Ivan Schneider had given up on finding his luxury Jaguar stolen in 1968, until it was recovered on a cargo ship destined for Holland.
"This is just a miracle, a miracle. I was 36 years old then and now I'm 82," said Mr Schneider after California customs agents told him the good news.
Customs and Border Protection, public affairs liaison chief, Lee Ann Harty, shows a 1967 Jaguar XKE convertible that was stolen 46 years ago to the original owner, car collector Ivan Schneider, via video conference. Photo: AP
"Never in anybody's lifetime would I think I would see this car again," he said.
His two-door 1967 XKE Jaguar convertible was stolen outside his home on the night of March 13, 1968. It was worth $US5000 at the time.
Today,despite years' worth of dings, scratches and a few rust spots, the car is priced at $US23,600 ($25,500).
In top shape, the vintage wheels could fetch around $US100,000 in today's market.
