I recently saw a vin code breakdown that shows 1YZ87 is the code for a limited edition pace car, I'd like to know if anyone can verify this as the invoivce I got for my car and title shows this in the beginning, do I actualy have a pace car or not... any experts to confirm this is greatly appreciated.

 

Hi!

I believe all vettes 1978-1980 had VIN's that started that way. Here are two examples of Pace Car VIN numbers

1Z8748S904215
1Z87L8S901142

I think all Pace Car VIN numbers range from S900001 to S906502

Hope this helps

STW!

Platato

 

it sure does help, mines falls into the second category. Now another question, I just sent my car in for paint, would I have been better off if I painted it the original pace car colors with the decals, or does this matter in overall value since car is not original in anyway?

 

Well, If it turns out you have a Pace Car you are one lucky pup & it will always be far more valuable to have the car as close to original as possible. Some very clean low milage Pace Cars are bringing 25-30K and going up fast. If you can verify it's authenticity restore it to original. The Pace Car is one of those Vettes that will always be more valuable than the rest of the 76-82's and probably the 73-89's. Personally, I'd pick even the L48 Pace Car over any 73-82 (well except for SHARK81) but if it was an L82...........

Take a look around the rest of the car for clues as to what it is. Does it have silver Pace Car style seats, seatbelts, carpet, plastic trim, dash etc? Can you see the build sheet on top of the gas tank? Do the door jams show the original color? Is there any evidence that a emblem used to be on the shifter bezel near the E-brake? Finally, what exactly is the VIN?

There's a few 78 guys & Pace Car guys here who can probably help a bunch but if your VIN falls in the range I posted you are probably in good shape!

Here's a few things for you to check out

1. VIN digit #5 is either a L or a 4. L= L48 4 = L82

2. Block # should be 3970010 Head # should be 462624

3. The trim tag in the drivers door jam should show the paint code 19/47

4. The Pace Car should have come with the following options....power windows, power locks, glass roof, rear defog, a/c, sport mirrors, tilt/tele column, P255 60/R15 tires, HD battery, power antenna, am/fm w/ 8 track, dual rear speakers, aluminum wheels w/red stripe & convenience group & special seats.

Let us know what you find out. I'm also curious as to whether it's an auto or 4sp. If you come up with a carb number or distributer number I can tell you a little more.

STW!

Platato

HOLY SMOKES!!!! I just remembered you said you have your invoice! You got the proof right there!!!

 

Sounds to me you have a pace car! Congrats, Your dealer invoice copy should state 'Limited Edition Corvette' as the first line item. Those cars are eye catchers for sure. When my kids were young, their friends called it 'The batmobile'...*S. Good luck with yours, and please, by all means, get it repainted the original black over silver. Get the decals, keep them in the box if you wish. If you don't, its just another rubber bumpered c-3.
Mike

 

Sorry if this is a repeat but:
1Z87L8S400001 Through 1Z87L8S440274 Is a standard 1978
1Z87L8S900001 Through 1Z87L8S906502 Is your Pace car
Fifth digit L=350ci, 175hp,185hp
4=350ci, 220hp
By the way, When I bought mine someone had painted it solid black. As you can see from my avatar I put it back to original paint.

 

Where did you find the hood stripe for your pace car? Can you purchase just the indivual stripe? Mine has turned black and fugly.
Mike

 

Where did you get your decals? My hood stripe has turned blackish and looks pretty fugly. Wonder if the hood stripe can be bought individualy?
Thanks,
Mike

 

Congrats, on having a pace car. Do you have any pics? Also let us know how it is equipped since you have the invoice. If it is an L82 w/ a 4speed like mine there are very few out there.

 

Check the various Corvette catalogs. I am sure that I saw repro decals in one of them. In addition, if you are an NCRS member, the originals show up periodically in their Driveline magazine. The latest issue is out if you want to look for Pace Car decals.
Gary

 

I have Pace Car #328, and yes you would be better off restoring it to original condition. Last year Corvette Magazine listed Pace Cars as being worth as much as 10k more than normal '78s. This year the last issue showed that they are worth as 15k more. What that shows me is that the Pace Cars are increaing in value faster than regular 78s. As far as the decals, all of the major Vette supply houses carry them. Some of them have dropped the price recently, as I think maybe the sales of these decals has slowed down a bit. The neatest thing abou towning a Pace Car is you tend to get more attention wherever you go. I was on the interstate in a Vette caravan a couple of years ago, when a Blazer came flying up the shoulder alongside me. I thought I was going to be carjacked or something. Instead I look over and the guys are giving me a thumbs up. The members of our club said that was a first on a trip. At shows I typically get some type of trophy at People's Choice, because they just seem to like the look. HAve fun with it....there are tons of collectables to go with your car!

 

Don't get me wrong, I think the '78 PC is a cool looking car.. BUT LIMMTED EDITION I think they made 6,000+ of those "pups"

And I do not think the '78PC will ever be worth more that a '73 BB vert w/air and possibly a '74 BB vert w/air.

But a low mileage, L-82, 4-speed PC will always bring the highest dollar for the "big window" C3s.

 

Mike, I got my decals from http:www.phoenixgraphix.com
But like was said in another post they can be had from Ecklers and Mid-America and about all of them anymore and all the prices are about the same.

 

Thanks Gup, I'll look into phoenix graphix. I'm hoping they'll break a kit or have the hood stripe seperate.
Mike

 

Mike,
If they can't help you there you might get in touch with the owner of Bud's Chevrolet in St. Mary's Ohio. I was talking to him before I painted it and put the stripes on. He told me he had all kinds of decals sitting around after years of owning several Pace cars....Ron
http://www.budschevy.com

 

I'm saving the links for Phoenix and Budschevy. Thanks for the help!

 

You're quite welcome Mike.
By the way, I don't know what area you are from but Bud's Chevy has an all Vette cruise-in May 7th

 

I'm in Connecticut. A few hours from Ohio...*s

 

thanks for the info everyone, But I think that restoring it is a little out of the question-the interior was bad, not the original seats/steering wheel- dash cracked to pieces, no door panels,different engine/tranny. all a/c ripped out of car. electrical shot. from what I see it would not be possible to get it even close to original.. I had no idea it was a pace car and I guess the previous owner didn't either...at least I saved it from going to the junkyard..