rendezvous with Grace or Cary.

"With two high-school seniors, I have to start thinking about college for both, thus my being forced to consider selling my Alpine. It won't be easy but knowing the joy I've experienced owning the car, I'm comfortable with passing it on to someone who will enjoy it as much as I have."