Update on the "Racer Pacer". Since buying this project, I have completed the restoration of the drive train and sub-frame. The body is still a work in progress - on a rotisserie.

I have tracked down all of the owners back to (but not including) the original owner. The third owner (Dennis) indicated that he had the original (unhurt) engine to the car, but sold it separately during the 80s when the next owner didn't want to pay extra for it! The existence of the unhurt engine tracks with the 1975 letter from the second owner. Dennis promised to send me his old pictures of the car from 1980 along with all of his receipts for parts that he collected. Maybe some insight in there into where the OE went (fingers crossed). Another thing that the 1980 photos show is the original VE3 bumper still on the fully assembled, unrestored car! I actually like the look of the chrome bumper on these Pace Cars, but may go with the VE3 since it came with one on it from the factory (hint - hint for anyone willing to part with one!).

Finally - NCRS report shows that the car was delivered new to a dealership in the state of Maine.

Congrats Bruce !! I luv the VE3 !!! I am so glad that this car has found a great home. Hope you find the original owner !!


The car is most likely a 1 of 1. Who would order an L-78 , M-22 Indy 500 pacecar replica with endura bumper, no console and manual top? It was apparently raced early on as the discs were converted to drums to save ET. (the same as two of my 67 Z's).

Did you ask any of the prior owners if they raced it and who changed the fornt brakes?

Can we see some pictures?

Ryan W31

Drum brakes were on it when the second owner bought it, so car was raced by the first owner.

Not too many pictures to share yet. The car was apart when I picked it up from Max. I've now finished the sub-frame and drive train. No progress on the body.

You would think some one in the Northeast would remember a painted bumper pacer in the early 70’s at the track. Maybe one of them guys with all the pics? It was original paint so no lettering it seems ever. Just a non-sponsored guy woopin’ on his pacer !!

Would love to hear the story from the original owner.

Thats going to be a great car when its finished!!

Just waiting for body work now. Body is media blasted and at the body shop.

Also - front drums that were installed for racing are 1969 part numbers. So, discs must have been replaced early on - when car was raced. Unfortunately, Whelen foundry apparently didn't put date codes on their drums. I thought that it was an MVSS requirement back then, but all that I can see is the part number and insert number.

Bergy, Congrats on a very rare Pacer. I wish mine was a L78, hell even just a BB car.....lol

Here is mine the day I got it back from Frank Arone's Auto Body.

Something that most people may not realize... the upper area below the header trim where the rear view mirror attaches is untrimmed and exoposed metal, IT WAS sprayed with dash texture.

Also make sure to use the foil tape over the convertible pinch weld so when the clips push on they do not scratch the paint and cause areas of bare metal to be exposed and ultimately have rust come out from the trim.

Sealing the header trim also must be done correctly in order to keep water from being driven over the edge of the header and a waterfall into your lap!!!... the early C3 Corvette Assembly manuals illustrate the sealing method.

slow progress on ownership history. Now back to circa 1975. Still checking with 1969 employees of Forest Chevrolet. It was the only Pace Car that they sold & customer ordered, so maybe someone knows the OO.

This pic was sent to me by the owner who bought it in 1977 in Manchester, Maine. He still lives in Scarborough, Maine today.