California man reunited with prized muscle car swiped 33 years ago: ‘Finally back where it belongs’

A Northern California man whose prized muscle car was swiped more than three decades ago has finally been reunited with his beloved wheels, cops revealed this week.

Police in Auburn recently discovered the black 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle through a vehicle-identification-number inspection, they said.

California Highway Patrol cops did not say what prompted the VIN probe into the car, but noted that during it, they noticed something that “warranted a closer look,” CHP wrote on Facebook on Thursday

It turns out the classic had been stolen from San Mateo County more than 158 miles away in 1993.

The car’s rightful owner, who was not identified, was reunited with his vehicle — and happily posed for a smiling photo in front of it that was included in the online post.

“After more than three decades, this classic is finally back where it belongs,’’ the post said.

“With assistance from the San Mateo Police Department, investigators were able to confirm the vehicle’s history and do something that probably seemed impossible after all these years – reunite the Chevelle with its original owner,” CHP said.

Facebook users were thrilled with the happy ending.

“Still in beautiful condition, looks like it. What an awesome story,” a commenter wrote.

Another person said, “Heck yeah!

“It looks like it was kept up beautifully too. I couldn’t imagine the shock & awe the owner had.’’

It’s not clear who may have stolen the car or why.

CHP did not respond to a California Post request for comment.

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