Papa John finally finds his 1971 Z28 Camaro, awards $250,000 to owner

Papa John Schnatter spent most of his summer on a nationwide road trip where he attempted a record for the world’s highest pizza delivery, taught children how to toss pizza dough, rang the Closing Bell at NASDAQ, and met countless customers, all for one purpose: to find his 1971 Z28 Camaro he sold more than 25 years ago to help his dad’s tavern stay in business.

Initially, Schnatter offered $25,000 for anyone who could produce a title along with his long-lost Camaro. Eventually the offer went up to $250,000. The whole search was chronicled online at www.papasroadtrip.com, where thousands offered tips on how to find his car.

After months and months of searching, Schnatter today was reunited with his Z28 Camaro with the help from our friends at Jalopnik.

A man by the name of Jeff Robinson heard about the contest from a friend in Cincinnati, leading him to the Internet to search for details. He eventually ended up getting in touch with Jalopnik’s associate editor Matt Hardigree, who met Schnatter during his Road Trip stop in Houston in May. Hardigree investigated the details himself then contacted Papa John’s with the lead.

As a result Jeff is now $250,000 richer (and can purchase a brand new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro). Papa John also offered a $25,000 reward to the family who originally bought the car from Schnatter in 1983, in appreciation for their help in linking the contest winner with Papa John’s.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Jalopnik