1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition

This 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Edition presents as a well-preserved example finished in Gloss Black on the exterior with a coordinating Silver interior. The car is in excellent overall condition and has seen extremely light use: current documented mileage is below 1,000 miles and the history reflects an average of less than 1,000 miles per year. The combination of careful ownership, low miles and thorough mechanical attention make this Corvette a strong candidate for someone seeking a presentable, usable collector sports car.

Important note on powertrain
This particular Corvette is currently powered by a Chevrolet L88 specification big-block V8. The L88 is a high-performance 427 cubic inch (7.0 L) Chevrolet big-block historically associated with Chevrolet’s late-1960s factory race-oriented program. On this car the L88 is installed as the driving powerplant; prospective buyers should be aware that the L88 was not a factory-installed option for 1978 Corvettes, so the engine represents a significant modification/upgrade from original 1978 factory powertrain configurations. Documentation regarding the installation and supporting components is available on request.

Factory features (1978 Corvette Pace Car Edition)
The 1978 Pace Car Edition was an appearance package applied to the C3 Corvette to commemorate the model’s role as the Indianapolis 500 pace car. As built by Chevrolet, the Pace Car Edition emphasized distinct visual and trim elements layered on the standard Corvette coupe configuration. Typical factory items and features for a 1978 Corvette Pace Car (as offered from the factory) include:

- Exterior appearance package: unique Pace Car stripe and decal treatments placed on the hood, sides and rear deck; special Pace Car badging and identification plaques located in the engine bay and on the interior identifying the model as a Pace Car Edition. These graphics and emblems were the hallmark of the package and were applied at the factory to distinguish the special-edition units.
- Removable roof panels (T-tops): the two-plank removable roof panels were a popular feature of the C3 coupe — they are a part of the standard coupe experience and remain practical for open-air driving when removed and stowed.
- Two-seat cockpit with center console: the Corvette’s low-slung twin-bucket seating arrangement features a center console that houses the shifter (manual or automatic), storage area and instrument cluster area controls.
- Full instrumentation: the dash layout provides comprehensive driver information with a large speedometer and tachometer flanked by auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature and charging system readouts. The placement and readability of these instruments reflect the driver-focused intent of the Corvette design.
- Suspension and chassis: the C3 Corvette was engineered with independent front suspension and a rear independent suspension supported by a transverse leaf spring, delivering the handling characteristics expected of the model. Power steering and power-assisted braking were typical components that supported everyday drivability.
- Brake system: factory-equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and power assist, a feature that contributed to the car’s sporting performance credentials.
- Comfort and convenience: factory equipment commonly included selectable options such as air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM radio or cassette stereo units (period-correct radio in this example), and optional cruise control and tilt steering. These options were often specified at purchase and enhance long-distance comfort.
- Wheels and tires: the Pace Car Edition typically used distinctive alloy/wheel treatments consistent with the special-edition visual theme; tires are period-correct sizing to match the original wheel and suspension geometry.

Exterior and interior condition
Exterior: This car’s Black paint presents with a deep, even gloss and straight body panels. Gaps and shut lines are con