The Apex Collection · Lot F168
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition Coupe
1 of 202 Optioned with the L82 V-8 and 4-Speed, 5,427 Miles
Highlights
- 1 of only 202 optioned with the L82 V-8 and 4-speed transmission, the rarest and most sought-after Pace Car configuration
- Only 5,427 miles from new
- Matching numbers optional L82 350 CI V-8 engine
- Matching numbers M21 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission
- Optional FE7 Gymkhana suspension
- Window sticker
- Copy of original MSO
- Copy of original title
- Original door decals still in original box
Specification
- Year
- 1978
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Corvette
- Exterior
- Black/Silver
- Interior
- Silver
- Transmission
- 4-Speed Manual
- Odometer
- 5,427 miles
- Lot
- F168
The Story
In 1978, Chevrolet celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Corvette by pacing the Indianapolis 500 and releasing a handful of special-edition pace car replicas to the public. Just 6,502 of these very special black and silver Corvette models were ever produced, each with a unique VIN sequence–a first for Corvette. Following a front-page article in the Wall Street Journal, prices for these limited edition Corvettes went through the roof as they were quickly snapped up by collectors.
Out of the 6,502 Pace Cars built for the year, only 202 of them came with the optional higher-horsepower L82 350 CI and a 4-speed manual transmission, making this example the most desirable configuration today. Originally sold new at Wild Rice Motor Company in Mahnomen, Minnesota, this example came highly optioned with rear and front spoilers, aluminum wheels, glass roof panels, sport mirrors, contoured bucket seats, air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, a power antenna, dual rear speakers, power windows, power door locks, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, rear window defogger, the convenience group, an HD battery, power steering, FE7 Gymkhana suspension and an anti-theft audio alarm system.
This Pace Car has been held in a private collection and comes with the window sticker, a copy of the MSO, a copy of the original title and various other original documents attesting to its authenticity and originality. It even comes with the original decals advertising “Official Pace Car 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 Mile Race May 28, 1978,” which remain unused and in the original box.
With only 5,426 miles on the odometer, this example remains in exceptional condition. One look under the hood and one will appreciate the originality and care taken by previous ownership to preserve the originality of this special Pace Car Edition. Close inspection will reveal original paint markings, chalk markings and paint dabs throughout the car engine bay and undercarriage. It’s truly a great opportunity to acquire a highly sought-after, low-mileage example of a highly optioned pace car Corvette.
