Well-preserved pace cars may seem like a dime a dozen, but every now and again, you spot one in the wild that isn’t seen that much anymore. The C4-era Corvette pace car is one such vehicle, and while it’s notable simply for earning the right to pace the field at the 1986 running of the Indianapolis 500, there’s more to the Corvette story than just the decals slapped onto the side. We’ll get into the details in a second, but this particular pace car is a low-mileage survivor, showing just 0ver 16,000 original miles on the clock. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,500.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip. When the C4 Corvette was introduced, many brand loyalists were sad to learn a convertible was not among the model offerings. After all, a Corvette convertible was one of the most popular renditions of America’s favorite muscle car, so it seemed tragic that such a significant redesign didn’t come with a drop top option. To make up for this oversight, the Corvette team began to explore working with – who else? – American Sunroof Corporation to build a prototype of a convertible model, either to convince GM brass to work with the aftermarket company to bring it to market or simply to see the potential of the design.

In a rare instance of ASC not getting a contract, the powers that be decided it made more sense for Chevy to build the convertible in-house after seeing the compelling design. The timing worked out well with the running of the Indy 500 and the decision to have the Corvette pace the field, and many of us will remember seeing the bright yellow Corvette convertible out in front. Like most pace car tributes, the consumer version was your standard C4 Corvette in every way, and the decals didn’t even necessarily make it onto the car – they were usually left inside for the first owner to apply if so desired. It makes me wonder if some of these convertibles were sold as pace cars but if the buyer didn’t adhere the decals and they were eventually tossed, would we ever know it was sold as such? This one looks spectacular with its lipstick red interior.

This Corvette was clearly preserved due to its status as a pace car tribute vehicle, and presents as-new as a result. Looking at how clear the digital gauge cluster is and the lack of any signs of wear and tear on the sport seats all point to a near-perfect specimen. The L98 V8 engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which is hardly a surprise. With 230 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, it will still move out just fine today, and this is the kind of time-warp specimen you can buy and protect without fear of adding some miles here and there. For the pace car collector who has everything, this C4 may be tough to top.