By Meena Kar
Its the 1971 Z28 Camaro, the long-lost beloved vehicle that John Schnatter (the founder of Papa John pizza) reportedly sold to sustain his father’s tavern 25 years ago, got reunited with the actual owner recently.

John had been on his search to locate his Camaro and had sentimental ties attached to it. He said, “The Camaro represents what I gave up to start Papa John’s. Words cannot capture the emotion I am feeling in getting back that part of my history. I didn’t have much back then , but for my business dreams to come true, I had to part with the one true asset I had to my name, and even then, there were no promises of success. I never gave up hope that someday I would get that car back.”

John mentioned to sources that his quest was obstructed by often mistaking the 1971 model for the 1972 model. He says the foundation of his successful pizza business was ingrained in the identity of the Camaro, since the money he got after selling it was partly channeled into the business. It is significant part of his personal history, because it was instrumental in endowing him success.

Well hats of to such perseverance, patience and sacrifice.

Jeff Robinson who returned the car to John was rewarded $250000 as was promised by Schnatter. Robinson told sources later,”What a complete shock to know that the cart in my garage was partly to thank for starting a company like Papa John’s.”

Robinson came to hear about the contest from an acquaintance in Cincinnati. The car had exchanged hands twice since it was sold out by John.

To show how invaluable the Camaro was he did not hesitate to even give away an extra $25000 to Jalopnik reader who directed the lead reportedly.