1978 Corvette Pace Car

In 1978 Chevrolet marked the 25th anniversary of the Corvette with a milestone achievement: for the first time in its history the Corvette was selected as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. To honor the occasion Chevrolet produced a limited-edition pace car replica—an instantly iconic model that blended Corvette performance with racing heritage and bold design.

The 1978 Pace Car Edition stood out with its dramatic black-over-silver two-tone paint front and rear spoilers mirrored T-top roof panels and unique "Indy 500" badging. Inside the cabin featured silver leather or cloth upholstery sport seats and a commemorative dashboard plaque—adding to the car’s sense of occasion and collectability.

Under the hood the car retained the Corvette’s classic 5.7-liter (350 cubic inch) V8 engine delivering between 185 and 220 horsepower depending on the drivetrain configuration. Available with either a 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual transmission the Pace Car Edition combined American muscle with everyday drivability.

Originally Chevrolet planned to build just 300 units but overwhelming demand led to the production of 6502 replicas—one for every Chevrolet dealer in the United States. Today the 1978 Corvette Pace Car Edition remains a cherished symbol of Corvette history American automotive enthusiasm and the enduring bond between racing and design.