293 Original Miles: Corvette Pace Car BARN FIND | First Wash in 45 Years! | Satisfying Restoration

[@WDDetailing]

Visit CKE.co/WD and get 10% off! Thank you Car Keys Express for sponsoring this video! What do you think this car is worth after being all cleaned up?!

[@DiamondPiglin]

$400,000

[@tonycomer1415]

From $19,000 to $25,000 if it runs. To get them running is pricey. You guys should also provide the link for their sale

[@bernardowens1648]

​@@tonycomer1415they're actual Auction value would be closer to around 50k+ because of the insanely low mileage. Getting to run would be a mostly easy task with a certified mechanic on the payroll. Seeing if the block is locked up will determine the direction of the mechanical restoration.

[@teddbare2000]

I completely agree with the previous 2 replies. This car, sitting as is with ALL OEM parts and original factory part number tags will easily bring mid 6 digits. A serious car collector like Jay Leno will have this car (and the 1982 collector car) disassembled, all rust and corrosion mitigated and repainted undercarriage. The carpets and interior DEEP cleaned and restored with OEM parts as necessary, if necessary. Then I believe this car could bring high 6 digits if restored to showroom condition. No one, NO ONE paid sticker price for a pace car! Dealers tacked on upcharges, some approaching the base price of the car or more, especially for the few that came with the factory 4 speed manual transmissions. I reiterate as in the past comments I made for the 1st 78 corvette, that the 3rd corvette is a 1982 collectors edition marking the end of the C3 corvette production. There were NO 1983 corvettes. The factory was completely re-tooling for the completely, radically different 1984 C4s. That car, the 1982, will have many of the pace car appointments with a bronze paint scheme, the initially troublesome crossfire injection system, and unique decals commemorating it as the collector's edition corvette. If it is in as good condition as the pace car with way under 10 miles on it, maybe better since it is 4 years newer, it should bring mid 6 digits to high 6 digits if the rust and "critter" infestation is totally mitigated and restored to showroom condition or museum grade condition. Both of these last 2 collector's corvettes will end up in a collectors garage where time stops due to controlled storage environment on their degradation and will be cared for regularly with the new owners maybe driving them once or not...

[@tonycomer1415]

@@bernardowens1648 Okay.

[@markbradt1276]

I ordered my 1979 Corvette Stingray in December of 78’, it was delivered to me in June of 79. As a 23 year old, I purchased a car cover for it. I’ve owned this car now for 45 years, using the same car cover! My Vette only has 33,752 miles on it. The dealership put 2 miles on it, I’ve enjoyed putting on all the rest! Love these Vette restoration video’s! Kudos!

[@d.a.h1562]

How could a 23 year old buy a Vette back in 79? What was your line of work sir? Genuinely interested. So lucky to enjoy a car for so long. I bet you don't let anyone get in with food in their hands... lol

[@markbradt1276]

@@d.a.h1562 I was fortunate to start a career in NY State Correctional Services. Being single helped, lol. I did eat a lot, A LOT of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches (it’s about all I could afford).

[@Neithaniel1]

@@markbradt1276 You, sir, had your priorities right!!! :D

[@roryslife]

dude... do a video on it.

[@dandagerman6604]

@@d.a.h1562 Back then there wasn't a crooked government colluding with a global cabal to destroy our financial systems. People were able to save money and still keep an emergency savings.

[@mikeburnett7028]

The cubbyholes inside the glovebox are for storing 8 track tapes for playing music. They were the precursor to cassette tapes. The radio is equipped with an 8 track tape deck located behind the numbers on the radio. Push on the numbers and a door will open to insert the tape. Old school, but was cool in its day.

[@johnpoteat9774]

I can't believe I had to come down this far to find this. They did the same thing for cassettes as well.

[@brimans3092]

8 tracks in 1978...lol typical USA. Cassettes were already out in 1968..in 1982 CD... Dirk Diggler car.. "feel feel feel feel feel... feel the heat.."

[@hansfriesen8971]

@@brimans3092 As an old DJ , I can say that nobody really started buying CD's until the very early 90's as everybody was still more interested making their own mixed tapes . In fact , only one person at my high school had a CD player in 1987 and it was the most expensive Sony you could buy which skipped almost every bump you drove over . It was actually a rather lengthy transition . In radio we didn't make the switch until 1992 and we were always ahead of the curve . In fact we were one of the first 3 stations in the U.S. to go all digital in 1994 .

[@brimans3092]

​@@hansfriesen8971​@hansfriesen8971 i am in England. We had CD in mid 80's way before 90's. Im not saying cars had CD players.. I was giving context of 8 tracks still in new cars in 1978 in USA only 4 years from CD. Cassette players in cars was the norm in 1970's after about 1973....in Great Britain /UK. People were buying CD's in the 80's, they priced the machines low as the profit was in the CD.. Back catalogues etc.. The music industry made their most money in CD era. Until MP3 killed the business model. Napster... In USA you have/had amazing radio stations so all you need in car is a good FM radio. Ive lived in USA so I know and generally would listen to NPR or if on long drives find the interesting stations, college, psych rock, black etc etc.. and of course classic rock AOR...

[@bryancarpenter7470]

I was going to suggest that the radio dial was a flip-up 8-Track slot but you beat me to it. 👍

[@ultrajazz5335]

My dad’s first job was washing cars back in the 50’s and he always said to “Always start at the top and work your way down because it you start anywhere else first then once you get to the top, all the washing you already did would be pointless.” Love and miss you dad, 23yrs and it still feels like yesterday. Love this video guys!

[@Gunter_Custom]

I watched a lady at the car wash start from the bottom yesterday ...🤦

[@kdepp90]

My dad taught me the same thing! Smartest person I ever knew!

[@kdepp90]

​@@Gunter_Customomg no! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@tstoneami]

Always wondered why they do the roof last in these vids.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

It's just common sense to wash from the top down. Gravity and all that.

[@repro7780]

Pace Car was my dream car as a 14 year old. When my dad bought a new Caprice, one was in the showroom. I was in love!

[@roberttanguay8532]

My family has a great history with the Corvette. My grandfather, George Tanguay, is the one who invented and patented a brand new fiberglass molding process for the Corvette. A patent he held until his death. That patent is now held by Chevy, the original Patent Plaque, which is now on display at the Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky. I also have a film of the fully capable Prototype being built (only way to tell which of the 3 men building the Prototype is my Grandfather is, he is the only South paw) Did you know that th3 only Prototype ever built was also deliberately destroyed? I've also got plenty of pictures of the Prototype, which is an absolutely gorgeous car complete with suicide doors. 😊

[@rickwhite3757]

The carpets and mats are twist pile. When you use a rotary cleaner on them it unwinds the twist. This is why they look more 'fluffy' after cleaning. Twist pile should be brushed fore and aft, and also left and right to prevent the pile unwinding.

[@timothyokane9710]

But it still looks better than dirty matted carpet!

[@lightshine6851]

My husband actually cringed watching them ruin the carpet. Hopefully they see your comment and learn how to clean the carpet correctly.

[@brimans3092]

I did wonder if a rotary sanding machine was best way to clean that what looked like acrylic carpet. Cheap carpets. Naff car.

[@xmvirus202]

I was about to say the same thing, the short pile comes out looking like it's aged 20 years after cleaning.

[@supercharged2414]

@@lightshine6851 I agree. Curios how would he recommend doing it?

[@leemarrero2589]

I heard you say that the way you cleaned those interior compartments might have been a little overkill, I say absolutely not. That's what a great detailer does. As a customer, I would greatly appreciate that overkill . I'd rather call it exceptional work.

[@BlackStallione]

Watching this in hospital after spine surgery. Love you guys, thanks for all the positivity and fun videos always!❤

[@easybakelovin2469]

I hope you recover quickly and without any hiccups!

[@BlackStallione]

@@easybakelovin2469 thank youu so much kind sir ❤️❤️🙏

[@mikemopar9989]

Get well soon! best wishes from Germany.......Michael

[@1mic3]

Hope you’re able to watch these videos from home really soon- best wishes from the UK 👍👍

[@BlackStallione]

@@mikemopar9989 thank you Michael, may god bless you 🙏🙏❤️

[@MarkHolt-p4w]

In 1986, i worked for a used car dealer in pearisburg va. He had a pace car like this that he bought new for his wife. I detailed the car. It had 6 miles on the odometer. It was purchased new by him from King Coal Chevrolet in West Virginia. I remember it had plastic on the seats too. It also had the decals in the box. He kept it in a garage at his home. Loved working for him. He taught me how to buy cars right. Buying them is easy. Buying them right takes knowledge. He had the knowledge. Just wondered if this was his car. I know he sold it, but i dont know when.

[@bunk-bn9eo]

My wifes dad was responsible for painting these cars using his template for the two tone. GM only allowed him to use a single stage paint. (They weren't known for having the best factory paint jobs). The goal was to get them out of the door as fast as possible. Neat little fact.

[@michaeltutty1540]

In 78, very few cars had 2 stage paint. The Lincoln Versailles was the only Ford product. Chrysler only used 2 stage paint on Chrysler Newport and New Yorker with a special "Silver Package". I do not think GM used 2 stage paint until the late 80s.

[@josephverdone7099]

Interesting note for you. My family owned Executive Auto Sales in Scottsdale Az from 1971 to 1998. We bought more Pace Car in 1978 then any other Automotive Dealer in the United States. In 1978 Chevrolet would not allow Chevrolet Dealers to only order 1 corvette pacecar and would not allow a Chevrolet dealer to buy a Pace car from any other Chevrolet dealer. In 1978 we bought and sold over 250 Corvette Pace Cars and about 100 Silver anniversary editions. I would fly all over the United States picking up about 50 pacecars myself. Only least built pacecar is a L48 4sp only 142 built. We were buying them for $15,000 and selling them for $25,000. Almost every Pace Car never had the decals on them. Thanks for the memories

[@hellyeaOU812]

yes decals where inside the cars. Not sure why they did that but they did

[@d.a.h1562]

Lucky son of a gun!

[@rjny51]

In 1978 I was working for Courtesy Chevrolet in San Jose California. We had approximately 200 new Corvettes in inventory and 300 used Corvettes. Everything from 53s 54s 63 split windows 67s. We sold the factory Pace Corvette that was allocated to the dealership had an invoice of 13500 and we sold it for 43 500 . Salesman got a commission based on 30k profit @25%=7500

[@David-oh3rh]

@@hellyeaOU812 Just to give the owner the option of having them on or not.

[@David-oh3rh]

I remember the hysteria around this car, I owned a 1976 Corvette that I bought new. None of these went for sticker price,much much more as you mention.

[@austinedc]

“Investment” cars but didn’t “invest” in car covers?

[@Bert_de_Wit]

Owner clearly doesn't give a damn about the actual cars. Only money.

[@dietersmythe9649]

Or proper storage.

[@alexm9718]

Get off his back mcwankshaft

[@bernardowens1648]

Car covers are the ABSOLUTE worst thing you can do to a long term storage vehicle. Dirt and grime can be removed and detail most of the imperfections out. Alot of times, the dirt and grime will protect the finish. A car cover will eventually bond itself to the paint and won't release without pealing the paint as well. And car covers DON'T keep critters out. An air conditioned and heated room or portable car storage unit are preferable to nothing or a car cover.

[@alexm9718]

$1.000.000 dollars

[@timothyodonnell8591]

This is the first video I have watched on this channel. Thank you for explaining why you did not start on the roof. I was beginning to wonder if you were really professionals. You earned a subscription.

[@howardjohnston6474]

So many people have varied critism on what happens with cars so just a big thank you too you guys for all you do to bring back these beauties to there original glory as close to factory as possible . From a purist point of view it warms my heart . Nice job guys ! Howard from Ont.,Canada.

[@bobdobbs3360]

I owned a triple red '79 Corvette and this video brought back a lot of memories, good and bad. The good: those seats were very comfortable, the body styling was great, and the handling was good. The bad: those engines were just plain anemic. Nice acceleration until you hit 40mph and then nada. The T-tops were great in concept but stowing them basically amounted to stacking them loosely behind the seats. When the T-tops were removed the wind would stream over your head before curling around against that massive rear window and then onto the back of your head. It was uncomfortable if you had long hair or didn't wear a baseball cap tightly. And lastly, well, it was a 1979 GM car. Cheap plastic everywhere, ill-fitting fiberglass panels and a warped hood that rarely aligned perfectly with the fenders. While this Corvette vintage was still fun, it was also a showcase for late 70's GM quality.

[@kevindoxey]

Press the faceplate on the stereo, it will go in. It's a factory am/fm 8 track stereo. The glove box is for the 8 track tapes!

[@spalkin]

Thank you! I was yelling, Press the face-plate.

[@garywalters3007]

my parents had the "collapsable?" 8 track door as well in our 78 malibu. most of MY cars had the under dash tandy aftermarket players.

[@HughJassole123]

Do you ever get into the door paneling to check for critters? That's usually my first place to look. Also, an old backwoods trick is to leave the hood cracked on your car when you park it. If the critters don't feel safe, they usually hide elsewhere.

[@RJSDZNS]

The crappy thing is that its literally been sitting for 45 years in a non climate controlled environment. Detail aside you still have a lot of work to get it to run. The thought of buying then sitting on these cars requires a good storage method as well. Love your detail videos guys, you guys make me want to detail my car every weekend!

[@grandtheftauto1233]

I think the owner didn’t understand the assignment

[@RJSDZNS]

@@grandtheftauto1233 agreed

[@michaelmaas5544]

A good mechanic will have it running in less than 30 minutes.

[@grandtheftauto1233]

@@michaelmaas5544 yeah running definitely but likely you’d need extra stuff to reliably drive again - tires, fuel pump / tank could be nasty, rubber dry rot etc

[@gordocarbo]

I bet the cam itself is rusted, cant imagine the cyl wall condition. Cars are not designed to sit for long period of time. Garage rot is a real thing.

[@sandramatthaus2297]

I'm not quite sure but i think it might be a cassette holder in the gloves compartment. Such an amazing car - good work!

[@bradrook3919]

In 78" I was a senior in HS, and had an amazing job at a steel foundry which paid extremely well for an 18 year old kid. I test drove a Vette exactly like this one past my School...lol...

[@nathanmullins9898]

Y’all have become Saturday morning cartoons for adults. 9am every Saturday I’m watching your videos with a cup of coffee.

[@WDDetailing]

I love that 😍

[@RJSDZNS]

Me too!!

[@skippclements9814]

Same here, I love these.

[@robertgorman5622]

Same here didn't start the video until I was chillin in bed with my cup of coffee ☕☕☕☕ 😆😂 let the fun begin

[@Aharpoon24]

Saturday morning car-tunes.

[@taperpowell558]

In 1978, I saw a car like this when it was still brand new. My dad liked cars...it was a hobby of his to go look at new cars even when he wasn't in the market to buy. But he liked old cars too, and took my brother and me to lots of old car shows when we were kids. We saw this exact model Corvette pace car, with the decals applied, in St. Louis (where they were still making them at the time), either in Feld Chevrolet's showroom, or at one of the many car shows held at Northwest Plaza when it was still an outside mall. Feld went out of business many, many years ago. The mall is no longer what it was, but remnants of it are still there; it fared better than most of the malls in the area. Chevy moved its plant out to Wentzville, west of the STL metro, in the early '80's. But this car outlasted all of that. I wonder how many like it still exist. Then by 1986, I was in high school, of an age where I was going to proms and homecomings. The video says that's the last time this car was driven, by a member of the owner's family. Being able to drive such a vehicle for one of those events would have been an amazing privilege, but would have likely scared me senseless, even when the car was only 8 years old. It would have gotten a lot of attention, but at that age I'd have been afraid to scratch it or wreck it...fiberglass fenders don't really bend, they just crumple. But this was a fun video to watch. Unlocked a 45-year-old memory for me.

[@gordocarbo]

Look neat and all but dont understand the big deal over pace cars. Its still a late disco C3.

[@bob-a-saursrex3662]

The headlights can technically be opened without turning the car on. Corvettes from that era everything is vacume actuated so you could find the rubber airline to the headlights put some air from a compressor and the headlights should pop open.

[@michellecooke5011]

I was wondering about that! Thank you for your comment.

[@bob-a-saursrex3662]

Cars like F-body camaros and firebirds (82 - 92) had the motor right at the back of the headlights and there is a round know with two holes in it and if you spin it left or right it will go up and down. The C4 and C5 corvettes had this style.

[@gregpratt6926]

It takes vacuum not pressure from a compressor to operate the head light. Maybe maybe a AC vacuum compressor but if it has any leaks I doubt it.

[@charlesjones2563]

Headlights can be opened and closed by just opening the hood and pushing on the linkage of the vacuum diaphragms. No need to apply any vacuum source.

[@rockzhard2009]

since the day this Vette came out it has been my dream car. never was able to own anything more than a 1/16 scale of it. oh well probably just the good lords way of keeping me alive.

[@danielnatter5982]

Those cars are a dime a dozen

[@rockzhard2009]

@@danielnatter5982 that is true. but how the FUCK does that change anything i said ya fucking dumbass.

[@rockethead7]

Good gods, he was trying to let you know that you can pull it off, and THAT is the way you react? No wonder you have no money.

[@rockzhard2009]

@@rockethead7 maybe that's because i only give slightly more of a fuck about what he has to say than i do from some dickless pinheaded cockholster like you ya fuckknuckle.

[@zedbets]

With prices coming down, you should think about investing in a dry ice cleaning system. Make that undercarriage and other exterior work so much we easier and come out even better!

[@samueldavehimbingmecenas2554]

Yes pls. Dry ice

[@tomsloger4073]

I always liked the 2 tone silver/gray 25th anniversary edition. The pace car looks really nice after you finished it. Great video/job as always guys. Looking forward to the 82.

[@MichealMessam44000]

That's a lot of more Cleaning Stuff for the old school Anniversary Corvette for the Future. Nice win.

[@geraldsmith9540]

Three words, Controlled environment storage!!! What were they thinking. Beautiful job gentlemen. Can’t wait to see the trifecta!!!

[@minecraftmum3436]

What a truly beautiful car, I cheered when you found the decals! 😁

[@jimmywait74]

17:04 Yes that is an 8 track stereo. The face of the radio pushes in for the tape.

[@mikeperry2814]

Correct!

[@Bert_de_Wit]

So the owner bought those corvettes as an investment? But he didn't even put a tarp over the cars to protect them all those years? Clearly someone who likes money, but has zero emotions for the actual cars.

[@saigawesnovember]

Tarps are the worst thing to do. It holds in moisture and scratches the paint.

[@Bert_de_Wit]

@@saigawesnovember Allright. I can understand that. But when you have the money to buy 3 cars that cost more than a working class house, you also have the money to prevent them from looking the way they did.

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@Bert_de_Wityeah vette they just detailed gonna have probs. Car cover should. Breathe worth. The investment

[@murry001]

Yep owner went out one day and bought great cars, parked them in a dusty shed and never looked back o_0

[@poopy_pants_joe1194]

@@murry001 They're actually terrible cars.

[@stevedillon1315]

The door lock surround decals were not a factory option but rather an over-the-counter accessory. Also, the pace car decals were never factory installed and always shipped loose for dealer or customer installation.

[@curtmaas68]

They look it 😮

[@Dumbguydiy]

Exactly. They came in those boxes and you could decide. And most dealers wouldn’t even do them, they would have someone come in for it. The fact that they are there in the original box makes this a very special car and worth more.

[@littlered4122]

You Guys are Hard Working People. Well Done. If I ever need a Major Detail I'm calling you. You are a A+ in the quality of your work.

[@kevinmartin1204]

None of these cars should ever have been in this condition! You guys are doing a great job. Thanks for getting them back up to their original conditions. Even after you wash them, these cars are going to need a whole bunch of TLC.

[@gerry-p9x]

Brakes rad plugs tranny tires rotted plus ac. Is trashed......best to have 10k miles on a runner than a non running paperweight

[@Arexodius]

Agreed. If the owner expects to get paid for these, he better cough up some money himself first. For restoration jobs.

[@threeer02]

My new favorite detailing shop channel!

[@betsyduane3461]

That's an 8-tgrack deck, the tapes are put in the space where the radio dial face is, I believe the eject button is the one on the right.

[@jmacdrum]

Betsy. I believe you are correct. The 8 track goes into the face where the number dials are.

[@America1stperiod]

Neighbor had one growing and he let me use it for prom has always been one of my favorites. Wish I could own one myself

[@quintbush6999]

I never liked Corvettes until I was around 13 in 1983 and I saw the 25th Anniversary Edition with this same paint scheme and interior. Still, I think this is one of the great color combinations that ever came from the factory. That red pinstripe!

[@ronstucker3550]

I have that same box of Decals in my basement from my Pace Car I had purchased in 78 and sold 1 month after delivery. Made $6000.00 on the car. Sold it for $20,000. and many today sell for $25,000.

[@michaeltutty1540]

The original decals are worth good money now.

[@ronstucker3550]

@@michaeltutty1540 going to bring the decals with me to the owner of my car in a couple weeks with alot of paperwork that I have and picts. from when I brought it home.

[@58dbeck33]

The owners concerns about putting power to the L82 Pace car are unwarranted, as he had absolutely NO concerns about the car sitting and rotting unprotected for 45yrs...my opinion!

[@murry001]

Owner went out and probably bought like 20 new cars, shoved them in these dusty mice infested garages and never looked at any of them again :(

[@PrimaryVector]

With all the mice activity there is almost a 100% possibility of chewed wires. Putting power to it could burn it to the ground .

[@michaelmaas5544]

Needs a mechanical inspection before you put any power to it

[@RobertBoston-n4d]

@@michaelmaas5544 I mean, check the mains, make sure the wiring isnt chewed up, should take 3 mins to do lol.

[@clintcava1344]

If it was sat with gas in it, the tank needs to be flushed and carb rebuilt. I would remove the plugs and put some marvel oil in the cylinders and turn the engine over without plugs in it. I would also pull the distributor and prime the oil pump too.

[@DrFiero]

After the carpets are totally dry - try a product called "Stain Extinguisher". It's pretty much dry cleaning solvent in a can (that's what MY nose says anyhow!). I've used it to get oil, grease, metal stains out of auto carpets for over 20 years.

[@DrFiero]

Oh, it also worked great for that time I walked into the house with oil on my boots and left at least 3 foot prints before realizing what I'd done.

[@arnettjs]

Thanks for explaining why you weren't starting from the top down. It was driving me crazy. Makes perfect sense now.

[@adizahmad8274]

Amazing Cars, Amazing Team Cleaning the Cars, congrats WDDetailing❤

[@vonclod123]

Pretty brave blasting those t roofs with the pressure washer

[@spavliskojr]

pretty sure they leaked right off the showroom floor.

[@vonclod123]

@@spavliskojr I concur!

[@dinot71]

The hair bun guy isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

[@nomeemania]

37:47 Perfect Corvette with the most perfect music to describe!!

[@skippclements9814]

Counting down to the next Vette, this one was awesome!👍

[@alipeacock3685]

Yes fellas am new to this channel, from the UK ..You must have been reading my mind with regards to the starting at the bottom of the vehicle to clean ..so thanks for the clarification !

[@markb3756]

I WANT THAT CAR! It's beautiful. Those things that surround the keyholes could have been gotten at any Auto Zone, etc. back then. My dad got some just like those for his brand new 1987 Chevy S-10 back in the day. Great job and great video! Have a great day!

[@user-fr1do2lx9o]

Dennis Collins would absolutely love these cars.

[@bigb8110]

Ok whats your point anybody would luv to have it if it for sale

[@chrisd4074]

@bigb8110 you do realize you're arguing with an AI chatbot right?

[@ralphowens4510]

@@chrisd4074 Curious how you know that? For future reference, don't like arguing with myself! LOL

[@Red4banger]

I own number 2813 out of the 6502 that where made! The ugly thing around the key bezel on the doors is not factory!

[@geovanniinusa5973]

It's a beautiful paperweight. Sad to see a nice car that was never enjoyed.

[@timinclt7895]

The owner paid roughly 85 ounces of gold for the car in 1978….had he kept his gold in his safe at home it would now be worth approximately $200.000 and these cars will sell well below that! He lost money BIG TIME

[@RonaldSimkin]

Maybe facts -- BUT -- If you pack away $200,000 in gold today and wait 25 years, you will have LOST BIGTIME!!!

[@jacobs4545]

​@@RonaldSimkinwow a fortune teller 😂

[@bigcee8914]

He can 200,000 G’s for that car

[@nachobroryan8824]

@@bigcee8914 The prices on these things are all over the place but the most a 78 Corvette pace car has sold for is $110k with 127 miles on it last year. One with 261 miles on it sold for $37k in Houston 3 weeks ago.

[@dinnng]

A lot of years ago i spendet $150 while gaming into a stupid crypto called Bitcoin....less than 4 years ago i remembered that i had left the Bitcoins around $135 from that time on my older computer. I found them and made a veeeery very little fortune....

[@Jayg2420]

The tires have held up after all these years....amazin!

[@braxtonnelson5375]

That's what keeping them out of the sun will do for you!

[@greasemonkey7346]

My aunt bought her pace car new from Feld Chevrolet in St. Louis and had it shipped to Denver Colorado. I still love that car.

[@brianhayes7618]

They should have stored these cars in a much nicer storage building. Evidently the guy had money so why did he cheap out on storage? These cars deserved better

[@tjwalker960]

This was like watching a 1978 commercial for “the all new corvette” in 4K video. 😂

[@murry001]

It's crazy that the owner bought all these cars as investments, but didn't bother with covering them up or keeping the area they were stored a clean environment lol

[@deborahmatsushita1844]

Absolutely!!! Certainly knows nothing about car collecting!🤨

[@janetc4306]

I love the interior color. Great job on the cleanup guys!

[@johnroma9412]

Impressed as hell with your refurbishing techniques. Your really setting the standard.👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@sinister1017]

The owner of all those corvettes really knows how to take care of his investments.😮😮

[@robertmann7277]

NOT!!!

[@Rednerb64]

The owner doesn't want power put to it, but happy to let it sit in filth for years

[@sinister1017]

@Rednerb64 exactly don't make no sense 😒

[@gordocarbo]

@@Rednerb64 at this point, sitting is all cars like that are good for. Start using them they will be off the road more than on.

[@yvonnerivera8791]

The highest recorded price for this model was $110,000, sold on January 14, 2023. The lowest price sold was for $11,000 on June 22, 2023.

[@WDDetailing]

What was the mileage on that one sold??

[@bigdog3300]

@@WDDetailing There was one sold for about 96K claiming only 9 original miles...

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@WDDetailingbad news cleaning under hood at this stage. Might l9k good but get it running first then wash. Wet left on components will cause. Failure and erratic operation. 😅😅😅

[@scottosborn4820]

The market has changed somewhat on these Vettes. I'd say 75k but who knows. The seller needs to take this to Mechum or Barret Jackson to get top dollar.

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@WDDetailingadditional info those seats special for edition and phased into next year's. Production suspension upgrades included rear composite. Spring done same. Ecklers. Corvettes a kit to ave rear hatch pop open😊😊

[@frankwyant7175]

$41,300 Original sale price was somewhere around $13,600 ($64,214 in 2024 dollars)

[@acbentertainment6265]

I guessed somewhere around $40,000 as well.

[@spavliskojr]

I had the 79- had many of the 78 pace car features but became standard. loved the rear wing and spoilers. If its untouched since new, the indy 500 decals should be in the back behind the seats.

[@antonydelmonte6306]

Just wanted to say that I was watching the video of you guys restoring a VW beetle and the flower that you found soldered to the dashboard. I can't say this for sure but I think some of the newer Beatles when they brought them back had those already in them and it was a nod to the hippie culture that drove them when they first came out and something they used to call flower power. Only an old dude like myself would know that LOL you guys are good people

[@kevinmartin1204]

And the owner put them back in the same shed…….really??????

[@dietersmythe9649]

You can open the headlamp doors manually without putting power to them,

[@atcdan133]

I bet Dennis Collins would like to know about these vehicles

[@saigawesnovember]

I bet he already does.

[@0toeknee0]

@@tbluthardtjr1969He's bought similar year vehicles. I sent him an email to bring it to his attention. I'm sure he already knew about them though.

[@clementecruz285]

He’s probably going to buy them $💰💰

[@0toeknee0]

I sent Dennis an email about these. My bet he’ll look into it. If Richard doesn’t get to them first. 😎

[@brucesomers7555]

Great score guys!!! But...in 1987 I got my first Vette,a 1980,black with red leather,L-48 4-speed. I spent a few months convincing my wife the motor needed replacement,it did,they were dogs,a 400hp small block did the trick,made the 'go' match the 'show'. I think in 1980 over 20,000 Vettes were sold,a record for the time. Zora Arkus Duntov claimed this was his favorite styling of the C-3s,but this body style always had lift problems at speed,and despite looking sleek,they were bricks in the wind, .44 coefficient of drag. These cars did have great seats,a comfy cruiser with good A/C and tunes,and a good amount of grip from the IRS,but with any Vette of this era, hitting a bump in a turn will upset them mightily,and they're almost undrivable in weather. But if you want to enter Corvette world, the 76s to 82s are still the most affordable option.

[@destinyvids2918]

My Dad has this car while I was growing up in, he bought it brand new. I used to ride in the back part while my parts had the front 2 seats. Crazy I know. But for the glove box. It was for 8 tracks. What you did not notice is, the place where you pick your station, it will pop back if you push on it. So you can insert an 8 track right there. It is kind of hidden, so unless you pushed on the face of the radio, you would not know.

[@mikefrat397]

Hi guys great job, what i want to mention is on CORVETTES head light flaps work with vacuum jus unplug the vacuum hose if you have a vacuum pump you can open the flaps, i hope I've been helpful keep up the great job 👍

[@EllenTheArtist]

It still annoys me. Investing in these beauties just to have them dust and rust away in some garage... smh!

[@mambamlife7477]

Yea like for 40 years they could not afford to get someone to stop by and wash it a few times a year?

[@murry001]

unfortunately that's what happens when non-car guys go out and buy these :(

[@stuartarneaud218]

Yep don’t understand how they can put a darm car cover on it how hard is that 😡😡😡

[@daynerampersad8968]

I just checked the value for that specific vette and its around 25 grand

[@mystisith3984]

That makes sense. I would give 20 K $ myself.

[@vdavis4785]

Some of the ultra low mileage ones are asking around $60K, but that's down from $70K, so they clearly are not moving at that price.

[@allaboutroofing2]

If he had invested the $10,000 (how much this car cost in '78) in the S&P 500 index in 1978, his investment would be nominally worth approximately $1,867,563.27 in 2024. His investment didn't even cover inflation unless that car is worth 76K.

[@kelvynwilliams7186]

Those guys are exceptionally perfectionist at detailing those cars,nice.

[@WEKM]

Always loved the look of the 25th Anniversary Pace Car. I even made my Boy Scouts pinewood derby car as the pace car. 😄

[@Itsmetonyp]

I hate people like that so much. You didn’t make an investment, you ruined a car. It’s one thing if you have a climate controlled garage free of pests and animals, and you maintain the cars regularly, but to just let them sit and rust and rot like this? He did these cars a terrible disservice and doesn’t deserve to have ever had them.

[@allaboutroofing2]

Also a horrible way to invest regardless of how well it is stored. If he had invested the $10,000 (how much this car cost in '78) in the S&P 500 index in 1978, his investment would be nominally worth approximately $1,867,563.27 in 2024. His investment didn't even cover inflation unless thar car is worth 76K. What a waste of a nice car.

[@Septian401]

Bro are you sure ? Maybe this only 1 years or two maybe 😂😂😂 for 45 year oh come on

[@robertratliff6030]

As far as value. Well very little considering in order to make it drivable you would need to replace everything. Fuel system, brake system, probably most of the wiring, rebuild the engine and transmission. So the value would be for a complete project restoration which would easily cost you $40k

[@davidhensley-zi3iu]

Also all the rubber seals around the doors windows and sunroof, might break even when you sell it.

[@gordocarbo]

Add suspension bushings to this. Needs way too much, he shoulda sold it 20 yrs ago

[@WarrenLacefield]

I disagree (unless the car was allowed to set with a tank full of gasoline). With lines flushed, fluids replaced, carburetor cleaned, battery (and maybe fuel pump) replaced, etc., I would expect this car would start, shift, steer, and brake just fine. Many machines and vehicles such as this are restore-able. It may be as costly as you say if you have to pay for it to be done, but far less if you can do it yourself. Not that big a deal.

[@Silveradoman61]

You can bet the mice chewed up the wiring in that car. Harness and everything.

[@bubbalo3388]

Friend's brother in law had a Corvette like this style and let him drive it. It was crazy sitting inside and seeing those two fender humps on each side higher than the hood. I had an 86 convertible which my son took over now.

[@Aksnowberry]

Beautiful job guys! That baby is sparkling. Love the 77 F250 Highboy. . prolly can sell for around 18,000 to 25,000

[@Kalyani1337r]

I want this level of money where I can buy the luxury car and then forgot for 45 years

[@phillipwatters3752]

Here's a common sense tip. If you're going to buy a car and store it as an investment then PROTECT IT, at the very least, by covering it up! It's also not a good idea to store it in a filthy barn.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

I'm thinking climate controlled storage.

[@IxiaRayne]

@@Starry_Night_Sky7455they said this used to be a heated garage. It was only relatively recently that it deteriorated (no heating ect)

[@Boombauatic]

Probably cassette tape holders in the glove box. That was way before y’all’s time lol

[@pleiadesperformance1170]

8 tracks bruh.

[@fredanddebramacdonald2445]

Great job!! Learned a lot watching you guys. I do all my own car detailing, so am interested in seeing how it’s done. I need more equipment to do all of what you done though, and am glad I only have to freshen up what was done last year.

[@MrBarrystuart]

One of the best-looking corvettes of all time - nice job !

[@nosyrosie6947]

!978 pace cars are relatively common. The answer is very simple. Not a whole lot.

[@gordocarbo]

Well said!! Plus the buying market is aging out. What younger person is going to want a slow disco vette? None. Paying a bunch for these cars now is just foolish.

[@jeff-ds2pr]

Plus, if that car sat so long, there is probably going to have to be a bunch of repairs. They did make a ton of these cars, and they were slow (like most car from the late 70s), they aren't that desirable.

[@adoss7273]

There is nothing particularly special about this pace car. There are plenty of them out there with even lower mileage, still in the wrapper that were not left to deteriorate and collect dirt in a musty garage like this. Ever heard of a car cover or a tarp? What a shame. I've had 5 Corvettes in my life, one of them a 78 Silver Anniversary L82.

[@anthonydorazio9650]

Got the 2008 Pace Car only made 234 Coupes and 266 Convertibles.

[@vdavis4785]

Yes, the Pace Car model comprised 10-15% of Corvettes sold that year. Not only that, there is a surprising number of low mileage ones out there.

[@anthonydorazio9650]

​@vdavis4785 ok but not in 2008 I got 1 of 234 plus numbered and signed by Fitipaldi. 432 horse power to about 200.HUGE DIFFERENCE.

[@gordocarbo]

@@anthonydorazio9650 Not a collectors car though.

[@anthonydorazio9650]

@gordocarbo wait a minute from 73 to 96 no horsepower. Let me repeat myself 1 of 234 do you have one. In less then 4 years 20 years old I'd rather have mine then those junkers

[@falsedragon33]

Fake, produced video. Watching Frodo take a ring to Mount Doom is more realistic.

[@pauldavis4287]

The ‘78 Pace Car is one of my all-time favorites. 293 miles is amazing. $50,000 because of the miles. They usually sell for about half that much…still a bargain.👍🏼

[@OaklynMediaLLC]

The black and silver two-tone cars like the hurst olds of the 80s all look so clean! A couple years ahead of its time, but it looks just as good on this car

[@adamwest3266]

In 1978 my father's friend came by our house to show off his new 78' Vette. It was black on black. He took me for a ride up to the HESS gas station to fill it up and he bought me a HESS Truck. I couldn't even see over the dashboard or the door panels, you sat so low and I was in elementary school. I remember that kick ass ride like it was yesterday.

[@jamesedwards6269]

In the mid 90’s I saw the exact same car in model in a barn in White Stone Va the car had 8 miles on it, original plastic on the seats. It was under a cotton cover and was a time capsule. The guy had a corvette leather jacket that came with it in the plastic. The guys collection was crazy he had so many cars from the early 1900’s but that corvette really spoke to me, it was from the year I was born and just really captured my imagination.

[@brocksamson4250]

Great job! Car looks so much better and is super clean all over.

[@frenk-n2p]

Great job guys

[@relevantinformation6655]

I had the same Vette in red- same paint job as a jet helicopter we were flying for years. Painted with Enron to matched the Bell Helicopter (C-30 long ranger.)

[@pauldavis4287]

Amazing. But the commemorative Indy 500 sticker package is a MUST for this car. It looks naked without it. The stickers would get added the day I took delivery of it.

[@felixsavella4435]

After spaying tire dressing on the tires, try spraying the inner wheel well also, it make the wheel well look black

[@mymoparstoo]

Wow, the magic eraser on the the arm rest! Squeaky clean!

[@user-zl1bh2gk1b]

There were a lot of them made. There was one here in Buzzards Bay, Mass at Buzzards Bay Garage, which was a GM dealer. The owner had it in the showroom from New til a few years ago. The dealer closed many, many years ago but was still in the showroom for all to see.

[@flyboy8364]

Love the Corvette! I've got a 1963 Split Window black on black with these C3 wheels