The reports say the
headlights were on when the car entered the water. Also it was
found with its headlights on! That wouldn't be the case many our later after it was retrieved. Both these articles have been posted many times before and while some information seemed to change this was always constant.
And yes talking with first hand witness's that saw the car in the water and when retrieved, I believe that the car was only in the ocean a matter of hours before it was found.
Daily Mail late June 1988
Police seek 2 in car puzzle by Steve Manchee
Police forensic tests have shown that when the car entered the water the ignition and lights were turned on …
The West Australian July 8th 1988
Bizarre Case that has detectives stumped
....They only know it was found at Cottesloe beach two days later, floating in the surf with the ignition and lights turned on,…
… Miss Cutler did not smoke and was not a regular drinker….