1982 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car

1982 Camaro Z28 – Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

66th Indianapolis 500 – May 30, 1982
Driver (Start of the race) – Jim Rathmann
Driver (Caution periods) – Don Bailey

1982 ushered in the all new third generation Camaro and once again it was selected for Indianapolis 500 Pace car duty. The new Camaro was lighter, smaller and had a shorter wheelbase. Although a V8 was offered, it’s superb handling was the focus rather than the shear horsepower of the muscle car era. As it did in 1969 Chevrolet’s marketing team pounced on the opportunity and created 6,360 Pace car Camaros for sale to the public.

The actual pace cars were outfitted with special all aluminum 5.7L V8 engines. These fuel injected motors put out an impressive 250 horsepower. For comparison the largest production V8 available on the Z28 Camaro was rated at only 165 hp. Each car featured a unique two-tone silver and blue paint scheme with dark blue lower body stripes. Each door received large decals reading “INDIANAPOLIS 500” and below that, “THE SIXTY-SIXTH MAY 30, 1982”. Another Indy 500 decal was affixed to the rear B pillar. The interior was silver vinyl with blue cloth inserts and Lear Siegler Conteur driver seat. Other features included sport mirrors and red accented aluminum wheels. The replica Pace cars sold to the public were available with either of the Z28 V8 engines; both 305 cid in either 145 hp or 165 hp versions.

[phpbay]1982 camaro pace car, 36, 6029[/phpbay]
[phpbay]1982 camaro pace car, 36, 6161[/phpbay]