Van stolen 35 years ago in Wash. state recovered - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

catlover79 · 11-06-2009, 10:41 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_recovered_van

Fri Nov 6, 4:03 pm ET

SPOKANE, Wash. – A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport.

Customs agents found the 1965 van on Oct. 19 when they opened a shipping container bound for The Netherlands, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported. They ran the vehicle identification number and discovered it was listed as stolen.

Law officers said the van, which is in great shape, was stolen from an upholstery shop in Spokane on July 12, 1974 — while Spokane was hosting the 1974 World's Fair.

Authorities have not been able to find the original owner, whom they would not identify.

The operators of a vehicle restoration business in Arizona were the latest to have possession of the van, which they refurbished and planned to sell overseas, said Michael Maleta, an investigator with the California Highway Patrol. Maleta said the shop is also considered a victim in the case, and he declined to identify it.

The van now legally belongs to Allstate Insurance Co., which paid off the original owner's theft claim back in 1974. The Highway Patrol turned over the van to Allstate this week.

Maleta said the van had been restored to pristine condition.

"Now it's probably worth 27 grand," he said. "It's a beautiful van."

Megan Brunet, a spokeswoman for Allstate, said the company is looking through old records trying to find the original policy and theft claim.

"Trying to find paper files from that far back can be pretty challenging," she said.

The company will likely have the van appraised and go through the process of getting a replacement title before selling it at auction, she said.

catlover79 · 11-07-2009, 01:31 AM

Hey, maybe my parents should get this van. They were married in 1974, the same year model as the van. They need a new car since theirs was just totalled. Plus, a van would provide lots of room and fun for my nephews. Just a thought.

Schmoopie · 11-07-2009, 02:05 AM

That is such an amazing story! It should give people hope who have had things taken from them.

Cactus Jack · 11-07-2009, 03:17 AM

Since it was a VW van Im picturing it having been owned by two old hippies that smoked pot all the time and forgot it LOL

Waterston_Fan · 11-07-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Since it was a VW van Im picturing it having been owned by two old hippies that smoked pot all the time and forgot it LOL

catlover79 · 11-07-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Since it was a VW van Im picturing it having been owned by two old hippies that smoked pot all the time and forgot it LOL

It wouldn't surprise me.

Marvo301 · 11-07-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Since it was a VW van Im picturing it having been owned by two old hippies that smoked pot all the time and forgot it LOL

I think I know which couple you're talking about. Larry and Abby from "Dharma and Greg"!

catlover79 · 11-07-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I think I know which couple you're talking about. Larry and Abby from "Dharma and Greg"!

Cactus Jack · 11-07-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I think I know which couple you're talking about. Larry and Abby from "Dharma and Greg"!

LOL or the couple of hippies from that one Simpsons episode

11-06-2009, 10:41 PM	#1
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Van stolen 35 years ago in Wash. state recovered http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_recovered_van Fri Nov 6, 4:03 pm ET SPOKANE, Wash. – A Volkswagen van stolen 35 years ago in Washington state has been found in a shipping container at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. Customs agents found the 1965 van on Oct. 19 when they opened a shipping container bound for The Netherlands, The Spokesman-Review newspaper reported. They ran the vehicle identification number and discovered it was listed as stolen. Law officers said the van, which is in great shape, was stolen from an upholstery shop in Spokane on July 12, 1974 — while Spokane was hosting the 1974 World's Fair. Authorities have not been able to find the original owner, whom they would not identify. The operators of a vehicle restoration business in Arizona were the latest to have possession of the van, which they refurbished and planned to sell overseas, said Michael Maleta, an investigator with the California Highway Patrol. Maleta said the shop is also considered a victim in the case, and he declined to identify it. The van now legally belongs to Allstate Insurance Co., which paid off the original owner's theft claim back in 1974. The Highway Patrol turned over the van to Allstate this week. Maleta said the van had been restored to pristine condition. "Now it's probably worth 27 grand," he said. "It's a beautiful van." Megan Brunet, a spokeswoman for Allstate, said the company is looking through old records trying to find the original policy and theft claim. "Trying to find paper files from that far back can be pretty challenging," she said. The company will likely have the van appraised and go through the process of getting a replacement title before selling it at auction, she said.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

11-07-2009, 02:05 AM	#3
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	That is such an amazing story! It should give people hope who have had things taken from them.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

11-07-2009, 03:17 AM	#4
Cactus Jack RonFingSwanson Forum Idol Join Date: Dec 09, 2001 Location: Santa Rosa Beach,FL Posts: 103,099	Since it was a VW van Im picturing it having been owned by two old hippies that smoked pot all the time and forgot it LOL
	__________________ Id Love to help you Tracy, but I cant have sex with a black guy, Id lose my endorsement deal with NASCAR-Jenna Maroney,30 Rock April 17,2009 9:02 PM : 100,000th post!

11-07-2009, 01:31 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Hey, maybe my parents should get this van. They were married in 1974, the same year model as the van. They need a new car since theirs was just totalled. Plus, a van would provide lots of room and fun for my nephews. Just a thought.