The founder of Papa Johns pizza chain, John Schnatter, has paid $250,000 to reacquire the Camaro he sold back in 1983 to start his business.

Schnatter had originally sold his 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 for $2,800 to help keep his father's struggling bar business alive and to start his Louisville-based pizza empire.

He has spent several years in search of his beloved black-and-gold striped car and created a Web site on the search, held promotional appearances and eventually offered $250,000 to whoever found it.

The car owners changed only twice from the first buyer and ended up with Jeffery Robinson.

The car was purchased five years ago by Robinson for $4,000 from the first owner and was more than willing to hand it back to Schnatter for the $250,000 he was offering.

The original buyers will get $25,000 for their help tracking it down.

Papa Johns in celebration of the chains 25th anniversary and the return of Schnatter's Camaro, the chain is offering free pizza on Wednesday August 26th to all Camaro owners.