Fully restored 'Muppet Car' returns to South Bend July 12

Studebaker National Museum

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Studebaker National Museum announced the iconic "Muppet Car," a 1951 Studebaker Commander, from the 1979 classic The Muppet Movie will finally return fully restored after being sent out to Razorfly Studios in early 2024.

The revamped piece of film and automotive history will have its public debut at the Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm in South Bend on July 12.

Studebaker Museum Executive Director, Pat Slebonick, said, "The Museum selected Razorfly Studios as our partner for this restoration because of their extraordinary attention to detail and unparalleled passion for screen-used vehicles.”

The Razorfly Studios team has completed the restoration in 18 months.

The restoration included the car’s mechanical systems, meticulous recreation of the “psychedelic paint scheme,” and remote cockpit used to operate the vehicle during filming.

Museum officials say this project was funded by private donors and Studebaker International, the world’s largest Studebaker parts supplier, donated most of the car’s replacement parts.

The vehicle will later be displayed at The Studebaker National Museum at 201 Chapin St.

It is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Noon–5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth ages 6-18.

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