1978 Chevrolet Corvette L-82 Pace Car

Description

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car was considered by many as a collector car from day one. So that's why it's so fantastic to find one that truly has been treated that way. After all, this example is a full survivor with under 1800 miles on it (yes, really!) And the story is even more intriguing because most of those miles were earned taking it to NCRS events where this car proved it was truly exceptional by winning the highest honor: The Dave McLellan Mark of Excellence.

This was the silver anniversary of the Corvette, and a big reason the Pace Car was an instant classic was that they really showed off the new redesigned style the best. Chevy made a very special two-tone that had such a well-coordinated style that this looks like a custom car. There's even a red pinstripe that highlights all the coupe's best features, like the sharply pointed nose and tall fender line. And the alloy wheels have the redline in them, too. This was truly an expensive undertaking, and that's why the Pace Car edition more than doubled the base price! Some people knew to collect these from day one, and that's where this car's story gets interesting. The history we have on this is that it was never registered for the first 20 years of its life. It was then purchased in 1998 with only 3 miles on the odometer - and there is photographic proof of this. The 1998 purchase is significant because this person was a member of the National Corvette Restorer's Society (NCRS). They cherish originality, and so this car was registered for the first time and taken to events for official judging. After multiple Top Flight awards and passing various inspections, it was awarded The Dave McLellan Mark of Excellence on July 27, 2000. Today, this car continues to be held in high regard as a true survivor. The paint shows all signs of the factory application. That means marks from age and buffing, but there's still an outstanding shine and pride of originality. It's all part of a style where everything from the panel fit to the correct-style Goodyear tires is truly irresistible to those who love a time capsule car.

The interior continues this time capsule feeling with minimal signs that anyone has gotten behind the wheel. And the silver leather seats, plush carpeting, smooth door panels, clean dash, and well-fitting T-tops all make it feel quite inviting. Because these were so expensive when new, this special Corvette is also a loaded machine. That means power windows, an electric rear defogger, power locks, air conditioning, sport mirrors, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel. This one even still has its original AM/FM/8-track stereo. You can verify all these features on the original window sticker that comes with the sale.

The engine is the optional (and numbers-matching) L82 350 cubic-inch V8. This higher compression motor was a must-have for performance fans in 1978 because it offered 17% more horsepower than the standard Corvette V8. And this also has the upgraded FE7 Gymkhana package that really makes the most of the fully independent suspension. But more than just a great performance car, this one is a nice car for longer trips, too. That's thanks to features like the numbers-matching three-speed automatic transmission, optional cruise control, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. So if you ever do decide to add to the nearly impossibly low odometer, this Corvette knows how to enjoy the open road.

Something this special needs to have all the right paperwork. That's why the sale comes with the original window sticker, factory buildsheet, owner's manual packet, title documentation, service manuals, original literature, and much more. This is an amazing piece of history that's ready to be someone's ultimate collectible. So you truly appreciate Corvette history, you need this one in your garage. Call today!!!