Police in Indianapolis have found and returned a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette that was stolen three months ago while the owners were in town to attend the Bloomington Gold Corvettes show.
The Indianapolis Star reported that the Stingray coupe was parked outside of a motel with an engine-disabling device engaged when owners Gary and Vicki Pasch went to bed on June 21. When they awoke the car — which Gary estimated is worth between $80,000 and $100,000 – was gone.
The couple, who live in Rockford, Illinois, was in town for the show at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gary Pasch said he was optimistic the car would be found, but his outlook began to wane as the months dragged on.
“I kept hoping the whole time that it was going to be recovered, but as time went on — after three months — you get a little doubtful,” he told the Star about the car that the couple had bought as newlyweds.
On September 15, police contacted the Pasches to deliver the news: The Corvette had been found in a storage unit just a few blocks from the motel, but it had been damaged.
“I’m just happy they hadn’t gone any further than they had,” Gary said.
It appeared the thieves had attempted to saw through the fiberglass body in what was apparently a failed attempt to remove the engine. They also may not have known the value of the car, as several easily removable parts were left in place.
The nose and tail of the Corvette also were damaged by the thieves apparently as they pushed the car. Various other parts were damaged, but Gary’s mechanic told the Star that he was confident it could all be fixed. The Star did not report if the car was insured.
“By the way it looks, we’re going to have our hands full,” Tom Ricotta told the Star. “But it will be back on the road. I’ve fixed worse.”
The investigation into the theft is ongoing. Police did not offer much information on the pending case, but said the person who rented the storage unit used a fake name and paid in cash.
Thirteen other vehicles were stolen the same weekend the Pasches’ Corvette went missing, but it was unclear if the incidents were related.
I’m so glad your Corvette was recovered? Being a 1960’s Muscle Car owner I could only imagine what you were going through glad all worked out:)
Very happy your Corvette has been recovered. Good job by the Indianapolis Police Dept. Now the 64 Corvette has more of a history behind it. Good luck with the new project on the Corvette.