Although most American performance cars were extinct by the mid-1970s, Chevrolet’s Corvette continued to attract committed driving enthusiasts. In addition to a new fastback- style rear-window treatment, the 1978 model year marked the 25th anniversary of America’s only true series-production sports car. In celebration, the Corvette was selected as the Official Indianapolis 500 Pace Car for the first time and served its key role especially well as the first production car to pace the Indianapolis 500 field with an unmodified, factory-stock drivetrain. The Corvette was also the first fiberglass-bodied pace car at Indy and the first pure two-seater performing the high-profile job since just before America’s entry into World War II. Driving the Corvette Pace Car for 1978 was 1960 Indianapolis 500 champion Jim Rathmann, and when the checkered flag dropped, Al Unser won his third Indy 500. While production of 2,500 RPO Z78 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Corvettes was initially envisioned, demand spurred production of 6,502 examples—one for each Chevrolet dealer A thrilling find with the odometer reading 80 miles, this example is one of 512 1978 Corvette Pace Car Editions with the driveline combination of an L82 350/220 HP V-8 engine and M21 4-speed manual transmission. Featuring an iconic two-tone black over silver exterior finish, the Corvette is highly equipped with T-tops, a silver leather bucket-seat interior, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, the optional Gymkhana suspension, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, an AM/FM radio and a rear defroster. Furthering its desirability, this example is the first 1978 Indy Pace Car Edition to receive Bloomington Gold Survivor status and Benchmark certification. Other accolades include Bloomington Gold Lowest Mile Survivor (June 27, 1998), Blooming Gold Survivor (June 27, 1998), Bloomington Gold (June 28, 1998), Bloomington Gold Benchmark (June 28, 1998), Blooming Gold Special Collection Display (June 25, 1999), Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame induction (June 27, 2003), and NCRS Regional Top Flight honors at Orlando, Florida, in 1999. Outstanding documents for this car include the Factory MSO, a build sheet, factory invoice, odometer statements, the original Bill of Sale, original owner’s packet, owner titles, an owner’s manual and a notebook with receipts.
