78 Pace car Value Help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 72
From: Mississippi
78 Pace car Value Help
Hi, I have located a 1978 Pace car with 1,400 original miles. The owner purchased the car in 1979. He said he just never drove it but a couple of times. It was stored very well and remains in great condition. It looks like a car would look like with 1,400 miles. Every thing is original except the battery including the tires. He is asking $15,000 but I probably could get it for $14,000. Sounds like a great deal except (this is where I need Help) it was wrecked when he purchased it in 1979. He had the entire front clip replaced with another Pace car front clip that had been hit in the rear. He also stated the frame had to be straightened. The repair has was completed soon after he purchased the car and was very well done. There is a clear title with no salvage history. My question is how much this would effect the value? I know a Pace car with 1,400 original miles is worth a great deal more than $15,000 but how much do ya'll think this will hurt the value for this car. It is an automatic and is NOT an L82. Thanks, Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
What are you plans for it? Driver? Trailer queen? Collector?
Does it look like it was hit? How would it do in a judging event?
My first impression...yeah great price, jump on in it. Than when I read about the hit...still nice value depending on your intent. If a driver, approach it like it was a 78 coupe and that's probably a good value for a 1978 low-mileage coup.
I am kind of a loss after that but it still seems like a good value.
Does it look like it was hit? How would it do in a judging event?
My first impression...yeah great price, jump on in it. Than when I read about the hit...still nice value depending on your intent. If a driver, approach it like it was a 78 coupe and that's probably a good value for a 1978 low-mileage coup.
I am kind of a loss after that but it still seems like a good value.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 28
From: Sutton MA
I would think, the value of this car is based on it being a 78 with 1400 miles, pace car value would be a mute point in my mind now that it has been hit, but if you were looking at a 78 C3 with some accident history what would the value be with 1400 miles.
To me a pace car would have value as a collector car, but with accident damage that value will always be compromised.
To me a pace car would have value as a collector car, but with accident damage that value will always be compromised.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Shearwater Nova Scotia
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
If you really are considering this car after being told it had frame damage then I would ask the owner if he would be willing to take the car to a body shop and have the chassis set-up and measured. If it is straight and the repairs look good, Subtract the cost of the procedure from the price. If it does not measure up then he pays. Either way You don't lose. Also ask for a print out of the measurements.
That is what I would do. Only because of the mileage and condition you stated. Otherwise I would pass
That is what I would do. Only because of the mileage and condition you stated. Otherwise I would pass
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 72
From: Mississippi
The owner was very upfront with me and disclosed the history before the inspection. The repair was done by a professional shop and the repairs can not be detected. If i really wanted a 78PC I think I would be all over this but I am going to pass on this one. It is just a really neat car with such low mileage that I was tempted. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
The owner was very upfront with me and disclosed the history before the inspection. The repair was done by a professional shop and the repairs can not be detected. If i really wanted a 78PC I think I would be all over this but I am going to pass on this one. It is just a really neat car with such low mileage that I was tempted. Thanks.
wise decision 
