Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: All Pace Cars found?

in Forum: Special Edition Vettes


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

All Pace Cars found? (1/62)
 1/25/08 12:38am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Well this is suchs big news to me that I wanted to start a new thread on the subject.  Yesterday I recieved a copy of a Cheverolet Motor Division Inter-Organizational Letter dated March 21, 1978. 
 
This letter describes each Pace Car in detail, identifies the VIN's, explains how each Pace Car will be used, and the disposition of each one after the race.  Wow this is incredible information.  Apparently there are two 78 Pace Cars out there with a VIN unlike all other 78 Pace Cars.
 
Trying to keep this begining post under one page, I've included the important info on each Pace car below. 
                                                                                                                
 
Subject:  Indianapolis Pace Car                    Date:   March 21, 1978           
 
The following is a report on the current status of four (4) 1978 Limited Edition Corvettes to be used in the Indy "500" Program.
 
1.  Back-up Pace Car, Serial# 1Z8748S416658 (8Y047)
 
Specifications:  Production pilot line, RPO Z-78 modified with high performance hydraulic cam L-82 engine, low restriction exhaust system, qualified driveline components for maximum street performance and handling.
 
Assignment:  This vehicle will be used trackside by Chief Steward of the race for the entire month of May for practice and qualification runs.
 
On race day this car will be parked at the head of Pit Row as a back-up Pace Car in the event that the Official Pace Car experiences any problems.
 
This vehicle will be donated to the Indianapolis Speedway Museum for permanent exhibition in lieu of the Actual Pace Car.
 
2.  Actual Pace Car, Serial# 1Z8748S900001  (8Y052)
 
Specifications:  First production line build of RPO Z-78 Limited Edition Corvette.  Vehicle will receive qualified production engine and driveline equipment and retain all certified emission equipment and original air conditioning system.  CB radio being reworked to speedway frequency.
 
Assignment:  This vehicle is the #1 production stock Limited Edition corvette that will be the Official Pace Car driven by Jim Rathmann in starting the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 28.
 
This vehicle is classified as a corporate historical vehicle and will be returned to Chevrolet for disposition following the race.
 
3.  Parade Lap and Winner's Car, Serial# 1Z8748S900002
 
Specifications:  This is the #2 production RPO Z-78 Limited Edition Corvette with all available options and automatic transmission equipped.
 
Assignment:  This vehicle will be used as one of two V.I.P. Parade vehicles prior to the start of the race.  Keys to the car will be presented to the Indianapolis 500 winning driver at the Victory dinner at the Indianapolis Convention Center on Monday evening, May 29, 1978.
 
4.  Parade Lap Vehicle, Serial# 1Z87H8S400006 (8Y000)
 
Specifications:  This is an engineering prototype vehicle used throughout the production for RPO Z-78 development and sales promotional purposes.  Production engine (L-82) and driveline with no rework.
 
Assignment:  This vehicle will be the second V.I.P. Parade Lap Corvette on the track prior to the start of the Race.
 
U.S.A.C. has requested the use of this vehicle as their Official Pace Car for the balance of their 1978 Championship car race series which will provide us continued press and TV exposure through November 1978.
 
The Sales Department has approved this consignment and the vehicle will be turned over to U.S.A.C. at the completion of the Indy 500.
 
This vehicle is currently Engineering property requiring transfer to the Sales Department inventory prior to consignment to U.S.A.C.
 
Summary:  Three vehicles will be shipped to Indianapolis April 14, 1978.
 
Vehicles will be secured at the Indy Museum with the Winner's corvette being put on display in the museum.
 
The (back-up) Pace Car and the Official Pace Car will be transfered to a garage in Gasoline Alley on Friday, May 5, preparatory to the track opening on Saturday, May 6, 1978.
 
Mr. Don Bailey, traditionally has handled the supervision and maintenance of the Pace Cars and support vehicles for the Indy 500.  We have again retained Mr. Bailey for this important assignment at Indianapolis.
_________________________________________________________
 
I actually saw the Parade Lap Pace Car #00006 for sale on eBay.  darn it, I didn't even know what it was at the time and I don't think the guy selling it did either.  All he said was it was the first Pace Car in sequence that was released to the public.  Wow what a buy that would have been.
 
So basically, #1 should be in the Indy Museum, #2 is the one from the GM Heritage Collection, #3 is al Unser's car, and I don't really know where #4 is YET Wink
 
cilrah2008-01-24 22:23:57

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

Our Sponsors help support C3VR
All Pace Cars found? (2/62)
 1/25/08 12:50am
Gribble123Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Kingston, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 L-82 originally white/buckskin interior. Currently undergoing a frame-off resto. and modifications.YEEHAW!!!


Joined: 11/26/2003
Posts: 636

That's just too cool.
All Pace Cars found? (3/62)
 1/25/08 1:28am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Way tuh go, Mark!!!!
Your never-ending dedication to this cause is unbelievable!
Looks like you've gotten credible info that no-one else has ever had, or published, anyway. You da MAN!!!

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

All Pace Cars found? (4/62)
 1/25/08 1:36am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Way tuh go, Mark!!!!
Your never-ending dedication to this cause is unbelievable!
Looks like you've gotten credible info that no-one else has ever had, or published, anyway. You da MAN!!! [/QUOTE]
Thanks Joel, my next impossible task is to find that last Pace Car Wacko
cilrah2008-01-24 22:37:24

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (5/62)
 1/25/08 2:47am
mkapp7879
Former Member

Send Private Message

Joined: 10/21/2003
Posts: 1220

Mark, great info! Who'd of thought the Museum car would have a regular production VIN? And 4 of them!
I also saw that 0006 on ebay with no mention of it being a track car. But was that a different Pace Car? Did that one have a Pace Car VIN unlike the VIN on the track car which also appears as a regular production VIN with an H for the motor. 
 
Now I really want to see the Speedway Museum car to see the numbers and exhaust.
mkapp78792008-01-25 00:42:10
All Pace Cars found? (6/62)
 1/25/08 6:10am
dwright
Standard Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

Congratulations Mark and thanks for sharing with us.
 
That letter must have been like opening King Tut's tomb and finding a big piece of the puzzle.Clap


______________
 
Save the Wave!
Support the National Corvette Museum   
All Pace Cars found? (7/62)
 1/25/08 9:25am
6880Mike
Former Member

Send Private Message

Horse Cave, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1968 convertible; 1980 L-82


Joined: 10/22/2007
Posts: 488

[QUOTE=cilrah]...1.  Back-up Pace Car, Serial# 1Z8748S416658 (8Y047)...Production pilot line, RPO Z-78...[/QUOTE]  
This one is interesting because it has a regular production serial number.  It appears they pulled a regular 78 and put the Pace Car package on it.  I would not be surprised to learn RPO Z-78 was the designation for the Pace Car package before the decision was made to use a special VIN.
 
  [QUOTE]...4.  Parade Lap Vehicle, Serial# 1Z87H8S400006 (8Y000)
 ...This is an engineering prototype vehicle used throughout the production for RPO Z-78 development and sales promotional purposes.  Production engine (L-82) and driveline with no rework....[/QUOTE] 
Hmmm.  "Engineering prototype."  An H in the VIN and a 4 for the car line series code.  #006.  "No rework."  I'm wondering whether this one may have been used for the early photo sessions when they needed to show what the Pace Car was going to look like.
 
Nice work turning up the information.  I love Corvette stuff like this.
 
Tongue
6880Mike2008-01-25 06:26:17
All Pace Cars found? (8/62)
 1/25/08 3:58pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=mkapp7879]I also saw that 0006 on ebay with no mention of it being a track car. But was that a different Pace Car? Did that one have a Pace Car VIN unlike the VIN on the track car which also appears as a regular production VIN with an H for the motor. [/QUOTE]
 
Great question Mike, I don't know, is there a 1Z8748S900006 Pace Car out there ???
 
Now I also want to know, if #1 is with GM, and #2 is Al's car, where are the regular 00003 and 00004 cars, were they sold to the public ???  The search continues.


______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (9/62)
 1/26/08 12:20am
ranger3Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

Thanks for that very interesting information. Without your curiosity and diligence we would have never known that piece of Corvette history. Please keep us informed of your search.

Scott
ranger32008-01-25 21:21:01
All Pace Cars found? (10/62)
 1/26/08 12:29am
Aaron1976
Former Member

Send Private Message

Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Corvette Stingray L-48 Automatic Black


Joined: 11/17/2007
Posts: 830

Wow, that's really interesting stuff! You really should be called the Pace Car Prince, you know your stuff, walk the walk, and talk the talk!Thumbs%20Up

______________

Aaron

CLICK HERE to enlarge picture

All Pace Cars found? (11/62)
 1/26/08 2:02pm
manget1Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Mark, can you go back and find the auction for that 006 car?  You can search completed auctions, but I don't know how long ago it was.  Maybe you could find the user name of the winning bidder and try to track it down that way...?

______________

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


����� States Visited Map

target=_blank>Click for another pic!���� And yet another!
All Pace Cars found? (12/62)
 1/26/08 3:41pm
BlueX2Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 3/9/2006
Posts: 2168

Very cool Mark!!       Thanks for keeping us posted.

By the way, I want an autographed copy of the book you write (or should write!) about the history of the PC, and of your search in locating the cars and clearing up the mystery of what happened to them.   
All Pace Cars found? (13/62)
 1/26/08 4:39pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Thumbs%20UpGreat story on these legendary Indy Pace cars. Thanks Mark!!
All Pace Cars found? (14/62)
 1/26/08 7:00pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=manget1]Mark, can you go back and find the auction for that 006 car?  You can search completed auctions, but I don't know how long ago it was.  Maybe you could find the user name of the winning bidder and try to track it down that way...?[/QUOTE] I tried just about everything on ebay to find that auction, but no luck.  I wish I had saved it like I did with the auction for the 6502 (Last Pace Car) Pace Car auction.
 
Thanks Bryan and everyone else for the compliments.  I'm spending a lot of time and money (mostly time) on this search.  I guess I will have to write a book to re-coop some of the cost LOL And anyone who wants a signed copy will get one LOL
 
EDIT:  I went back to look at the Last Pace Car auction and it says it was removed.  I just had looked at it a few days ago, but I guess they only stay around for so long then their gone for ever.
cilrah2008-01-26 16:02:39

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (15/62)
 1/27/08 12:42am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

[QUOTE=cilrah]I guess I will have to write a book to re-coop some of the cost And anyone who wants a signed copy will get one [/QUOTE]


I can see it now...Mark sitting on top of his dog house, with a tiny little typingwriter...
"It was a dark and stormy night..."

Adams' Apple2008-01-26 21:43:24

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

All Pace Cars found? (16/62)
 2/1/08 12:40pm
guidowin
Former Member

Send Private Message

wichita, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1978 pace car L82 auto, #3205, 38000 miles(undocumented)smog removed, true dual exhaust.


Joined: 12/22/2007
Posts: 2

I am proud owner of #3205, and am interested in how many PC still exist?
Found some PC sites: 
Any ideas?
All Pace Cars found? (17/62)
 4/4/08 7:11pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Check it out, Pace Car #0007 is available on eBay.  It's too bad they did what they did to it, I wounder if the owner still has the original parts.  Probably not seeing it's a used car lot Unhappy
 
Welcome to the C3VR Graham Thumbs%20Up  For some info on the Pace Cars look up at the tool bar and select tool, go down to C3 Statistics, and then select 1978.  Theres really no way to tell how many are still around, no one knows how many were dismantled, wrecked, or who know whatever else.  I've even seen burned up ones on eBay for sale Confused
cilrah2008-04-04 16:17:37

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (18/62)
 4/4/08 9:01pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

That's sad........CryCryCry.......depressing!

______________

�����
My Link


MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113

All Pace Cars found? (19/62)
 6/6/08 9:38am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Check out this plate on eBay Plate #1
 
Now heres the plate on the back of Pace Car #1
 
Interesting huh?  I talked to the owner of this plate and he says he bought a collection of plates from a guy who worked for the IN DMV. He stated that special plate usually had extras made to be given away as gifts to VIP's.
cilrah2008-06-06 06:40:15

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (20/62)
 6/6/08 11:49am
dwright
Standard Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

So Mark, wouldn't that make a nice addition to your collection?

______________
 
Save the Wave!
Support the National Corvette Museum   
All Pace Cars found? (21/62)
 6/6/08 6:25pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=dwright]So Mark, wouldn't that make a nice addition to your collection?[/QUOTE]
 
I'm considering it, even at that price Thumbs%20Up


______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (22/62)
 6/7/08 5:41am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Darn Angry  I would have easiely paid that much for that #1 plate too bad I had to get up for work at 1 am, the auction closed at 11 pm.  cilrah2008-06-07 02:41:32

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (23/62)
 6/7/08 1:31pm
mkapp7879
Former Member

Send Private Message

Joined: 10/21/2003
Posts: 1220

Mark, reserve not met. Maybe you'll get another chance.
All Pace Cars found? (24/62)
 6/9/08 11:22am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=mkapp7879]Mark, reserve not met. Maybe you'll get another chance.[/QUOTE]
 
Mike, I got an email from the guy today Clap  It's all mine .  I'm not going to say what his reserve was though LOL  Because you'll think I'm crazier then you already think think I am.  I think Mike though I have issues with Pace Cars after my visit to Indy, well I do.  Everyone's gotta have a passion, mines not Corvettes, it's Corvette Pace Cars.


______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (25/62)
 6/9/08 11:59pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

Congratulations Mark! What a great addition. Way to go.

Scott
All Pace Cars found? (26/62)
 1/9/10 9:23pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Okay for those of you who may not have heard, the 4th 1978 Pace Car that was actually at Indy for the race in 1978 was recently sold on Barrett Jackson for $29K.  I emailed Barrett Jackson for the buyer's info but of course they could not give me that info, they did give the buyer my cell number though.  Literally within hours the new owner, the owner of a Chevrolet Dealership in Kansas bought the car.  We talked for about a half hour and it appeared that I knew more about his new Pace Car then he did.  He didn't even have the car in his possision yet.  He bought the car in hopes to someday make some $$'s on a rare find.  I don't know why but this Pace Car was sold with a scrap title.  That may have something to do with the car having a different VIN then all other 78 Pace Cars.  I didn't see the auction or nor did I ask but I heard the Pace Car had a lot of front end damage from extensive use during the 1978 Indy Racing Season.
 
So there it is, I've finally located all four of the 1978 Pace Cars Wacko  Maybe now I can get some sleep LOL
cilrah2010-01-19 21:42:27

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (27/62)
 1/9/10 10:09pm
Aaron1976
Former Member

Send Private Message

Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Corvette Stingray L-48 Automatic Black


Joined: 11/17/2007
Posts: 830

Mark, That is so cool! I hope this guy has respect for that Pace Car. You have followed the history of these cars and got answers to the puzzle. I know this is such an important part of you being a Pace Car fan and owner. Very cool!

______________

Aaron

CLICK HERE to enlarge picture

All Pace Cars found? (28/62)
 1/10/10 11:48am
manget1Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Congratulations, Mark!!!  That is really impressive work!

______________

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!


����� States Visited Map

target=_blank>Click for another pic!���� And yet another!
All Pace Cars found? (29/62)
 1/10/10 4:05pm
aceintheholeLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623

Way to go Mark! It's hard to believe you were able to track all that info. Now that's what I call dedication Thumbs Up.

______________

Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
                             Click to see larger views!

All Pace Cars found? (30/62)
 1/10/10 10:42pm
turbo78vair
Former Member

Send Private Message

Franklin, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 pace car replica


Joined: 5/3/2008
Posts: 117

Mark,  you have many of the skills of the great Columbo.  Super job on the continued digging into PC history.   It's really neat to have the PC history taken to another level.   You continue to add more to our PC database. 

Thanks   Gary C - 78 PC replica - Franklin, IN
All Pace Cars found? (31/62)
 1/11/10 3:13am
rraider1
Former Member

Send Private Message

Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

Great Going Mark
All Pace Cars found? (32/62)
 1/11/10 9:02am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Pace Car?




All kiddin aside, Nice job, Mark!


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

All Pace Cars found? (33/62)
 1/11/10 10:53am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Great stuff Mark!! Any idea if #1978 is still around?
All Pace Cars found? (34/62)
 1/11/10 11:37am
BlueX2Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 3/9/2006
Posts: 2168

Wow, that is impressive!  Some great detective work there!!  Thumbs Up
All Pace Cars found? (35/62)
 1/11/10 11:47pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=LukesVette]Great stuff Mark!! Any idea if #1978 is still around?[/QUOTE]
Now that would be an interesting number to have.  I've seen a lot of VIN's but never that one.

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (36/62)
 1/12/10 6:50am
Jeffm
Former Member

Send Private Message

Sebago Lake, ME - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.


Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964

That's pretty neat, Mark. Tracking down the actual Pace cars used at Indy.
I found #3958. That's like #1978 x 2 +2.LOL
All Pace Cars found? (37/62)
 1/12/10 6:24pm
dskopp
Limited Member
Send Private Message

Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1958

Way to Go, Mark !!!
DanClap


______________
          



(click to see a larger image)
All Pace Cars found? (38/62)
 1/12/10 8:30pm
eboLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

Mark is your PC out of that storage yet or still  in that box?
Evil Smileebo


______________

Click on image for larger view!

LIFETIME MEMBER 151
Evil Smileebo
All Pace Cars found? (39/62)
 1/13/10 1:07am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=ebo]Mark is your PC out of that storage yet or still  in that box?
Evil Smileebo
[/QUOTE]
It's undercover and plugged in in the garage asleep for a long winter's nap Thumbs Up

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (40/62)
 1/13/10 7:06pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

Superb work Mark. Very interesting, finding #4 at Barrett Jackson. I would have liked to heard the story coming from the auction block. I wonder how much information they had. Should the car be worth more than 29K, given it's pedigree?
 
Scott
All Pace Cars found? (41/62)
 1/14/10 8:07am
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=ranger3]Should the car be worth more than 29K, given it's pedigree?
 
Scott
[/QUOTE]
Good question Scott, what I've always said is "Collectables are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them"  Right now I couldn't afford to pay 29k for it, but I would have paid more if I had the means.
 
My question is, can you register a car that is sold with a scrap title?  Or would this mainly be a collectable that would have to sit in a garage of an average collector?
 
One more tidbit of info.  I recieved a catalog from the April 9-11, 2009 auction and it has several pace cars, from all kinds of races and all these pace cars were auctioned off with either a scrap or salvage title.  There were atleast 30 pace cars and not a one was sold with a regular title.
cilrah2010-01-14 05:10:47

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (42/62)
 1/14/10 9:04am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

From what I understood, the actual cars from the race(s) were never intended to be "salable" vehicles, so no titles, or MSO were ever issued for them. This would lead one to believe that the only title you would ever have for one would be a salvage/scrap title. In Texas, a car with a "Salvage" title is fully register-able, and legally drivable. Don't think I've ever run across a "scrap" title, so I couldn't venture a guess on that, but would assume it is the same as salvage? Adams' Apple2010-01-14 06:06:15

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

All Pace Cars found? (43/62)
 1/14/10 12:43pm
aceintheholeLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623

[QUOTE=cilrah] My question is, can you register a car that is sold with a scrap title?  Or would this mainly be a collectable that would have to sit in a garage of an average collector? 
One more tidbit of info.  I recieved a catalog from the April 9-11, 2009 auction and it has several pace cars, from all kinds of races and all these pace cars were auctioned off with either a scrap or salvage title.  There were atleast 30 pace cars and not a one was sold with a regular title.
[/QUOTE]
 
I can't speak for other states, but at least in California, once a title has been "salvaged" the car just has to be re-certified. An official state inspection station will check for safety issues, brakes, lights and lenses, glass, and smog plumbing.The service will cost under a hundred bucks, so long as the car passes, otherwise, you'll need to affect repairs and try again. Our 2 '78s are both showing salvaged on the title. One was actually in an accident but the other was on an extended non-operation tag and was labeled salvaged on a technicality when re-registered for the street Unhappy.


______________

Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
                             Click to see larger views!

All Pace Cars found? (44/62)
 1/14/10 10:46pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

There are some interesting this these Barrett-Jackson catalogs.  If you ever need some reading material for a long flight I suggest one of these catalogs.  There are concept cars listed for auction in this one that are sold with no title, no MSO, and no written documentation from the manufacture Confused I imaging something like this would be very hard to register.
 
My favorite was a 2008 Special Edition Custom WWII Dodge Power Wagon.  A totally restored Special Construction WWII Dodge Power Wagon sitting on a late model Dodge truck drivetrain and powered by a Turbo Cummins Diesel engine.  It is titled as a 0000 Special Construction.  Wow what a georgous truck.
 
Okay getting off subject, more Pace Car info to come Wink
cilrah2010-01-14 19:47:48

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (45/62)
 1/14/10 10:46pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

Hey Mark, Great job!  Can I call you Columbo now?LOL


______________

�����
My Link


MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113

All Pace Cars found? (46/62)
 1/19/10 11:42pm
cilrahLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

[QUOTE=greypoupon69]Hey Mark, Great job!  Can I call you Columbo now?LOL
[/QUOTE]
Sure, why not LOL

______________

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117

Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

All Pace Cars found? (47/62)
 6/17/11 11:28am
hunt4cleanair
Former Member

Send Private Message

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary NCRS Five-Star Bowtie 50th Corvette Anniversary Display, Nashville, TN 1978 Pace Car VIN 2324 L82/M21


Joined: 10/16/2002
Posts: 82

[QUOTE=cilrah][QUOTE=mkapp7879]Now I also want to know, if #1 is with GM, and #2 is Al's car, where are the regular 00003 and 00004 cars, were they sold to the public ???  The search continues.[/QUOTE]
 
I'll be visiting Pace Car Serial# 1Z8748S900003 next week!
 
What information would you like?
All Pace Cars found? (48/62)
 6/17/11 1:03pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Tom!! Good to see ya back on the forum. Long time no see!
I'm sure any info you could post on #3 would be greatly appreciated. I think just verifying that it exists would be a great start, as well as maybe what state is lives in these days. No personal info on the owner, of course.
Are there any really stand-out differences in it compared to a "regular" '78 Pacer?
Where has it been hiding all this time?
Any neat stories about it?
Was it actually sold thru normal, dealer channels, or did it go to someone "important"?
You know...just anything!
Happy to see you back! Clap


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

All Pace Cars found? (49/62)
 6/17/11 1:29pm
hunt4cleanair
Former Member

Send Private Message

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary NCRS Five-Star Bowtie 50th Corvette Anniversary Display, Nashville, TN 1978 Pace Car VIN 2324 L82/M21


Joined: 10/16/2002
Posts: 82

Thanks. Well I recalled this thread and knew this was a pretty special opportunity so felt compelled to contribute, recognizing this group would be particular interested in the story. I'll keep the group posted and your questions have started a nice interview list of questions.
Oh...I did get a chance to look at #2303 this past spring at Hendrick's Motorsports in Charlotte. Another low mileage unit, L82, M38 unit.
All Pace Cars found? (50/62)
 6/20/11 2:29pm
GR8WYTLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Spring, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary Pace Car (L82)


Joined: 10/6/2010
Posts: 66

Thanks for the effort and information.  I haven't got a clue as to where my pace car 1Z8748S900625 fits into the scheme but I believe the information for mine is that it was built in April 1978. sold by a dealer in N Dakota and went through the fog until it ended up in Albuquerque in 1994 and came to me in 2010.  It does not have the decals but is presently in the black/silver paint scheme.  I am planning to repaint the car in an a;;-white PPG polyurethane used by Jim Hall for his Chaparrals.  Seems fitting as Al Unser won the 78 Indy 500 in a Hall entered car (Lola I think). 

______________

Tom Yarbrough / GR8WYT  
All Pace Cars found? (51/62)
 6/21/11 6:28am
hunt4cleanair
Former Member

Send Private Message

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary NCRS Five-Star Bowtie 50th Corvette Anniversary Display, Nashville, TN 1978 Pace Car VIN 2324 L82/M21


Joined: 10/16/2002
Posts: 82

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Tom!! Good to see ya back on the forum. Long time no see!
I'm sure any info you could post on #3 would be greatly appreciated. I think just verifying that it exists would be a great start, as well as maybe what state is lives in these days. No personal info on the owner, of course. [/quote]
 
Yep, its 00003! Checked VIN and tranny derivative which match up nicely. It has had a repaint but chassis is very nice with some original factory markings...like frame stencil.

[quote]Are there any really stand-out differences in it compared to a "regular" '78 Pacer?[/quote]
 
I did not spot anything unique about this one compared to all others I've seen. And with predecessors, should not expect any.

[quote]Where has it been hiding all this time?[/quote]
 
Its history is sketchy. The owner has not had time to go back and trace it but they've had it for some time.
[quote]Was it actually sold thru normal, dealer channels, or did it go to someone "important"?
You know...just anything! [/quote]
 
From the paperwork I saw, looks like it floated around among private collectors.
 
I did figure out that the factory would use yellow grease pencil and mark the last VIN digit or two digits on the rear crossmember to associate this chassis buildup with the body, going thru trim on the other side of the factory. So, this was marked "E3." My silver anniversary 9041 has the digits E41 marked on it.  Also, CB was marked on the driver's side floorboard while a three digit number was marked on the passenger side floorboard. These were both underneath. I believe the three digit number is a line item production reference on the schedule for that particular production day. This can only be confirmed if an owner has a build sheet and the grease marking is still visible on the floorboard. The schedule reference on the build sheet is in the upper left hand corner.
 
More later
Our Sponsors help support C3VR