The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car is considered the defining line where the C3 Corvette was no longer just seen as a sports car. This is where they became the true collector's pieces they are today. So to find on that have traveled less than 12 miles annually (oh yeah!) and everything is so new that the seats are wrapped in plastic (yes, really!) makes this the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a collector's collectable. Factory code... RPO Z78 radically transformed the Corvette's looks, adding the two-tone black over silver metallic paint job with a bright red pinstripe in between. Then a spoiler was added at each end to really give it an aggressive look. This was such a unique appearance for the Corvette that it's terrific to see the original paint in such as-delivered condition. This hasn't been re-sprayed or over-buffed, and so it truly represents how the factory made cars in '78. And that means this is ready for some serious attention from Corvette survivor shows. In fact, the cool and correct redline alloys you see in the pictures are just correct replacements used to move the car (the original wheels and tires come with the sale so you can always display this one as a true survivor.) The silver leather interior is the perfect color for this special edition car. It looks great on these seats, because after all, factory plastic covering them means they've been preserved from day one! The carpets, door panels, and dashboard have all been treated with respect over the years, too, so that this is a true time capsule. That's what you expect when buying a car celebrating its 40th anniversary, and yet has traveled less than 450 miles! Indy Pace cars came loaded with just about every option Chevy could throw at a Corvette, including glass T-tops, power windows, electric rear defogger, provisions for air conditioning, sport mirrors, and tilt/telescope steering wheel. This one even still has its original AM/FM/8-track stereo. You can verify all these features on the original window sticker that's still affixed to the passenger window. But even if all you want to do is drive this collector's piece, the leather wrapped steering wheel and full gauge package really lets you enjoy America's sports car. The engine is the optional (and numbers-matching) L82 350 cubic-inch V8. This higher compression motor was a must-have for the performance fans in 1978 because it offered 17% more horsepower than the standard Corvette V8. And this also has the upgraded FE7 Gymkhana package that really makes the most of the fully independent suspension. But more than just a great performance car, this one is a nice car for the long trips, too. That's thanks to features like the TH350 three-speed automatic transmission, optional cruise control, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. So if you ever do decide to add to the nearly impossibly low odometer, this Corvette will happily enjoy the open road. Something this special needs to have all the right paperwork. So not only is the window sticker still affixed, but you also get the dealer invoice, factory build sheet, original bill of sale, warranty card, owner's manual, title documentation, maintenance records, and a binder full of other great original items. This is an amazing piece of history that's ready do be someone's ultimate collectable. So do you want to be jealous or make everyone else jealous? Call now!
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