Fraser Garden, 55, admitted his guilt at the High Court in Edinburgh for causing the death of John Bell, also known as Jack, in Broughty Ferry. The fatal collision occurred in April.
Garden, who had been given two previous lifetime driving bans, was driving the stolen Maserati Quattroporte at nearly three times the speed limit and had consumed cocaine, according to court reports. He had been released on bail for multiple shoplifting charges just a week prior to the incident.
On the day of the crash, Garden stole the Maserati from West End Garage. He then drove erratically, overtaking other vehicles, weaving between oncoming traffic, and running a red light. He accelerated up a hill on the wrong side of the road before losing control of the vehicle.
The car struck a kerb and a traffic island before crashing through a hedge and into Mr. Bell's garden. The pensioner was hit by the car and pinned against a wall. He died at the scene.
Judge Lord Braid described Garden's actions as "truly appalling" and has deferred sentencing until August 21.