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Pace Car

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Pace Car

1998 Corvette Indy Pace Car Replica

1998 not only marked the 45th birthday for the great American icon that is the Corvette, but it also meant another year that the Corvette would be chosen to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. This would be the fourth time that the Corvette would earn such an honor and that meant once again the good folks at GM would be putting together a pace car replica as a Limited Edition and what they produced has become one of the most sought after Corvettes that there is.

The 1998 Corvette pace car replica was almost identical to the actual pace car that leads the field on race day at the 500. In fact the only differences with the replica and the real thing was the strobe lights, the roll bar, and the on board fire extinguishing system that the real pace car had and the replica didn’t.

Besides those small differences the replica and the actual pace cars were identical. This was a claim that none of the other previous replicas could make. Add to that the fact that there were only 1,158 in total that were built (only the 1995 pace car replica was less with 527) and you begin to realize why this Corvette pace car replica is so special.

The limited edition Corvette was decked out to the nines with yellow wheels, a beautiful yellow and black interior, and it sported a wild flag logo design all over. These were the main features that were responsible for adding an extra $2,800 to the price tag of the 1998 ragtop Corvette that was already basing at $44,900. However with the limited number that would end up being produced it was well worth the extra few grand.

The paint was made up of a brilliant combination of blue and purple and was officially called “Radar Blue.” As would be assumed it was the only color available for the replica (hence the word replica).

As you would expect, the replica pace cars would share the same features performance wise as the stock Corvette convertibles did. That meant an all aluminum LS1 V-8 engine to power the replica pace car with 345 horsepower and a six speed transmission that was made available for the year. Also featured for the year were anti-lock brakes and a handling stability system which would keep most Vette owners out of trouble in the turns.

The replica pace car featured plenty of get up and goes as well. The replica ragtop Corvette was capable of doing 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in around five seconds making it one fast and good looking vehicle.

While the Corvette would go on to pace the field at the Indianapolis many times more and will likely do so moving forward, there is little doubt that the 1998 Corvette pace car replica will hold a special place in the hearts of all who belong to the Corvette Nation. Others may come and go, but this Vette will always remain special.

About the Author

Considered a leader in Corvette forums, and highly recommended by A. Schult is the blog and forum found at SmokinVette.com, where you can find tips and resources for the Corvette enthusiast. For additional info on the Corvette Pace car, check out SmokinVette.com

Crazy nut steals pace car

Pace

$91

Pace:

Razzi Paintable Wings – Factory Style, Pace Car, No LED Light, Blow Molded ABS [00-Up Chevrolet Monte Carlo]

$142.89

“Razzi Paintable Wings – Factory Style, Pace Car, No LED Light, Blow Molded ABS”

Grand Hotel & La Pace

$1081.55

Grand Hotel & La Pace > PSA > Via Della Torretta 1 > Montecatini Terme > > 51016>Location. This spa hotel is located in Montecatini Terme. Features. Grand Hotel & La Pace has tennis courts, a health club, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The onsite spa at this property offers massage and treatment rooms and beauty services. Business amenities at this 5.0 star property include a business center, wireless Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and secretarial services. Grand Hotel & La Pace has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. Room service is available during limited hours. This property provides an airport shuttle (surcharge). Business amenities at this 5.0 star property consist of conference rooms and banquet facilities. The staff can arrange concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry services, tour assistance, and translation services. Additional amenities include multilingual staff, air conditioning in public areas, and limo or town car service. Guestrooms. Grand Hotel & La Pace has 132 guestrooms. Televisions are equipped with satellite television channels and pay movies. Guestrooms provide direct dial phones and in room safes. Bathrooms offer bathrobes, bidets, makeup/shaving mirrors, and hair dryers. Additional amenities include climate control, minibars, and air conditioning. In addition, amenities available on request include wake up calls, a turndown service is offered nightly, and housekeeping is available. Cribs (infant beds) are available. >Florence Vespucci Airport (FLR): Approximate driving time to the Grand Hotel and La Pace is 32 minutes and distance is 39 kilometres (24 miles). Getting there: Taxis and bus services are available at the airport. The hotel operates a limo transfer service.Driving directions: At the airport take the highway A11 towards PISA / LUCCA. After 39 kilometres, at the Montecatini Terme exit, head towards the centre of the city (straight ahead). Before Piazza del Popolo turn right in Via San Martino.Getting around: The surrounding area is best explored by car.