1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car

2dr Coupe

8-cyl. 350cid/185hp 4bbl L48

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$20,300*

-1.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1968-1982 Chevrolet Corvette stats
Highest sale
$3,140,000
Lowest sale
$440
Most recent sale
$32,550
Sales
10000
Explore Hagerty Price Guide values for this generationResearch values for all configurations from this generation on a single page
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Photos

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1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car 2dr Coupe Courtesy of RK Motors
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Model overview

Model description

The Chevrolet Corvette celebrated its 25th year anniversary in 1978 and was chosen to pace the Indy 500. Chevrolet’s car sales rose to 2,341,035, and 46,776 of these were Corvettes. The base price had risen to $9,351.89, but Chevrolet also offered an Indy 500 Pace Car replica for a whopping $13,653.21.

These ’78 Corvette Pace Cars had two-tone silver and black paint, their own number sequence and white-letter tires. The original plan was to build 300 units, but an “instant collectible” buzz led to dealers clamoring for more. The target figure of 6,000 cars (one per dealer) was over-produced to total 6,502 units, though some reports place the number even higher. The stickers that made the model collectible were packaged inside the car, in case the buyer didn’t like them. The two-tone black and silver paint scheme also evolved into the two-tone Silver Anniversary model, of which 15,283 were built.

The 1978 model was modified significantly, with a fastback rear window like the C2 Corvette of the mid ‘60s. It did not open, but there was more room behind the seats and a retracting cover for shade. The instruments were redone in a square style and a glove box added. New door panels introduced bolt-on armrests instead of the molded ones. Wiper and washer controls moved back to the dash and removable glass panels were offered for the roof, though only 972 buyers spent the $349 for them.

The base engine remained a 185 bhp 350-cubic inch Chevy small-block V-8, paired with either a wide-ratio M20 4-speed or the no-charge Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. The L82 package offered a 220 bhp engine for $525 and 12,739 buyers opted for that, while 3,385 customers chose the close-ratio M21 4-speed gearbox. Wider 60 series tires were available as an option, but fenders had to be trimmed at the plant so they would fit.

Again, buyer choices indicated that Corvette had moved into a more leisure-suited market. Principal options included power windows (36,931), air-conditioning (37,638), tilt-telescopic steering column (37,858), cruise control (31,590), rear window de-fogger (30,912), aluminum wheels (28,008) and sport mirrors (38,405). Meanwhile, 37,222 buyers spent $84 for the ZX2 convenience group, which included a dome light delay, headlight warning buzzer, low-fuel warning light, courtesy lights, floor mats and intermittent wipers.

The 1978 Corvette Silver Anniversary model was by far the most popular color (15,283) followed by the Pace Car Replica (6,502), Black (4,573) Classic White (4,150), Silver (3,232), Corvette Mahogany (2,121), Corvette Dark Blue (2,084), Corvette Red (2,074), Corvette Dark Brown (1,991), Corvette Light Blue (1,960), Corvette Light Beige (1,686) and Corvette Yellow (1,243).

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3572 lbs
  • Vehicle Length185.2 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches98 in

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Lettered Tires
  • EntertainmentAM/FM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • Manual Cruise ControlSpeed Control
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts
  • Equipment TypeTelescopic Steering Column
  • Suspension Gymkhana Suspension

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission4-Speed Manual Transmission
  • BrakesPower Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Lettered Tires
  • EntertainmentAM/FM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts

Optional

  • TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • Manual Cruise ControlSpeed Control
  • Equipment TypeTelescopic Steering Column
  • Suspension Gymkhana Suspension
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Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $21,900 for a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car at auction over the last three years was $110,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car at auction over the last three years was $10,815. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 120 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Cars sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car was $14,580 on February 20, 2025 by GAA Classic Cars.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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