1978 Corvette Pace Car. Perfect 10,027 Mile Car. Orlando Florida. No Reserve.

Chevrolet Corvette 1978 Description

Offered for sale in this true no reserve price eBay auction with a $50 starting price is my stunning 10,027 mile 1978 Corvette Pace Car. So exceptional is my Pace Car that of the 6000 or so in existence this one is likely among the top examples in terms of original build quality, current cosmetic and mechanical condition and its extraordinary drive-ability. Simply put it’s one of the finest 1978 Pace Cars in the world.

The final bidder will win my Corvette. While I have not posted a Buy-It-Now price for my Pace Car I’ll sell it for $18,250. If this auction runs its full 10 days it's possible that my Pace Car may pass the $18,250 mark.

My cell number is at the end of this very long condition report.

OWNERSHIP HISTORY: My Pace Car is a 3 owner Corvette. It was originally sold by Abraham Chevrolet in Tampa Florida on June 1, 1978. The first owner paid $29,131.21 for the car and drove it 910 miles over the course of 28 years. The second owner drove the Pace Car 8,200 miles then sold it to me. I’ve driven the car 900 miles.

STANDARD & OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: L-48 motor, automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, Gymkhana suspension, power windows, power door locks, AM-FM Stereo 8-Track radio with power antenna, power steering, power brakes, cruise control.

ACCIDENT HISTORY: None. The car is a never-damaged, pristine example.

EXTERIOR CONDITION: Flawless. The exterior finish has completely retained its very high luster and deep gloss. There’s not a chip, scratch or issue anywhere. My Pace Car looks as if it has been dipped in molten black (and silver) glass. The finish is breathtaking. I doubt that the car has spent a single night outdoors.

Both glass T-Top panels are pristine. Zero chips, scratches or cracks.

INTERIOR CONDITION: Exceptional, ultra-ultra-clean and wear free, tear-free, issue-free. Carpet, seats, door trim panels, dash and rear cargo area are all virtually perfect. The car still has a slight new-car-scent.

The never used T-Top storage bags are still in their plastic bag as are the never used floor mats.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Show ready. Just gorgeous, actually.

MECHANICAL CONDITION: Exceptional, exceptional, and exceptional. For those who are considering flying in (I’d be delighted to pick you up at Orlando International Airport) and driving my Pace Car home my Pace Car is ready to be drivenanywherein the United States. Take it on a 3,000 mile drive home and enjoy absolute reliability and comfort.

GAUGES & ELECTRONICS: Every gaUge works and is completely accurate. The original clock keeps precise time.

The original Delco radio works well for an old school analog radio. The built in 8-track player works perfectly. I’ve left an 8-track in the glove box for test sake.

The windshield wipers work perfectly as do the headlight doors and headlight. Every single turn signal bulb, side marker bulb, tail light bulb and tag light bulb was replaced in anticipation of this sale. The plastic lenses and plug-in receptacles were cleaned by hand.

Even the under-dash courtesy lights illuminate.

RECENT MAINTENANCE: 10 miles ago and in anticipation of this auction I, A) changed the engine oil & oil filter, B) changed the transmission oil and filter and replaced the pan gasket with new, C) flushed the cooling system and replaced the coolant and top & bottom radiator hoses, D) drained and replaced the rear differential oil, E) replaced the power steering fluid, F) had the entire braking system checked, G) performed a complete tune-up down to new plug wires, plugs, distributor cap etc.

TIRES & WHEELS: The 4 matching P255/60R15 Goodyear GT radial tires retain 95% to 97.5% more of their tread. The original tires had become somewhat inflexible and were replaced 6 months before I purchased the Pace Car and have approximately 1100 miles of use. The GT radial tires tend to ride bumpily until they warm up. The wheels and lug nuts are nearly completely flawless. At 4 inches distance I’ve only detected one pin head size blemish on one wheel.

RUNNING & DRIVING CONDITION: Spectacular. This Pace Car tracks dead straight and true on the highway even at 80 mph. The steering box is as tight and accurate as new. It panic stops straight and true even from 80 mph to zero. It has unexpected andsubstantialpower throughout its entire RPM range.

The transmission shifts perfectly at its proper shift points. The rear differential is rock solid and was complete free of metal flakes when its fluid was changed 10 miles ago.

This Corvette runsperfectly.

FLAW: The power radio antennae works perfectly but the retracted telescopic mast sits slightly off center in its chrome grommet . The antenna is an OEM replacement unit as the original antennae stopped working .

THEORY OF OWNERSHIP: Low or no mileage 1978 Pace Cars are an undervalued bargain. Nearly every other collectable, exotic, classic or special interest car of 1970’s has wildly accelerated in value while the sensibly priced 1978 Pace Car has lagged behind. A 1974 DeTomaso Pantera now fetches $60,000 or better. A 1972 $6,000 LT-1 Corvette now brings $35,000.

My point is this. 1978 Pace Cars are currently affordable. Is there potential for their appreciation? I think so. I recently graphed average values since 2009 and their value has climbed by 2.7 percent per year. Not stellar growth but solid and constant.

Pace Car ownership makes sense. Corvette parts abound. Certainly its 350 CID engine and Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission make for no-stress ownership but its body panels and interior components are all still available, too. Many are listed for sale on eBay.

My Corvette costs $310 yearly to insure for full replacement value through Hagerty Insurance (1-877-472-0659). Yes, I’m a 61 years old careful driver but you’re certain to pay about the same or just slightly more.

Now, here’s what I love most about owning my 1978 Pace Car. It attracts attention. Lots of attention. People gather at gas stations to see my Pace Car and ask questions. People gather at restaurants to see my Pace Car and ask questions.People roll down their windows at stop lights and barrage me with questions. Take it to a car show and you’ll be mobbed by the curious and excited who’ll ignore the Ferrari to your left and the 2017 Corvette. People stop and take endless cell phone movies and still shots.

ME: I am not a car dealer. I am an audio engineer and unrelenting perfectionist who’s owned dozens and dozens of special interest and exotic cars. Cars are my hobby and a needed distraction from the pressures of work.

This is the 4thPace Car that I’ve owned. I bought my first, a nearly perfect car with 5,500 miles, in 1979. This car is as nice as that first Pace Car. I know these cars inside and out and I know what constitutes an exceptional one. Mineisan exceptional one.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: A clean, ‘open’, lien-free, damage-free, flood-free, salvage-free, rebuilt-free Florida title, 2 ignition keys, 2 door lock keys, original never opened owner’s manual, original window sticker and original showroom sales brochure.

WHAT I REQUIRE OF YOU: Please don’t whim bid. Please call me with questionsbeforeyou place your bid. Be able to transfer a $650 non-refundable deposit via PayPal in order to hold my Pace Car until you’re able to drive or ship it home. Thanks.

Contact me: 1-321-279-8849. I’m Mark Leonard.