Revell 1/24 '78 Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Indianapolis 500 Memorial Day Classic race has been an American tradition for over 75 years. In American racing, the concept of a pace car is something unique, with auto manufacturers competing to have the distinction of having one of their cars as an Indy Pace Car. The pace car is not used in European racing.

The Indy Pace Car is typically a high performance convertible, yet is wasn't until 1978, for the 62nd Indianapolis 500 that the Chevrolet Corvette would get its first turn into the Pace Car distinction. In honor of this event, Chevy produced 6,502 replicas of the pace car, all powered with the 350 CID V8 engine with automatic transmission.

The car was also equipped with removable T-top window panels, power side windows, a serious sound system (for that time) and aluminum slotted Corvette Turbine wheels. The cars were painted black over metallic silver with Indy decal graphics.

Revell-Monogram has released this nice-looking 1978 Corvette in 1/24 scale. Molded in white styrene, with clear styrene parts for the windows and four rubber tires, the kit is presented five parts trees. One of these white parts trees is chromed and contains the mag wheels, bumpers and other details.

Assembly begins with the Chevy 350 CID V8 engine which is nicely detailed, though the AMS modeler will want to add ignition wiring. The completed engine is installed on the chassis and set aside while the wheels, front end suspension and read end are all assembled.

Even though the car features dual exhausts, the kit accurately replicates the dual headers combined into the catalytic converter before being split back into two exhaust lines.

The firewall is installed onto the chassis complete with a master cylinder unit. The radiator and upper radiator hose are also installed (you're on your own for the lower hose).

The interior is nicely done, complete with decal instrument faces for the various stock and custom gauges on the dash.

Once the interior is installed into the body, the body in turn is mounted to the chassis, and all of the final details such as bumpers, spoiler, and windows get installed.

This will be a nice build for Indy and Corvette fans alike. This distinctive gloss black over metallic silver will look great parked on your shelf or on the contest table.

My sincere thanks to Revell for supplying this review sample!