Quentin Tarantino’s stolen “Pulp Fiction” car found after nearly 20 years.
It’s a favorite among great movie cars with us here at E3 Spark Plugs - the 1964 Chevy Malibu SS driven by John Travolta’s character, Vincent Vega, in the 1994 cinematic blood fest Pulp Fiction. While the image that immediately comes to mind is of Travolta and costar Uma Thurman in the front seat of the cherry red, city lights shining behind them, the classic convertible is most famous what happened to it after the film wrapped.
Nearly 20 years ago, the neo-noir crime director’s beloved ride was jacked from a Los Angeles street. Whether the theft happened on the street fronting Tarantino’s home or his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino’s apartment is up for debate. But who cares, really? Fact is, the car disappeared without a trace and stayed gone for two decades. That is, until San Francisco Bay area cop, Sheriff’s Sgt. Albert Anolin, began an investigation into an old Malibu in the desert city of Victorville last month. Though that particular vehicle turned out to be legit, the investigation somehow led to the real thing. Tarantino’s jacked ride soon turned up in the Oakland area.
Investigators found the classic convertible driven by actor John Travolta’s “Pulp Fiction” character far too late to catch the bad guy. The statute of limitations on the crime rang out long ago.
Though it’s finally accounted for, what happened to the car all these years remains a mystery. It appears that the most recent owner had been duped, having bought the Malibu in what he thought was a legitimate transaction. Unfortunately for avid film fans and classic car buffs, we may never know the whole story. The statute of limitations on car thefts ran out long ago.
So what now? Should Tarantino cast the car in a new film, perhaps one that chronicles the 20-year adventure of a stolen car? Or should he take advantage of the hype and auction it off for charity? Post your ideas on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.
