The classic red 1965 chevy driven by John Travolta in Pulp Fiction looks set to be returned to rightful owner Quentin Tarantino 17 years after being stolen from outside the film-maker's LA home.

Gossip site TMZ reports the car was discovered by police after they spoke to a man in connection with a separate suspected vehicle theft, and he led them to the Chevrolet. The iconic car has had its vehicle information (VIN) number, by which authorities are able to trace US cars, removed. However TMZ's police sources are said to be certain the car is the same one Travolta's Vincent Vega drove into the home of his drug dealer Lance (Eric Stoltz) in the 1994 film. The car was also used in publicity for the film via a shot in which Vega and Uma Thurman's Mia Wallace are seen riding in the front seat. It is believed to have been stolen during production of Pulp Fiction.

The Chevrolet was found in Oakland, California, hundreds of miles north of Tarantino's LA home, and the man who led police to it will not face charges because the relevant US statute of limitation on car theft has run out. A separate Associated Press, report, however, suggests the current owner may have been a victim of fraud. Tarantino may as yet be unaware that the car has been recovered – officers told TMZ they had not yet been able to contact the Oscar-winning director.