‘86 Convertible with 24,000 Miles
The ad calls this car a Pace Car Replica. All 7300 convertibles in 1986 were shipped to buyers with Indy 500 “Official Pace Car” labels.
In 1986, the new Corvette convertible was the car chosen as the Indy 500 Pace Car. Even though a Corvette is the Pace Car at the Indy 500 almost every year now, in 1986 this was a big deal because the convertible model was back in production for the first time since 1975. Corvette convertibles are very common these days, but the convertible was big news when it was released mid year after having been absent for so long.
To be clear, this is not really a “special edition” model; all C4 convertibles were shipped to buyers with a set of “Official Pace Car” labels to highlight this car’s selection as the 1986 Indy Pace Car. The production convertibles were available in twelve colors, but the actual Pace Cars used at the race were all yellow.
Introduced as a mid year addition to the Corvette line, the convertible accounted for about one third of all 1986 Corvette production, with all 7300 convertibles being quasi Pace Cars.
The seller says that the Corvette has “a good top, nice paint, and original leather interior,” which appears to be in exceptional condition for a 39-year-old car. The ad description indicates that it has only 24,000 miles verifiable miles.
Only one engine was available in the Corvette for 1986, the 230-horsepower Tuned Port Injection 350. This Corvette has the standard four-speed automatic (the manual was a no-cost option).
Bosch anti-lock brakes were also standard equipment for 1986, in addition to VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System). Judging by the condition of the engine compartment, the seller’s assertion that the undercarriage “is as clean as can be” is entirely plausible.
Although this C4 isn’t really a “special edition” (like the ‘88 35th Anniversary model), it’s a low-mileage, well-kept car for an affordable price. The bonus is that it’s a convertible so, with the top down, it’s a lot easier for older folks to get in and out over the high door sill.
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/d/euclid-1986-chevy-corvette-pace-car/7841576346.html
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