A classic hot rod once stolen has burned rubber back to its rightful owner, thanks to diligent work by California's highway patrol. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Oceanside Area investigators have successfully tracked down a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda drag racer, swiped from a Perris secure storage facility back in early 2022, according to details posted on the CHP Oceanside Instagram page. Alongside the cherished muscle car, the heist had included a trailer, tools, and spare vehicle parts, with the total loot valued at a hefty $60,000.
Acting on a tip-off, investigators zeroed in on the North San Diego County area to search for the muscle car, which they had been sold, traded, and bought numerous times over the past couple of years in Southern California. Thieves had attempted to thoroughly obscure its identity by giving the 'Cuda a fresh coat of paint and switching its vehicle identification number (VIN), an act in violation of California Vehicle Code 10751(a). The CHP's legwork paid off when they managed to locate the souped-up Plymouth, despite its changed appearance.
The keys to the car were handed back to the owner on January 25, 2024, at the CHP's Oceanside Area office. The return of this classic car was no small event for the owner, who plans to "get his car back on the racetrack as soon as possible," an understandably emotional victim told Officer Shaw. The reunion was not just the work of the CHP; it also reflected the solidarity and efforts of the local racing and classic car community, who played their part in the investigation and recovery process.
The local car-loving community has shown its mettle by banding together to right a wrong and put the pedal to the metal towards justice. In appreciation of their support in this vehicular odyssey, the Oceanside CHP extended their thanks to everyone involved in the process 'to help investigate, recover and return this car and its parts to its legitimate owner.'
