BOTHELL, WA -- Allstate Insurance announced Monday it will auction off the once-stolen 1965 VW bus that gained national attention when it was discovered 35 years later.

The bus is in mint condition and had been bound for a new owner in Germany who paid $20,000 for the fully restored vehicle. However, customs agents inspecting a shipping container discovered the bus and its sordid past.

The bus had once belonged to Michele Squires, of Spokane. However, during Expo '74, the van was stolen. Allstate paid Squires the van's $2500 value, and the title was legally transferred into the insurer's name.

In the whirlwind of public interest that surrounded its unusual discovery, Allstate said they were considering returning the bus to its original owner, however requested time to determine the best course of action.

Monday, the company announced they would auction the vehicle instead and donate the proceeds of the auction to Lydia Place, a nonprofit organization serving homeless women and children in Washington State.

"It is our hope that the tremendous public interest in this unique vehicle and its unique history will translate into a significant contribution to Lydia Place," their press release states.

The auction will be held online at www.copart.com. It begins Friday, December 18th at noon PST. Squires said she plans to place a bid.

The German buyer is out $20,000.