The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: PBY) today announced they have deeded a gift of a rare 10-foot-tall, Manny, Moe & Jack marquee statue from the 1930s, to the collection of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Numerous VIPs, automotive personalities, museum and Pep Boys leadership gathered to celebrate the donation with a special event on June 19 at the Southern California museum.

An example of the Pep Boys marquee statues atop a building in 1940. Photo Credit: Pep Boys

Placed in the Petersen’s high-traffic first-floor Streetscape area, the statue was unveiled after a highlight reel of the restoration was shown and special remarks from both Pep Boys and Petersen leadership were made. In addition to the VIPs and leadership from both organizations on hand to celebrate donation, a number of automotive personalities also joined the evening’s festivities including Vic Edelbrock Jr., George Barris and Gene Winfield.

The 80-year-old hand-made fiberglass and plaster marquee statue once stood atop a Pep Boys store in the 1930s. The statues were eventually removed and stored in Pep Boys’ private collection at its headquarters in Philadelphia.

Last fall, Pep Boys Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing, Scott Webb handed the marquees to Rick Dale of HISTORY’s hit series, American Restoration, where the statues were given a complete overhaul as part of the company’s 90th anniversary. Dale and his team of experts transformed the statues to like-new condition by repairing, repainting and reinforcing the fiberglass structure. Dale’s team even recreated the cigar originally found on the statue that Manny’s character smoked until it was removed from Pep Boys’ materials during the “Great American Smoke Out” in 1990.

“It’s exciting to finally see these extraordinary pieces of automotive history displayed for the public’s enjoyment,” said Pep Boys President and CEO, Mike Odell. “With more than 90 years of history, these statues stand as a reminder of the legacy of our founders, and we’re excited we can share them with visitors for generations to come.”

The marquee statues will join a collection of other automobilia in the museum that includes items from the birth of motorized travel to the present. Housed on the first floor in the Streetscape area, the Pep Boys statues will be placed directly across from the Smoking Dog Café in an area that has items from the mid-20th century.

“We are delighted that Pep Boys chose the Petersen to showcase this iconic piece of American automotive history,” said Buddy Pepp, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s executive director. “This statue makes an excellent addition to our Streetscape; it’s a privilege for us to share it with future generations of automotive enthusiasts.”

About Pep Boys

Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting http://www.pepboys.com.

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