Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Corvette |
SubModel: | Pace Car |
Type: | Coupe |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1978 |
Mileage: | 19,117 |
VIN: | 1Z8748S900396 |
Color: | Other |
Engine: | 350 V8 L82 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Other |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
With all the talk of investment-grade 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Cars, it's intimidating to think about buying one of those 0-mile artifacts and driving it on the road. But that's completely overlooking the fact that they're great drivers, and the handsome silver and black paint scheme is one of the better-looking Corvette pace cars of all time. If you've always wanted one, but find that they're always priced out of reach, or just would like to have one to drive and enjoy, here's the answer.This car is a nicely presented driver quality pace car, showing 19,117 original miles. Compared to most pace cars, that's a bit of driving, but that's still a fraction of most '70s 'Vettes. As a result, it's in very condition throughout, and features a lot of originality, which is important to Corvette fans. It's a little faded, but if you're like us, you like the idea of a car that hasn't been messed with and you know there are no surprises waiting for you under the paint. The 'glass is in great shape and as a pace car, it got the full treatment: hood accents, door decals, and the red pinstripe around the perimeter. There's some fading on the decals, too, but again, originality matters and they're still nice enough that we'd probably leave them alone. In fact, this car is in ideal condition to just get in and start having fun!The silver leather interior was a trademark of Bill Mitchell's design, and looks surprisingly good in this two-tone Corvette. The seats carry unusual cloth inserts, which was a rare option, and they're in good shape. GM used decent quality materials in these cars, and the seating surfaces are in good condition with less wear than you'd expect on a car of this age. Carpets are in decent shape thanks to a set of matching floor mats, and the center console hasn't cracked due to age or UV exposure. This car also includes the cool period AM/FM/CB stereo system, which was an option in 1978, and a power antenna in the tail. Other features include cold A/C, a tilt/telescopic wheel, power windows, and those unique mirrored T-tops. The engine is a great-running L82, which was the top motor in 1978. A lifetime in a warm climate is to thank for the excellent condition of the engine and undercarriage, and there's no sign of rust or damage. Wearing a coat of blue engine paint, the small block V8 is nicely detailed with finned valve covers and the L82-specific twin-snorkel air cleaner. Even the smog pump is still intact, something that was frequently removed on cars that were driven, but it remains in place and fully functional here. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic, and the chassis shows signs of recent maintenance and no winter use. Wheels are the slotted aluminum units that were standard equipment on the pace cars, wearing a set of fat 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.With good power and smashing good looks, these cars attract a lot of attention wherever they go. In this day and age, it's kind of refreshing to see one of these on the road instead of locked away as an investment; after all, they were built to be driven. Take this one home and find out what great cars these really are. Call now!