1978 Chevrolet Corvette 350ci V8 Auto INDY PACE CAR

Preview: Here we have a 1978 Indy Pace Car, a piece of automotive history marking the 25th anniversary of Corvette production and its role as the pace car for the Indy 500. With only 15,000 miles on the odometer, this collectible Corvette represents a blend of nostalgia and performance.

Exterior:The two-tone finish on this 1978 Chevrolet Corvette presents as original with some minor chips here and there in the finish but overall has been well maintained and shines with a very nice brilliance. The correct “Official Pace Car” decals are present commemorating the 62nd running of the Indianapolis 500-mile race. A special Corvette emblem is mounted on the gas door commemorating the 25th anniversary as well as limited edition decals on the front fenders. A major design change for 1978 was the fastback rear window that gives more storage space behind the seats, and this car features the electric defogger option. This Corvette features removable glass roof panels, which in 1978, only 972 Corvettes came equipped with. The driver’s side roof panel does have some minor damage on the corner.

Interior: Inside this Corvette’s silver cockpit is in very good condition with some minor wear in spots. The silver leather seat upholstery shows some very light wear on the driver’s side and there is a small tear in the driver’s door panel. The original carpet is present, protected by the factory-carpeted floor mats with the Corvette emblem embossed on them. There is some light wear and soiling on the driver’s side carpet, otherwise, the carpet is well-preserved throughout the rest of the vehicle. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features a 25th Anniversary center horn emblem and sits on the top of a tilt steering column. Full factory gauges adorn the dash and monitor the engine vitals. Options include intermittent wipers, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control and Delco AM/FM with an 8-track cassette Stereo player. It should be noted the vehicle comes with several 8-track cassettes with purchase.

Mechanical: Under the hood sits the RPO L48 350cid V8 engine with 180hp. The engine compartment presents as well-kept with many of the factory decals and markings still present. The air filter has been upgraded to a K&N cotton filter and a set of chrome valve covers add some additional bling to the under-hood area. Power is transferred through a GM 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission to a limited-slip differential and independent rear suspension. Underneath, the undercarriage of this Corvette is clean and in original condition with many of the factory assembly markings still present. Maintenance items replaced include shocks, the power steering slave cylinder, and the exhaust system. Standard equipment on the Corvette is four-wheel power disc brakes. The factory alloy wheels with red accent striping are wrapped in BF Goodrich radial T/A tires mounted with the blackwall facing out. Included in the delivery of this car are the correct chrome center caps with Corvette emblems.

Overview: With its clean undercarriage and well-preserved interior, this is a great car with some decent collectability, but importantly with T-tops and some of the best handling the 70’s had to offer on any car produced, this is a great car to cruise on a sunny day to a car show or even the beach. Included with the car are several 8-track cassettes, adding to the nostalgic charm of this iconic vehicle. Whether you’re a Corvette enthusiast or a vintage car aficionado, this 1978 Indy Pace Car is sure to turn heads and evoke memories of a bygone era.

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