Travolta's stolen Mercedes recovered in pieces

California authorities have arrested two men suspected of stealing a vintage Mercedes belonging to John Travolta and recovered the car - but it is in pieces, a police spokesman says.

The 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was stolen last September after the Grease star left it for only a few minutes on a Santa Monica street.

"Detectives obtained video footage of the vehicle and the suspects as the vehicle was being stolen," spokesman Richard Lewis said.

The two men, allegedly involved in a sophisticated auto-theft ring, have been arrested and named as Michael Green, 58, and DL Rayford Jr, 52.

Detectives also shut down the ring, and recovered Travolta's car and seven other stolen vehicles.

"Investigators recovered multiple pieces of Mr Travolta's vehicle as the investigation progressed. It had been chopped and much of the vehicle has not been located," Mr Lewis said.

Travolta estimated the car's value at $US35,000, but Mr Lewis believes it could have been worth more because it was a vintage model.

Green has been charged with two counts of grand theft auto and will appear in court on February 8.

Rayford pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 16 months in state prison.

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