Pace Cars and Chevy have always shared a special relationship, leading to this fine creation...
From the drag strip, to road racing, to autocross; nearly every type of auto racing begins with a standing start. The cars revving their engines and loading their suspensions is a part of the nostalgia of auto racing. The main exception to this is the Indianapolis 500, a race deep-rooted in its own traditions.
Since its conception in 1911 (the same year Chevrolet was founded), it has always commenced with a rolling start. Utilizing a pace car in the process. Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl G. Fisher would often drive the pace car during those early years, but being the pacemaker for the race quickly became an honorary position with invitations to former winners, celebrities, and industry notorieties.
Likewise, the automobile manufacturers have always seen it as an honor to provide the race with a pace car and have always put their best foot forward and used the exposure to market their top of the line products.
In 1926, co-founder of the Chevrolet Motor Company – Louis Chevrolet – drove a Chrysler Imperial 80 around the track, but it was not until 1931 that a General Motors car would serve as a pace car.
Since then, GM has supplied more than 50 pace cars for the legendary race. Each time putting their best car of the year front and center, but for some, nothing compared to the Summit White 1969 Camaro convertible with Hugger Orange stripes.
Just two years after the revival of the Camaro, Chevy gave enthusiasts who missed out on owning a 1969 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car another chance, with a 2011 Camaro featuring the same iconic livery. Once again putting forward all the best features of the year, Chevy included a head-up display, keyless entry, power seats, locks, windows, and top, dual front and side airbags, and ABS.
Riding on a fully independent suspension, it’s powered by a 6.2L LS3 V8 engine backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission for 426-horsepower, and a set of Brembo 4 wheel disc brakes ensure plenty of stopping power.
While enthusiast may have once again missed the opportunity to own one of these iconic cars, Streetside Classics is offering yet another chance. Listed for sale for only $34,995, this impeccable condition 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car features all you could expect from a modern sports car with the perfect mixture of retro style – with less than 5,000 miles on the clock.
