For Sale: 1998 Chevrolet Corvette in St. Louis, Missouri

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!