1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car

- Same Family Owned Since 1980
- Original Build Sheet
- Powered By A 6.0L LS2 V8
- Swap Was Done In 2021
- Holley EFI
- Rebuilt Automatic Transmission
- 20k Original Miles

As a somewhat limited production car, at 6,502 having been produced, this one takes that to another level, as we don't think there are many out there with the specs that this car has. It seems that there are always a few 1978 Indy 500 Pace Car Edition Corvettes on the market at any given time, many of which are very low mileage examples. While this particular example looks as though it's one of the many bone stock, low mileage Pace Cars on the market, some tasteful modifications have been made to the car. This car has been in the same family since 1980, and has the original paint and bodywork, along with an original build sheet. The car has been well kept and admired since the family purchased it. The car you see here is a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car finished in the black and silver Pace Car livery over a gray interior. The mechanical odometer shows approximately 20,341 miles.

Since most Corvette connoisseurs are well aware of the exterior styling and interior looks of the '78 Indy Pace Car Corvette, we will first tell you about the modifications completed to this car. A 6.0 Liter LS2 has been neatly installed under the hood. Many folks wouldn't take a second look at the engine bay, as the engine itself is not all dressed up with chrome or decals. The car originally had a carbureted 350ci V8, which at the time that the car rolled off the showroom floor, had approximately 220 horsepower. The LS2 engines were used in the Chevrolet SSR, Pontiac GTO, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, and of course the C6 Chevrolet Corvette. The horsepower ranged from 390 to 400 horsepower depending on the application.

Any proper engine swap, especially one in which power is greater, has the ancillary parts upgraded as well. Fortunately in this case, the brakes, suspension, and even the transmission have been upgraded providing greater stopping power, better handling, and power delivery. The engine management comes in the form of a Holley Sniper EFI system with the Holley throttle body being the dead giveaway when peering into the engine bay. Smooth power is on tap, and in a car as small and light as this one in comparison to the C6 Generation Corvette, this car can really rip.

Setting the car apart from other Corvettes of the era is the two tone paint job, and obligatory Indianapolis 500 decals on the doors and rear quarter panels. The car is comprised of a combination of a numbers matching body and chassis. The paint itself does show age with chips and light scratches visible, however the body panels line up as they should and the trim is in great condition. The alloy wheels on the car are in beautiful condition, and are wrapped in white letter BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.

A close look at the interior makes it apparent that the car has spent quite a lot of time just sitting. The interior is in very nice condition, with the dashboard being free of cracks, and the trim showing very well. Those who know Corvettes of this era should not be too surprised that there are spots of discoloration in the carpeting, the combination of thick pile, light color, and age make it a tricky thing to keep looking brand new. Otherwise the interior looks very similar to the way it left the factory. Large instrument cluster, Delco radio, three spoke steering wheel, tilt steering column, and the center-of-dashboard-mounted auxiliary gauges are other interior highlights.

This is a car that is unique, and may even be one of a kind, thanks to being a limited edition that has been tastefully modified. A car that has classic, original looks with a nice boost of power sounds like a fun car to us! Please call if interested or e-mail with specific questions. Thanks for looking.