521-Mile 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car L82

Description

In 1978, Chevrolet had two things to celebrate: the Corvette’s 25th anniversary and the car’s selection as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. To commemorate the honor, Chevrolet released a limited-edition Pace Car Replica. 

The special edition stood out with its distinctive black-over-silver two-tone paint scheme, accented by red pinstriping and bold “Official Pace Car” decals. It also featured a unique front and rear spoiler package, alloy wheels, and mirrored T-tops. Inside, the car came equipped with either silver leather or cloth upholstery, special badging, and a plaque denoting its commemorative status. 

Under the hood, buyers could choose between the standard L48 350-cubic-inch V8 or the more powerful L82, which produced 220 horsepower. Transmission options included a three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual. 

Chevrolet originally planned to build only 300 units, but due to overwhelming demand, 6,502 Pace Car Replicas were ultimately produced — one for each of the brand’s dealerships. Despite this higher production number, the car remains a sought-after collector’s item today. 

This '78 Corvette Pace Car Edition is equipped with the desirable L82 engine, and it shows only 521 original miles, having originally been on display at Indiana's Swope Museum from new. 

Highlights 

• 1978 Corvette Limited Edition Pace Car showing 521 original miles  

• Finished in original two-tone Black and Silver paint over Silver leather upholstery 

• Powered by a L82 350 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 220 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Factory T-Tops

• Upgrades under current ownership: 

  • Original brake calipers have been rebuilt by Lone Star Caliper Co. using O-ring seals 

  • Starter module has been replaced with an AC Delco D1906 unit 

  • One rubber body mount bushing replaced 

  • New battery

• RPO (Regular Production Option) codes: 

  • 278 – Limited Edition Corvette Coupe 

  • L82 – 350 cu-in V8 engine, high-output version with 220 hp 

  • MX1 – Automatic transmission: 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 

  • NA2 – Standard emissions system (non-California emissions) 

  • K30 – Cruise-Master Speed Control 

  • 19U – Black (Upper) exterior paint 

  • 152 – Silver leather trim 

• The chassis number (1Z8748S905686) decodes as: 

  • 1 – USA 

  • Z – Corvette  

  • 87 – Two-door coupe 

  • 4 – L82 350 cu-in V8 engine 

  • 8 – 1978 model year 

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant 

  • 905686 – Sequential production number (S900001 to S906502 are Limited Edition Pace Cars) 

Features 

• 25th Anniversary badging and decals 

• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescope three-spoke steering wheel 

• Remote-operated mirrors   

• Power steering, brakes, and windows with optional power door locks 

• 140 mph speedometer and 7000 rpm tachometer   

• AM/FM/Cassette stereo with power antenna 

• 15-inch aluminum wheels 

• Goodyear GT Radial P255/60R15 tires 

• Recent oil change and new filter 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint imperfections 

• Windshield is de-laminating in the passenger side lower corner 

• Clock does not work — replacement clock (mechanical not quartz) included 

• Antenna does not work — replacement cable included 

• Heat selector switch on dashboard is broken — new unit included 

• Heater matrix leaks, so heater has been bypassed 

• Small stain on driver’s door carpet trim 

• Brakes are “spongy” 

• Light surface rust on underside, commensurate with the age of the vehicle  

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Original unused wheels and tires 

• New, unused floor mats, still in original plastic 

• Original glove box 

• Original, lightly used air cleaner 

• T-Top sleeves 

• Original owner’s manual and paperwork 

• 1978 Pace Car key chain and keys 

• U.S. Auto Club memorabilia 

• Indianapolis 500 pass for May 28, 1978 

• Car cover 

Ownership History 

The Idaho seller of this 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Limited Edition Pace Car has owned it since December 2020, when he bought it off eBay "as something to admire and polish.” It was originally displayed at the Swope Museum from new.