1978 Chevrolet Corvette 'Pace Car' Targa Coupe (RHD)

Description

In terms of longevity, the third generation C3 model outlasted all other Corvettes, remaining in production from 1968 until 1983 and gradually evolved over the years, both in terms of styling and mechanical specification. The Stingray drew inspiration from the Mako Shark II dream car of the early 1960s, the pronounced “Coke bottle” styling managing to strike a balance between pure aggression and svelte good looks. To coincide with the Corvette’s 25^th Anniversary, Chevrolet unveiled a fresh face for 1978, with a glass fastback rear window the most significant styling change in a decade. Inside the 1978 Corvette featured a new instrument panel, a luggage cover, tinted removable roof panels plus a larger 24-gallon fuel safety cell. Chevrolet celebrated another milestone in 1978, with the Corvette’s selection as the Indianapolis Pace Car for the first time, with the limited edition replicas sporting special stripes, custom two-tone paint, special seats and trim, with a number of mandatory RPOs including power windows and central locking, air conditioning, sports mirrors, tilting/telescoping steering wheel and an AM/FM stereo with either an 8-track or CB radio. Performance options included the Gymkhana handling package, the familiar 350-cid V8 received a significant power boost to 185 horsepower and there was the optional 220 horsepower L82 V8 with a revised cold air intake system for those looking for even more performance, with a choice of manual or Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 transmissions. Although not as sophisticated as some European sports cars, the Corvette was still a competent performer, helped by the willing V8, fully independent suspension and disc brakes all round. America’s only true sports car continued to sell in impressive numbers, with 1978 production totalling 46,776 - with the initial planned run of 2,500 Indy Pace Car replicas extended 6,520, or one car for every Chevrolet dealer in the country.