1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PACE CAR T­-TOP COUPE
Designer: Bill Mitchell

Estimate: $23,000 ­- $30,000

Chassis Number: 1Z87L8S902058
Decoded: 1=Chevrolet Division; Z87=Corvette T-­top Coupe; L=350 cid; 8=1978 model year; S=St. Louis, MO assembly plant; 902058=2,058th 1978 Corvette Pace Car scheduled for production at the St. Louis plant
Engine: 350 cid OHV V8
4­-barrel Carburetor / 180 bhp
3-­Speed Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Mileage: 95,429

● Marks 25th Anniversary of the Corvette
● First Appearance of Corvette as Indy 500 Pace Car
● Tribute to Marketing Genius

The Model: It was quite a fete for Chevrolet to have kept the Corvette brand alive for 25 years. The car had come quite a ways since its introduction and was recognized around the world as “America’s Sports Car”. To celebrate this milestone a 25th Anniversary package was developed, but shortly after the first of January 1978, another major announcement was made, Corvette would be the official pace car for that year’s Indianapolis 500 race. With the demise of the open-­top convertibles from the American roadways, Corvette’s T­-top design lent itself well to pace ­car duties. Chevrolet dealers were told, they could order one a piece, no more! Produced with their own serial number run, the 1978 Corvette Pace Car edition became the most popular such car ever produced by any car maker becoming an instant collectible. With its unique black over silver color scheme, special alloy wheels and bright graphics, it is probably the most recognizable America car from the 1970’s.

The Car: Even when these Pace Car edition Corvettes were new, it was a rare sight to find one on the road as many felt these would be little gold­mines if they were stashed away with little or no miles on them. But the wise buyers were those who got behind the wheel and enjoyed the performance and attention they got driving a car that was about the most famous car that year. This example has been driven but does not appear to have been abused. It silver leather seats are soft and pliable, showing only minimal wear. It appears to be wearing its original colors from the St. Louis factory and the graphics are in very good condition. Since it has been in the ownership of our consignor, this pace car has been garaged indoors and kept in immaculate, turn­key ready condition. It retains its original equipment with glass­-top panels showing to crazing or scratches. Truly a Corvette that can be shown and enjoyed to the maximum, just as it should be.