Nashville Pink Elephant Statue Has Moved

The iconic statue found a new home at a Nashville car wash on Murfreesboro Pike.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a large pink elephant statue on a concrete island, representing a landmark relocation. — A historic pink elephant statue has been relocated to Karl's Wunder Wash on Murfreesboro Pike, preserving a piece of Nashville history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A famous pink elephant statue has been relocated to Karl's Wunder Wash on Murfreesboro Pike. The statue previously stood at University Motors in West Nashville and later at Clean Getaway Auto Wash.

Why it matters

The relocation fulfills a childhood dream for owner Paul Budslick, who purchased the piece to preserve a piece of local Nashville history.

The move of the restoration-ready sculpture occurred at exactly 3:30 p.m. to its new site on Murfreesboro Pike.

The players

Paul Budslick

He is the business owner who purchased the statue to realize a childhood dream.

Spencer Connell

He is the individual responsible for the restoration and painting of the statue.

Karl's Wunder Wash

This is the car wash facility on Murfreesboro Pike that serves as the new home for the statue.

The details

After the closure of University Motors, Clean Getaway Auto Wash initially acquired the structure. Spencer Connell completed the restoration and painting process before Paul Budslick finalized the purchase for the Murfreesboro Pike location.

The move took place on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, 2026.
The transport of the statue occurred at 3:30 p.m.

Market Landscape

This move highlights the trend of local businesses acquiring cultural artifacts to distinguish their sites in a competitive market. It positions the car wash as a landmark destination, separating the company from standard automated competitors.

Customers visiting the Murfreesboro Pike area can now see the restored statue at its new location. The site remains operational for standard car wash services as the attraction settles into its permanent home.

The takeaway

Preserving unique local landmarks often requires the collaboration of private owners and local restorers to maintain community character. Readers can appreciate how personal passions often drive the preservation of iconic roadside attractions.