1978 Chevrolet Corvette 25th Anniversary Indy Pace Car Replica Edition

1978 was Corvette's 25th anniversary. Something special needed to be done rather than introduce an all-new model to commemorate the silver anniversary...but how could Chevrolet do this on a tight budget?

The answer was as simple as trimming away the old "flying buttress" sail panels and inserting a large, compound-curve rear window...and the Corvette fastback was back. The new fastback rear window was the most dramatic and noticeable styling change, giving the 10 year old C3 Corvette a fresh new lease on life. The fixed-glass fastback benefited both aerodynamics and increased the usable luggage space behind the seats, while improving rear visibility in the process. A shade was installed that could be pulled forward to cover the rear compartment to protect cargo and carpet against the unrelenting sun, and discourage break-ins by thieves.

Speaking of which, the Corvette had the dubious distinction of being one of America's most frequently stolen cars, so the standard anti-theft system was rewired on the 1978 to encompass the T-tops, (which were  wayyyy easy to pinch). Glass T-tops were now available from the factory, and both they and the regular fiberglass panels were modified to provide more headroom and easier locking.  Even more changes for 1978 included squared-up instrument-panel housings for the speedometer and tachometer to match the previous year's revamped console gauges, the windshield wiper/washer control was moved from the steering column stalk to the dashboard, redesigned door panels with new armrests and integral door pulls too, and finally...a real glovebox. Also, the 3-point seat belts were given a single inertia reel, and belt guides were eliminated.

There were two basic versions of the 350 small block V8 to choose from. The base L48 produced 185 bhp, a 175 bhp "49-state" trim was the only choice for customers in California and high-altitude areas. For an extra $525, the L82 V8 was available, which delivered 220 bhp via a dual-snorkel air intake and a revamped exhaust system designed to reduce back-pressure.

A close-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox returned as an exclusive option for the L82. A wide-ratio 4-speed was also an L82 offering. Also offered for the L82 was a revised Turbo-Hydra-Matic. The fuel-tank capacity increased from 17 to 24 gallons. Also, a first-time availability of optional 60-series, raised-white-letter Goodyear GT tires in HR60 size.  The FE7 Gymkhana Suspension package was still around, though its price had gone up to $41 from the original $7 bargain. As before, it included heavy-duty shocks and higher-rate springs all around, plus a rear anti-roll bar and a thicker front stabilizer.

To celebrate Corvette's 25th year, two Anniversary editions were offered. A $399, B2Z option package Silver Anniversary model, the first two-tone paint option offered since 1961, sporting silver over a gray lower body with a separating pinstripe, plus aluminum wheels and dual "sport" outside mirrors as mandatory options, adding another $380 to the cost). Also, 6,502 "Indy-500 Pace Car Replica Edition" models were produced, featuring black & silver two-tone paint, front and rear spoilers, mirror-tint roof panels and contoured sport seats. In addition, all 1978's featured "Silver Anniversary" nose and fuel door emblems.

An L48/automatic equipped 1978 Corvette recorded a 7.8 second, 0-60 time and top speed of 123 mph, while an L82 did 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 127 mph, and covered the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds @ 95 mph.

1978 was Corvette's 25^th Anniversary, foreshadowing the even more advanced, fun time goodies in years to come for the lucky Corvette buying public. Sweet!