Looked at a '78 Pace Car that seems like a pretty good deal.  I wasn't in the market for one, but you all know how that goes. This one has really got me thinking.
Mostly original and not messed with. Just stuff like aftermarket radio, shocks, exhaust (cats gone), belts and that kind of minor stuff.
Paint, not the greatest but appears to be original with some fine hairline cracks along the bonding seams and a little of that hazing or spider cracking here and there.
Interior is real nice with maybe a little carpet fade.
Car ran nice with the L-82 engine and the manual transmission. Stayed straight and tight over bumps. Low miles, just turned 20k and I can pick it up for just under that.
I know the value on these cars have taken a pretty good hit over the past few years and it looks like it might be a good time to buy.
So I'm looking for opinions------or maybe subconsciously just for some encouragement to jump right in.

Jeffm2009-06-26 11:23:24

Doesn't sound like too bad of a deal to me.  I paid over what your looking at for mine with a lot more miles and the typical L48 / Auto combo.  The L82 with the stick is the rare combo if you can call it that.  Paint?  Well the original paint on these Pacer's sux'd anyways.  I'd make sure the transmission is shifting good or that can cost you a pretty penny to fix.  The value on these Vettes does seem to remain low but who knows, maybe eventually they will start to go back up.  And, with your 78 Silver Ann. you'd have a nice matching pair

Hey Jeff are you starting a 4 wheel 401K? You won't get a negative vote from me. Sounds great, hope it works out.

The L-82 is the key to this deal.

I have seen some pretty decent looking Pacers on Craigs list up here for around 12-15. Those are L-48's.
They made somewhere around 6500 Pacers but I dont know how many were L-82's.

If it drives good and makes you smile go for it.


There is a value to opening your garage door and seeing 2 Vettes in there.

L82/4spd Pacers are the hot ticket, and that price, with those miles, sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Mark is right about the paint, too...especially at the bonding seams on the front fenders. The spoiler puts enough pressure on the front fenders to flex them while driving, which causes the seams to crack, more so than other Sharks. Not a big deal, tho.
If it drives out nice, and you likes it, why not? One can never have too many Corvettes!

I also agree to go for it! As long as you can afford it, you should always have one to drive!

I agree with the otherz.... Sounds okay to me. I have always liked the 78 Pace car and thing it would be a great addition to your stable.

I'mma tinkin there were around 200 or so with the L82/4speed set-ups...just fuzzy memory werkin here, but I think that's prolly pretty close....

[QUOTE=DaveM]Hey Jeff are you starting a 4 wheel 401K? You won't get a negative vote from me. Sounds great, hope it works out. [/QUOTE]
Dave,
I thought 401K was a kindergarten room number. And them financial advisor guys can go you know where, they are still making money on that crap.
I figure I can't go wrong on the car, it's got the right options.
Elaine thinks I'm out of my mind, but she tolerates it.
The '80 which is is really starting to look pretty sweet will have to go.
This coming week the hammer comes down on the Pace Car.
Thanks everyone for the input.