For Sale at Auction: 1998 Chevrolet Corvette in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. 1G1YY32G5W5119822

The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1998 Indianapolis 500; the fourth time it had been given such high honors. In front of a crowd of 250,000 spectators and with over a million more watching on television, a squadron of special-liveried Corvettes led North America's finest racing drivers at the start of the world's premier oval race. Thousands flocked to Chevrolet dealerships to purchase the newly-released Pace Car Edition, but only a handful were able to purchase the actual on-track cars fielded at Indianapolis.

This 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is an authentic official pace car from the 1998 Indy 500. Golfing star Greg Norman was originally scheduled to drive the lead car, but shoulder surgery forced him to bow out-instead, 1963 Indy 500 winner and all-around racing legend Parnelli Jones would lead the field at the wheel of this very Corvette.

Chevrolet celebrated its achievement as the Official Pace Car supplier by offering a limited-edition $5,000 Z4Z Pace Car Package for the production 1998 Corvette Convertible. Enthusiasts could own a Corvette nearly identical to this genuine pace car, foregoing only the top-mounted light bar, roll bars, and racing harnesses on the official vehicles. This example is finished in striking Radar Blue with a Yellow and Black leather interior. A Yellow graphics package with checkered flag decals adorns the exterior and is complemented by Yellow -painted wheels. No modifications were needed to the Corvette's powerplant-its 5.7-liter V8 making 345 horsepower was able to keep pace of a field of raucous IndyCars on the Brickyard's high-speed oval with ease. This example is equipped with the optional six-speed manual transmission.

Andy Evans, owner of IndyCar outfit Team Scandia, had entered two cars in the 1998 race and therefore had the exclusive opportunity to purchase the pace car. He acquired the car from Tony George, former President and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 1998, and the car has remained in his collection ever since. The original Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) decal, placed on the windshield by IMS, states "1998 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car Convertible - 3,800 Miles Andy Evans." A letter of authenticity from Team Scandia certifies the Corvette's provenance and confirms Evans as its purchaser. The car is now offered with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report and 5,242 miles at cataloging.

With low mileage and Indy 500 legacy, this 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Pace Car is a collector's grade example, and it also offers those Corvette and Indianapolis aficionados an exceedingly rare opportunity to own a true piece of racing history.