FEATURE CAR FOR THE UPCOMING COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION HELD IN BRANSON, MISSOURI ON OCTOBER 16th AND 17th, 2026. THIS AUCTION IS HELD AT THE CONVENTION CENTER IN DOWNTOWN BRANSON, MISSOURI, LOT #543, AND IT WILL BE CROSSING THE BLOCK ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17th, 2026.
VISIT BRANSONAUCTON.COM FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.

Chevrolet marked the Corvette’s twenty-fifth year by introducing the most extensively redesigned model since 1968. New “fastback” rear-end styling featured a large rear window, but not a hatchback. This design change created significantly more luggage space behind the rear seats. Also, a retracting cover was added for security and sun protection.
The Corvette paced the Indy 500 race for the first time. To commemorate the event, Chevrolet built limited edition Corvette pace car replicas. These vehicles had their own vehicle identification number sequence, a Corvette first. Initially, these were to have two-tone silver paint with red striping, special Goodyear tires with “Corvette” sidewall letters, and a build quantity of 300 to honor the 1953 model. The special tires were eliminated, and quantity ratcheted up several times as dealer and public interest skyrocketed. Chevrolet finally decided to build one for each dealer (about 6000) plus some extra; however, other quantities have been published, and it is known that a total of 6,502 were built. This one that we have to offer is number 5,104.
Chevrolet ended up painting all of the pace car replicas black on the upper portion of the body with a lighter silver color on the body, outlined with a red stripe around the entire car, along with decals on the hood, rear fenders, and both doors. They also had a Limited Edition decal below the side cross-flag emblems too.
The 1978 interior was also redesigned significantly. The speedometer and tachometer were redone in a more square, vertical mode. A glove box was added. Inner door panels were completely new and featured screwed-on armrests instead of the molded-in style common to Corvettes since 1965. Windshield wiper and washer controls were moved back to the instrument panel, but the dimmer remained on the steering column. The center console, redone for 1977, essentially carried over.
A new “high back” seat style was introduced exclusively to the pace car models in 1978. These new bucket seats had extensive use of plastic in the frame structure resulting in weight reduction of about twelve pounds per seat. The new seats had better side bolster support, and the backs folded at a higher point to permit easier rear storage access. Inertia locking mechanisms restrained the backs in sudden deceleration, negating the need for manual locks. Driver and passenger seat tracks were redesigned for an additional inch of forward travel. The L-82’s dual-snorkel air intake became standard on the L-48 base engine.
These Pace Cars had almost every available option and many first-time seen features such as the removable glass T-Top roof panels, dual sport mirrors, front and rear spoilers, aluminum wheels with a red pinstripe around the lip, new wider 6–series tires, special badging, silver interior, limited edition plaque on the center console, and more!
Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM stereo radio with an 8-track tape player, dual rear speakers, power antenna, power door locks, rear window defogger, convenience group, Anti-Theft audio alarm system, contoured bucket seats, and so much more.
Most everything was standard on these limited edition pace cars but this one did have the K30 Cruise-Master Speed Control option, which was $99.00.

The original MSRP was $13,841.21
This Pace Car was originally delivered to:
Forrest Chevrolet-Olds, Inc.
400 N Rollins
Centralia, MO 65240

Actual build date was Tuesday, April 25th, 1978
VIN # 1Z87L8S905104
The number 905307 in the VIN designates this as a real Pace Car Replica
This Pace Car is number 5,104 out of 6,502 produced

This Pace Car has been well-preserved and stored inside and out of the elements. The underside and the engine bay still have a new look, and the components have little to no deterioration. The paint, interior, rubber, and Goodyear tires are all original and in excellent shape. The original pace car decals are still in the GM box behind the seats along with the t-top storage bags, original jack, etc. Even an original Delco Freedom Battery is included with this car! The rubber body mounts still look new and fresh and all of the original exhaust system is still intact with no pin holes or severe rust as commonly seen on some of these extremely low-mileage cars. A new set of stainless steel Delco brake calipers have been installed, and all four original calipers are included with the sale.

An original 1978 Official Program of the Indy 500 Race is included, owner’s manuals, two sets of keys, a copy of the original dealer invoice, and a new reproduction window sticker is also included. The original window sticker and EPA sticker are still affixed to the passenger side window glass.
A set of reproduction license plates is included, made exactly like the actual Pace Car on Race day with the numbers “5104”, which are the last four numbers of the VIN.

Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a 25th Anniversary Pace Car Corvette that is basically still new!