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Oldsmobile liked the concept of the Pace Car so much that they
created 50 street-legal replicas. These replicas were converted
to fully functional convertibles by Cars and Concepts - the same
company that built the actual Pace Cars.
The convertible replicas had fully functional vinyl tops, a
vinyl rear window, and fully functional side windows. These 200
coupes and 50 convertibles had the "OFFICIAL PACE CAR" decals on
the doors, and the unique front air dam with white fog lamps.
The convertibles were also equipped with the HUD.
However, there were several differences. The drive-train
consisted of the standard production 125HP 2.8L V6 (VIN W) and
TH440T4 transaxle combo instead of the turbo 2.3L.The replicas
also received the standard International Series slate gray cloth
interior instead of leather and were equipped with the standard
production 15"x 6" cast aluminum cross-lace wheels. Finally, the
replicas did not have the removable roll bar or fire
extinguisher found in the real Pace Cars.
Where are the Pace Car replicas now? Each and every convertibles was recalled / repurchased by GM shortly after they were built – yet some dealers were reluctant to give back the car. Therefore, a select few remained in the private sector. Industry folklore regarding the re-purchase cites everything from water leaks to crash test stability concerns but the public sector is unable to confirm either of these. In June of 2004 I spoke to the Oldsmobile Historical Division and they alluded to, but couldn’t confirm, both the stability concerns and water leaks.
In August of 2004 this Replica showed up for viewing at an OCA Nationals event Wisconsin. This pristine Replica still belongs to GM and was provided courtesy of Oldsmobile’s Vintage Division.
In November 2004 I spoke to a current pace car replica OWNER. The gentleman was extremely helpful and informative confirming much of the information already on the site. As the third owner he loves the uniqueness of his car and has logged over 40,000 miles in daily driving and traveling to trade shows – where he rarely fails to win an award. He agrees that due to the limited production run and quick recall the car is difficult to research and even more difficult to appraise.
x In August 2005 I received this photo from a gentleman inquiring about the Replica history and market value. If the photo is current then it is an excellent example of an existing Pace Car.
In September 2006 I was informed of this Replica posted on E-bay. It is unfortunate that it is missing most of the body and windshield markings and - according to the ad - has had the sound system ‘upgraded’. None-the-less it represents another Replica that survived the recall.
In August 2006 I received an update showing this Replica in an Indianapolis junk yard. It too is absent its body markings but the unique front bumper is unmistakable.
This Pace Car photo was forwarded to me in September 2006. Yes...it's a go-cart replica! Oddly enough, I recall there being a Pace Car go-cart in Dad's collection as well yet never knew the origin. I can only speculate that Oldsmobile used the go-cart as part of a Pace ad campaign and again dealers were afforded the option of owning one. Tragically, the go-cart I knew 'disappeared' between the time that Dad passed away and the time I got to inventory that particular area.
Unconfirmed Sightings In November 2004 I spoke to an active and knowledgeable Olds Collector who confirmed the existence of six (6) REPLICAS in Wisconsin. I am told that all six are owned by a single group of collectors. The mileage, condition, and titling are unknown. If you have any information pertaining to these vehicles or are familiar with the owner(s) please contact me. Confirmation of the cars' existence would be very helpful in establishing just how unique this vehicle is. Following these conversations and sightings I had a follow-up conversation with Oldsmobile's Historical Division and while they claim to have confirmed the recovery / repurchase of 'nearly all 50 convertibles'; they are unable to confirm exactly how many were still held by private owners. Please contact me f you are a former (or current) pace car owner, Oldsmobile Dealer, or are familiar with the 'buyback' pertaining to this illusive automobile A 1988 Cutlass W-Body 'No Saled' at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ in 1989 for failing to meet the reserve. No further information on that particular vehicle is known or is confidential. Was is a replica? Notably, in August of 2004 one showed up for viewing at an OCA Nationals event Minnesota. I am told it was provided courtesy of Oldsmobile's Vintage Division.
If you have any information pertaining to the existence of this car or have any questions or comments please visit the
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