A breaking announcement was made a few days ago that the 1971 Camaro owned by the founder of Papa John’s Pizza has been stolen while on display at the Woodward Dream Cruise. Officials said that Papa John’s car was among three vehicles stolen during the event.

We all know the story of how John Schnatter sold the gold-and-black car decades ago to help save his father’s tavern in Indiana, and that single move can be attributed to Papa John’s becoming the franchise that it is today. John found his old Camaro in 2009, and had it restored.

We just receive an update that tells us Papa John’s car has been recovered. The Z28 was found in the driveway of an abandoned home. The car was found on the west side of Detroit, across from Samuel Gompers Elementary-Middle School on Pierson Street. The car was parked and partially hidden in some high weeds. The car was found when Ernest Webster arrived at a nearby lot to mow the grass. He recognized the vehicle from a TV report and called 911.

The car as it was found. Image: Detroit Free Press

When police arrived, they confirmed it to be Papa John’s 1971 Camaro. When the car was stolen, it was in an enclosed trailer which was also recovered at another location about 8 miles east of where the Camaro was found.

A reward of up-to $10,000 is being offered for tips leading to the thieves who stole the car, and tipsters can call (800) 242-4328. Our question is, who would be stupid enough to steal such a high-profile car? Oh well, no one ever said a thief was intelligent.