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185 Mile 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car

We have featured a lot of low-mileage “Pace Cars” over the years but this could be one of the best! I say that not because of the 185 miles showing on the odometer, but because the owner actually had the car serviced on occasion. When he went to the dealer in ’86 the salesman convinced him to buy not one but two of these. He then stashed them both away and drove them very sparingly with the last drive in this one being to the dealer to get it serviced. It’s now listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding ending later today!

The only problem with ultra low-mileage cars like this is that they are commonly neglected in the service department. Fuel goes bad, oil loses its viscosity, gaskets dry out, and hoses crack. I’m not saying that you won’t run into any of those problems here, but it does give us some hope that at least some of those miles were added on the way to the dealer to get the car serviced. Those valve covers and intake look a little crustier than I’d like to see but I’m guessing that comes down to the way the car was stored for the last 35 years.

Some of the surfaces do have scratches but overall the car is very clean. That Las Vegas dust most likely settled on everything and caused some of the scratched when it was wiped off. Besides being an Indy 500 Pace Car model, the most interesting aspect about this particular car could be the transmission. It’s fitted with Chevy’s 4+3 manual transmission. It may have just been marketing hype but it’s novel none the less. Six and seven speed manuals weren’t around yet so GM bolted an overdrive to the back of a 4-speed, essentially giving the car seven forward gears.

I’m not sure if they were marketed as such, but many people bought GM products during this era thinking they would become collectible someday. As a result we find many low-mileage Grand Nationals and Pace Car Corvettes. Buyers weren’t wrong in their assumption but I cant help but wonder if they would have gotten a lot more out of their investment by just driving them. Money is great but sometimes memories are worth more. I’m am grateful for those who squirreled cars like this away so we can enjoy them today though. Either way, we home the seller makes enough to pay off his house!

Comments

  1. Avatar rodknee

    A C4 is one of the least desirable Corvettes, notoriously inexpensive compared to any other series. However, this one is in remarkable shape and given its phenomenal preservation should go for a decent price. But not sure it was worth his effort though to preserve it that diligently for 35 years and drive it so little – hopefully he enjoyed looking at it.

    Like 9
    • Avatar AMCFAN

      I think it’s sad the owner bought this and lived only to store it. The only enjoyment he had was was taking it to the dealer for service. Talk about sad. Hopefully the next owner rolls 100K miles in a few years to make up for this car waiting all these years.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Steve Clinton

    He sure doesn’t look like a Corvette owner. (At the very least he could have ironed his shirt and put on some socks!)

    Like 2
    • Avatar Nate

      @Steve Clinton, Because Corvette owners are always the classiest guys at the car show… (insert rolling eyes emoji here).

      Like 31
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      OK Smart-A$$, what does a Corvette owner look like? Don’y forget to post a selfie so we can comment on your appearance.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Miguel - Mexican Spec

      @Steve Clinton He might have looked like a Corvette owner when he bought it.

      Like 3
  3. Avatar AF

    Looks like it’s been wrecked and repainted on the passenger side

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Comet

    Looks like a mouse gnawed on that HVAC knob.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Nate

      Definitely looks like that…

      Like 1
  5. Avatar Terrry

    I wish I had a dollar for every “super low mileage” car that was featured. 185 miles? Try 100,185 miles.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Rick

      I think so too. Just doesn’t look right.

      Like 2
    • Avatar rodknee

      Well not unless he replaced the entire interior. Those seats and rug are like new. Definitely not 100k of wear.

      Like 5
  6. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Well it is resale red, check out the Torino he has listed.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Sam Shive

    He has a TORINO Drop Top Listed On E-Bay That I Bid On Before This Vette..

    Like 2
  8. Avatar bikefixr

    While collectors haven’t embraced these, they are fun to drive! I’m sure mice have invaded it..be on the lookout for chewed wiring. And I agree, the passenger side door and rear quarter look to have a significant paint mismatch below the trim line. As an investment, unless he stole the car, he’s losing money. Had he invested it in the market, he’d have done much better. The guys who stashed their GNX’s away might do OK, but these run of the mill Vettes, “last” Camaro SS and Z/28’s, Earnhardt replica’s took a real bath.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Located in:
    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Like 3
  10. Avatar GtiDave

    Might just be me but it looks like a lot of dirt/wear on those pedals

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Frank

    I thinks those are clouds showing on both sides of the vehicle. If your advertising a 187 mile car that send it out to be detailed. The vehicle has just not had the care it deserves. Yes it is the least desirable with the video game dashboard.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar JB1965Bon Member

    He has the 1986 perm to match! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

    Like 4
  13. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    Still rockin’ the ‘85 haircut too.

    Like 2
  14. Avatar NOMADDREAMER

    Hey, This guy earned the money to buy this car, it’s his car to do with as he pleases and it does’nt matter how he dresses or what kind of hairdo he has he’s not selling his hair or his clothes he’s selling his car. Give the man a break. I think it’s ridiculous that people would look at an automobile advertisement and criticize the owners appearance as though they never wore a wrinkled shirt or had a bad haircut.

    Like 5
  15. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    If you want an 86 Convertible with a 5 speed, offer me $20K for mine and see what happens ;-)
    Biggest share of the time, buying a car to put away is a bad decision. You’d likely do better putting your money in the market IMO.

    Like 4
  16. Avatar PRA4SNW

    I watched the end of the auction. Was at $24,100 until the last second when someone sniped it for $25,600.

    A 35 year old car with 185 miles that sold for under original MSRP.

    I wonder if it will be worth 50K in 35 more years.

    Like 3
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      I watched that also Dennis. I might not be around this Thursday let alone 35 years, but I hope it gets some use and the numbers climb! Take care buddy!

      Like 4
      • Avatar Ike Onick

        @lein- 12 hours left! Hope you make it!

        Like 2
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        Whew, made it Ike! LOL!

        Like 3
  17. Avatar Miguel - Mexican Spec

    The question I have, is why do you need a bra on a car that never moves?

    Like 6
  18. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Ended: Sep 15, 2021 , 4:44PM
    Winning bid:US $25,600.00
    [ 49 bids ]

    Like 1

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