Nov. 6, 2009 (United Press International) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents said a search of a shipping container bound for the Netherlands revealed a vehicle reported stolen in 1974.

Customs agents in Los Angeles said they opened the shipping container in October and discovered a restored 1965 Volkswagen that was reported stolen from an auto upholstery shop in Spokane, Wash., in 1974, The (Spokane) Spokesman-Review reported Friday.

Michael Maleta, an auto theft investigator with the California Highway Patrol, said the van was being shipped with three restored VW Beetles by a custom restoration business in Arizona. Maleta said the shop, which was not named, is also considered a victim in the case.

Investigators said they have been unable to locate the van's original owners, but it was turned over to Allstate (NYSE:ALL) Insurance Co., which paid off the owner in 1974. They said the van is believed to have changed hands several times between its theft and discovery.