If you’re a fan of the Indianapolis 500, it seems logical that you might have a pace car replica or two in your garage. If such a collection were a goal of mine, I would likely grab a 1979 Ford Mustang with those sweet Recaro bucket seats. Of course, it’s only fitting that there’d be an Official Pace Truck of the same year and color scheme parked next to it, like this example found here on Facebook Marketplace. The Pace Truck was available in a wide variety of configurations, including both rear wheel and four wheel drive, and this truck features 2WD with a long bed and 302 V8 under the hood, offered with an asking price of $8,495.

The Pace Truck was purchased as a father-son project, but time and resources ended up being in shorter supply than expected. The Ford runs, but the seller advises it needs “…additional work to be drivable.” That’s too bad, as it looks like it’s ready to leave the driveway in these photos. The black and orange graphics are correct for a pace truck replica, and a good sign the truck hasn’t been repainted in the past. It’s also in accordance with factory specs that there’s no Indianapolis 500 lettering on the doors, as Ford shipped the trucks without that decal adhered. One key detail is missing, however – the awesome roll bar the Pace Trucks came with installed in the bed.

These really weren’t all that different from standard pickups of the same model year. There were no mechanical enhancements, no suspension upgrades. It was some cosmetic bling that set the truck apart as a “limited” edition model to commemorate the actual pace trucks used in the running of the Indianapolis 500. It was a big deal for Ford to have this honor, however, as GM had dominated the Pace Car tribute market for years prior to Ford getting the Mustang to lead the field. This Pace Truck is one of just 4,225 made, according to the seller, and he’s correct in raising the point that there are likely very few left on the road. The truck’s interior isn’t bad, but it’s definitely in need of a refresh.

The amount of surface rust under the hood is slightly unsettling, especially since it extends down onto the valve cover and other exposed components. Given the truck is located in Oregon, I wouldn’t lose too much sleep over it – but I would sand down those surfaces and repaint the valve covers and brake booster. Despite being an unfinished project, the seller lists several new installed parts, including a new front fuel tank, new  sending units, filler hoses, and more. Some additional parts are included with the sale, including right and left rear replacement quarter panels to address some apparent rust issues the truck has. Would you take this rare Pace Truck home as a project?