U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Los Angeles found a bright red jewel during one of their searches -- a 1981 Ferrari that had been stolen 28 years ago.
CNNMoney reports that the sports car was falsely labeled as a "1982 Ferrari" and was headed to Poland, according to authorities.
"This VIN discrepancy is what 'raised a red flag' and prompted further scrutiny," said Carlos Martel, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. "Such keen attention to details by CBP officers is commendable, especially considering they process a daily average of 500 vehicles intended for export."
The car's VIN number, which had been changed, matched a Ferrari 308 GTS that was exported in 2005 and not a 1982 model, authorities said.
An investigation found the cherry GTSI was stolen from a car consignment lot in Orange County, California, back in 1987.
The previously-missing treasure only has 45,000 miles on it and is estimated to be worth $50,000.
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