1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car

Description

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car was one of the most interesting collector cars ever offered. It not only celebrated America's greatest race, but it also was the 25th anniversary of America's sports car. That's why the right enthusiasts have tucked them away for safe keeping. In fact, with only 6,502 examples ever made, it's a real treat to find one with the level of preservation, low mileage, and excellent documentation.

What made these such great collector cars was the built-in exclusivity. The base price was over 45 percent more than the standard coupe. That meant fewer people were willing to pay the premium. But those who did got an outstanding sports car inside and out with some of the best options made standard. This was the year of the new sleeker C3 design, but the pace cars took it one step further with a factory body kit that made them ready to own the road. And the two-tone was an exclusive black and silver that will remain attractive even as this limited edition approaches its golden anniversary. And not only did the red pinstripe divide the colors, but also there was one for the alloy wheels. This shows all the right signs of being the full factory application, and in fact, this has a ton of vintage details. So you'll even spot the little things like the dealer tag still on the rear and the tires look like the original-style units. This commitment to originality even means the right small imperfections. After all, Corvette people know the St. Louis plant didn't make them perfect, and therefore, a perfect Corvette is often over-restored. But those are the little details for the scrutinizers and pure survivor fans. What everyone else will marvel at is such a clean and sleek car with an odometer that has less mileage than most commuters do in a year.

The exceptional price for a pace car replica meant Chevrolet delivered a special and luxurious interior, too. For example, you have the kind of supple and shiny leather upholstery that you'll swear Chevy bred silver cows. And this has all the best features like T-tops, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering column. Plus, the working AM/FM stereo also has an 8-track, and so you'll want to find a few cartridges on eBay. There are a few faded areas and the factory air conditioning needs servicing, but overall, this one impresses with its level of luxury and preservation.

The engine is the numbers-matching L48 350 cubic-inch V8. The tidy setup and glowing blue block showcase the proper care it has received over the decades. And the full proof is in the way this one fires up easily and runs strong. This is mated to the correct-style three-speed automatic transmission for a smooth-shifting grand touring experience. Chevy built these to be great cruising cars, and so the fully independent suspension, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes really make you want to take it out every weekend and add to the low odometer.

The sale comes complete with an impressive paperwork file that includes the factory buildsheet, original window sticker, owner's manual, and title documentation. And the Indy 500 decals can be made available. This is the ultra low-mileage true collector Corvette, and you know exactly where it should go in your garage. Call today!!!