For Sale: 2007 Chevrolet Corvette in Ft Worth, Texas

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!