Stolen 1981 Ferrari Bound For Poland Seized At LA/Long Beach Port
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A classic red 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi stolen 28 years ago was seized by U.S. Customs Border Protection officers just as it was set to disappear from American shores, bound for Poland.
Federal authorities say the 35-year-old Ferrari, which has just 45,000 miles and an estimated value of $50,000, was intercepted and seized April 8 at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport complex.
The sports car was falsely labeled as a "1982 Ferrari," with a vehicle identification number previously used for a 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS that was exported in 2005 from the U.S. to Norway via Germany.
"This VIN discrepancy is what 'raised a red flag' and prompted further scrutiny," CPB LA/LB Seaport Port Director Carlos Martel said in a statement, especially considering that a daily average of 500 vehicles are processed for export.
With help of a Ferrari factory expert, the Ferrari's real VIN was identified and led to a police report showing that it had been stolen from a consignment lot in Orange County on July 19, 1987, CBP officials said.
The owner, who was compensated by his insurance company at the time of the theft, wishes to remain anonymous.