Vehicle Description
Corvette pace cars have been a regular staple of the Corvette
hobby, and this 2007 Chevrolet Corvette pace car is only one of the
latest in a long line of pre-made collector's items. But unlike
many of its forbearers, this one actually has some performance
credentials to match up with the high-impact look. And with just
1,173 actual miles, this one is an absolute must see!
The pace car replicas only came one way: loaded, which explains its
eye-watering $67,000 original sticker price. But for that princely
sum, you got one of the better-looking 'Vettes in recent pace car
history. The Atomic Orange paint was on the regular Corvette's
color chart, but to get those cool John Cafaro-penned graphics
(called the 'gold ribbon effect') you had to buy the pace car. It
also includes things like some Indy 500 door graphics, special
badges on just behind the front wheels, and a rear spoiler borrowed
from the Z06, all of which give the pace car a distinctive look,
which really was the point. With only 1,173 actual miles this one
has clearly been tucked away and adored as something special from
the day it rolled off the transporter. That shouldn't be a
surprise, of course, and it means that you can still own one that
will surely qualify for collector status in a few years.
The interior also got a pace car upgrade, starting with special
Indy 500 embroidery on the headrests. The Atomic Orange paint
filters through, both on the "waterfall" between the seats and on
the center console, which brightens things up in the otherwise
monochromatic interior. Again, everything came standard on the pace
cars, including OnStar, a navigation system (why do you need
both?), Bose AM/FM/CD/satellite stereo system, and power
everything. You also get one of the most sophisticated traction and
stability control systems available anywhere, big, clear gauges
that do a cool dance when you key up the ignition, and a
slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox. The black canvas top has a
glass rear window with defroster and it seals up so snugly you'll
wonder why anyone ever bought a coupe. Even the trunk is
reasonably-sized; well, reasonably-sized for a ragtop.
The standard Corvette's LS2 V8 was plenty potent for the pace car,
and that's what still lives under the hood today. Of course, the
Atomic Orange pace car theme continues here with specially painted
coil covers that make the engine bay look dressed up instead of
pedestrian. It's still rumbling with 400 horsepower on tap and the
6-speed was standard equipment, which was the opposite of other
Corvettes, where the slushbox was the default choice (of course,
you could get an auto 'box with your pace car if you wanted it for
some reason). The pace cars were all equipped with the Z51
performance suspension setup as well, which included not just
firmer shocks and springs, but also upgraded coolers, a different
set of gear ratios, and a whole host of upgrades that would be very
welcome at the track. And, of course, those special split 5-spoke
wheels which wear recent 245/40/18 front and 285/35/19 rear
Goodyear Eagle F1 performance radials.
Only 500 pace car replicas were built, so this one will be far more
collectable than some of its mass-produced siblings. It's also
documented with its original window sticker and owner's manual, so
its place in history is guaranteed. And it's still a pretty darned
cool 'Vette. Call today!
