Interior colour: grey
Registration number: GDX-85-T
Manufacturer: Gallery Aaldering Arnhemsestraat 47 6971AP BRUMMEN, NL 0575564055 http://www.gallery-aaldering.com info@gallery-aaldering.com
This is the 1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition, a car that occupies a special place in Corvette history. Not only because it marks an important anniversary, but also because this was the year the Corvette first led the legendary Indianapolis 500 as the official pace car.
Nineteen seventy eight was a significant year for Chevrolet. The brand celebrated the twenty fifth anniversary of the Corvette. Since its introduction in 1953 the Corvette had grown into what Americans proudly call America’s Sports Car. To commemorate the milestone Chevrolet introduced two special editions: the Silver Anniversary Edition and this iconic Indy Pace Car Edition.
The Pace Car was immediately recognizable thanks to its distinctive two tone color scheme. Black combined with silver metallic, separated by a red pinstripe. The car also received unique front and rear spoilers which gave it an even more sporting appearance. The result was a Corvette that looked even more dramatic than the standard version.
The model was delivered with an extensive list of options. These included glass T tops, alloy wheels, power windows, air conditioning, an AM FM stereo system and a tilt steering column. Inside, the Pace Car featured sport seats with improved support, a design that would later appear in other Corvette models.
Although the Pace Car was initially intended to be produced in a much smaller run, Chevrolet eventually decided that every Chevrolet dealer should be able to display one in their showroom. As a result just over 6200 examples were ultimately built. Despite that number the model quickly became a desirable collector car, particularly because of its direct connection with the Indianapolis 500.
The example presented here is equipped with the powerful L82 V8 engine and remains in very well cared for condition. The body has been restored and the car has undergone a thorough mechanical overhaul, with careful attention paid to preserving the original character of the Corvette. The restoration work was carried out in Europe and the car is accompanied by original documentation and sales invoices.
What you see here therefore is not just another Corvette from the nineteen seventies. This is an official Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition, built to celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of the Corvette and connected to one of the most famous motorsport events in the world.
For enthusiasts of American sports cars this makes for a particularly appealing model. The combination of its striking appearance, its historical significance and its limited production makes this Corvette a true classic of the nineteen seventies. A car that still carries the same presence and charm today as it did when it first led the grid of the Indianapolis 500.
Please contact Gallery Aaldering today and discover this Corvette for yourself.
