Summary

Collector-owned and original, late-production RPO Z78 Pace Car Edition. Highly optioned and retains the original Window Sticker, still affixed to the passenger window. 219 miles (the title reads mileage exempt).

Details

Offered from a private collection and benefiting from climate-controlled storage and professional care, this late-production 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis pace car is well-preserved and retains the original Window Sticker, still affixed to the passenger-side window. Sporting the pace car's black-over-Silver paint finish and Silver leather upholstery, this Corvette is powered by an RPO L48 350ci V8 engine rated 185 SAE Net horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, mated to a Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission. Other features and options include power brakes and steering, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, removable T-roof panels, a rear-window defogger, sport mirrors, a Delco AM/FM stereo radio and 4-channel CB radio, dual rear speakers, the Convenience Group and special Silver leather seats. Polished alloy wheels, Goodyear radial GT tires, and 'Official Pace Car' graphics, plus YJ8 Red accents complete this special commemorative Corvette, which has just 219 miles (the title reads mileage exempt). Documents include an electrical troubleshooting manual and wiring diagrams, plus service and unit repair manuals. Although American performance cars were nearly extinct by the mid-1970s, Chevrolet's Corvette continued to attract committed driving enthusiasts. In addition to a new fastback-style rear-window treatment, the 1978 model year marked the 25th anniversary of America's only true series-production sports car. In celebration, the Corvette was selected at the Official Indianapolis 500 pace car for the first time and served its key role exceptionally especially well as the first production car to pace the Indianapolis 500 field with a factory-stock drivetrain. The Corvette was also the first fiberglass-bodied pace car at Indy and the first pure two-seater performing the high-profile job since just before America's entry into WWII. Driving the Corvette Pace Car for 1978 was 1960 Indianapolis 500 champion Jim Rathmann and, when the checkered flag dropped, Al Unser won his third Indy 500. While production of 2,500 RPO Z78 Indianapolis 500 pace car replica Corvettes was initially envisioned, demand spurred production of 6,502 examples - one for each Chevrolet dealer.