Vehicle Description
Unveiled on January 6th of 1997 the new 5th generation Corvette(C5)
was the first GM vehicle to feature the 3rd generation small block
"LS" engine. This new generation Corvette featured a hydroformed
box frame which eliminated the flex under spirited driving
conditions, pop-up headlights for the last time, and the
transmission was relocated to form an integrated, rear-mounted
transaxle assembly which connected to the LS1 engine with a torque
tube. This new set-up allowed for a 50-50% front to rear weight
distribution along with Chevrolets new active handling system debut
this all combined to improve handling greatly. The automatics
carried over the 4L60-E transmission from previous generations but
the manuals received a new Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed transaxle which
was capable of 175 MPH. This generation of Corvette ended
production on July 2, 2004, to make way for the next new
Corvettes.
As a testament to its drivability and performance, the Chevrolet
Corvette has been chosen to be the Indianapolis 500 pace car more
than any other vehicle, appearing 19 times to lead the pack. The
1998 Corvette was chosen for the 82nd Indy 500 race and Chevrolet
celebrated the occasion by making a pace car replica for sale to
the public with production of only 1,163 examples. Aside from the
obvious equipment needed in the real pace car, which included the
light bar and special racing harnesses, there was little difference
between the official pace car and the replicas offered for sale.
Featuring a special paint color of "Radar Blue" which appears more
purple than blue, unique yellow & black Ieather interior
combination, yellow painted aluminum wheels, and special pace car
decaling. While regarded by many as the flashiest Corvette
appearance package offered to date, the 1998 Pace Car Replicas with
their limited production nevertheless enjoy a strong and loyal
following of owners and collectors.
We are excited to offer this rare 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500
Pace Car Convertible finished in Radar Blue with special pace car
decals, "Corvette" script across the windshield, and a checkered
flag motif gracing the rear quarter panels. The interior is a
combination of yellow and black leather. These replica pace cars
were mechanically identical to the actual car driven on the track
and powered by its aluminum LS1 5.7L V8 engine producing 345
horsepower and 350 lb. ft. of torque mated to a 6-speed manual
transaxle. This Corvette is loaded with features including a
traction control system, power front & rear disc brakes, power
speed sensitive rack & pinion steering, limited-slip differential,
yellow painted 5-spoke aluminum wheels with tires measuring
245/45ZR17 in the front and 275/40ZR18 in the rear, tire pressure
monitoring system, theft deterrent & theft lock system with horn
alarm, power heated side mirrors, full folding top w/heated rear
glass, retractable halogen headlamps, daytime running lamps,
foglamps, AM/FM cassette CD player stereo w/ BOSE speakers,
ultraviolet lit cluster w/Driver info, electronic speed control,
intermittent wiper system, power sport seats, tilt leather wrapped
steering wheel, power door locks & windows, electric rear window
defogger, floor mats, active handling package, dual zone A/C &
heating.
Chevrolet only produced 1,163 of these for sale with only 547 being
6-speed manuals like this example. This is number 809 of the 1,163
built, finished on 02/09/98, and sold new from Dave Ball Chevrolet
in Syracuse New York where it would spend all its life sheltered by
3 different New York collectors. The 1st owner serviced the vehicle
for a manufacturer recall in 2000 regarding the lap seat belts and
parted ways with the car in 2004. The 2nd owner completed the last
manufacturer recall of the electric column lock system in 2004 then
sold the car 2 years later in 2006 with only 1,050 miles on the
odometer. The former and only other owner kept this Corvette Pace
Car for 16 years before it was purchased by the museum in 2022 with
only 1,880 miles.
This Corvette will come with owner's manuals, 2 keys with remote
fobs, a copy of the window sticker, factory build sheet, a clean
Carfax report, and a matching themed jacket. The perfect vehicle
for someone who doesn't mind the extra attention of driving a pace
car with unique eye-catching color combinations! Thank you for your
interest. Please contact us directly with questions or come into
our showroom to see this Corvette up close!
