World-renowned ventriloquist stops in Muskingum County

WHITE COTTAGE, Ohio – Perhaps the most famous ventriloquist in the country, Jeff Dunham, was just outside of Zanesville Thursday, near White Cottage, to try to buy one of the most rare cars there is.

Dr. Ralph Smith bought his 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner in 1973. Since then he has only driven it twice. He drove it home when he bought it and once in the Gratiot Fourth of July Parade. There are just a handful of the 46-year-old cars in existence and Dr. Smith’s has less than 10,000 miles on it.

Dr. Smith placed an ad on eBay for the car to which Jeff Dunham, an avid car collector, responded to in hours. Dr. Smith admitted that he didn’t know the famous ventriloquist.

“I asked him if he was serious because a lot of people look at it but just want to kick the tires,” said Dr. Smith. “He said ‘I’m very serious. Do you know who I am?’ And I told him ‘No, I’m sorry I don’t know who your are.’ Then one of the grandkids was standing there and he said ‘I’ll tell you who he is, grandpa, He’s got the puppets.’”

Dunham flew into Zanesville Municipal Airport Thursday afternoon on his way to Columbus to perform at the Ohio State Fair. Dunham said he has dozens of cars in his collection including one of the Batmobiles.

Dunham said aside from his puppets, there are few things he loves more than collecting cars.

“If I had to give up collecting puppets or give up collecting cars, which would I give up? My little buddies in the suitcase have been there forever. They’re going to stay there,” said Dunham. “The Hospitality here has been amazing. What a beautiful piece of property. I want to move here, if that’s ok.”

Dunham and Dr. Smith said they would decide the price of the classic car behind closed doors.