The 2000 Chevy Monte Carlo SS was chosen to pace the field at the 83^rd running of the Indianapolis 500. That was in May of 1999, but the reworked 2000 MC had already come out. As was customary, the manufacturer produced several pace car replicas (Jay Leno drove the track car), and in this case, the quantity was 2,222 copies. The selling dealer has a time capsule edition for sale with just 35 or 51 miles on the odometer, so it has been kept in mothballs for 26 years. Located in Eureka, Illinois, this “new” car is available here on eBay for $23,916. Kudos to “Curvette” for the tip!

Wearing new styling for the turn of the century, the Monte Carlo was sleeker in appearance. And for the pace car replicas, they were all painted in Torch Red with silver accents and special graphics said to include an image of the famous Tasmanian Devil. The interior was special, too, with leather seats and headrests. Under the hood, a 3.8-liter V6 engine provided 200 hp to get these cars moving. They all also had the SS package, which provided for a lower stance and oversized alloy wheels.

We don’t know the history of this replica, but the original owner no doubt bought it as a collectible. Perhaps it was taken out once a year to put a mile or two on the powertrain. When you buy a car like this with so few miles, you have to wonder how much of it is still from the factory, like fluids and rubber bits. We’re told this car still has its original MCO (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin), and it’s apparently never been titled because the seller can take care of that for the buyer.

Climate-controlled storage is all this car has ever known. And it seems to be perfect with one exception. A little paint is off the front bumper thanks to an “aggressive” high-pressure washer nozzle. Presumably, a body shop should be able to match that up just fine. In buying a 35 or 51-mile car, would you treat it as a museum piece or get out and put some highway under its belt?