1978 Chevrolet Corvette

1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition — L82 V8, One of 6,502 Built, Full Pace Car Regalia

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette was already a landmark vehicle before Chevrolet decided to make it the Official Pace Car for the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500. Nineteen seventy-eight marked the Corvette's 25th anniversary as a production model, and General Motors chose to celebrate in a big way. The C3 body received its first significant restyling since 1968, gaining a fastback rear window that completely transformed the car's profile and gave it a much more modern, aerodynamic appearance. That change alone made the 1978 model year a turning point in Corvette history.

When it was selected to pace the Indy 500 on May 28, 1978, Chevrolet created a limited-run replica package that any customer could order through a Chevrolet dealer. The Pace Car Edition became one of the most talked-about special editions of the entire C3 generation. Only 6,502 were produced, and this is one of them. The package included a specific black-over-silver two-tone paint scheme, a full set of pace car decals, a unique front air dam, front and rear spoilers, aluminum wheels designed specifically for the package, and a silver leather interior.

The Pace Car Edition was priced at a significant premium over a standard 1978 Corvette, and dealers often added substantial markups above sticker. Some sold for two to three times the window price. While not every Pace Car Edition was ordered with the L82 engine, the ones that were represent the most desirable combination from that model year. This car carries the L82 — the high-output 5.7-liter V8 that was the top engine choice for 1978 — confirming it was built as a fully optioned example from the start.

Key details
Exterior: Black & Silver
VIN / chassis: 1Z8748S901769

Offered by Skyway Classics, 14805 Venture Dr, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.