Stolen Papa John's Camaro Found In Abandoned Lot

Officials say a Chevrolet Camaro used in promotions for pizza chain Papa John's was among three vehicles stolen during a Detroit-area event showcasing classic cars.

It has been recovered, according to the Detroit CBS affiliate WWJ-TV.

The gold and black Chevy Camaro owned by the founder of Papa John’s pizza has been found on Detroit’s west side. Police said the 1971 Camaro Z28 was found in an abandoned lot along Pierson Street, near I-96 and Schoolcraft.

Police Sgt. Cassandra Lewis told the Detroit News authorities are investigating after the 1971 Camaro Z28 owned by the Louisville, Kentucky-based pizza company was reported missing Sunday morning from the Woodward Dream Cruise event in Oakland County.

Papa John's spokesman Bob Kraut tells The Associated Press founder John Schnatter was distraught over the theft.  Schnatter sold the gold-and-black car in 1984 for $2,800 to help save his father's tavern in Indiana, leading to the start of what would become Papa John's.

In 2009, after years of searching, Schnatter bought it back paying the finder, Jalopnik $250,000. 

Papa John's Story

Kraut says the vehicle was on display at the Dream Cruise, an event that draws hundreds of thousands of people each year. Officials say the Camaro rarely leaves Kentucky where it is displayed at the company headquarters, but was towed to the Dream Cruise.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.