For 1978, Corvette offered two collector's editions; a 25th Silver Anniversary Edition and a Limited Edition Pace Car, as depicted here by FM. Corvette made 15,283 Silver Anniversary models but only 6,502 Pace Car replicas. FM is making 7,500 for us 1:24th collectors. The base coupe that year cost $9,351.89 while the Silver Anniversary Edition package added $399 to that cost. The Pace Car's total price was $13,653.21.

To the model at hand, let's get a couple things out of the way first. This is a repaint/revision of an older technology piece, FM's 1978 25th. Anniversary Corvette Sport Coupe issued late in 1992. The T-tops do not come off, the headlights do not flip up and there is no plug wiring or working suspension. So, is this even a desirable model to own in the first place? Well, it is if you fit certain parameters. If you are a Corvette aficionado or a Pace Car kind of person then yes, you might need this one. Is there anything new on this model that the '92 issue didn't have? Yes and let's talk about that for a minute. Don your snorkles, we're going below. Nothing major here except that the exhaust is now more realistic looking. The color has been darkened a shade or two and is more like the 1:1 car. The tire carrier is now silver instead of black. To be honest, I do not know if that is a trait specific to the Pace Car Edition or not. Up front FM correctly added the large air dam and out back they installed the equally large spoiler. The fit of both was nicely carried out. On the matter of finish, FM did a good job. The black segment of the paint job is gorgeous. The graphics were tampo'ed well and the pin striping is suitably fine and scale-considerate. The silver is much glossier than the paint on the previously issued model.

The metal front and rear medallions are crisper and shinier than the previous diecast and door lock indications, silver paint dots, are more correct than the lack of same on the older iteration. A "Corvette" tampo appears on the rear bumper valance, as it should, as well. There is no discernible change under the hood but not so the case in the interior. Aside from the prerequisite color change we now spot the inclusion of leather seat belts with photo-etched metal buckles. Oh, the seats also fold in half as they fold forward, just like they should. Good addition FM! Lastly, they added the limited edition plate behind the seats in the storage area under the rear window.

All in all, a very nice image of the '78 Indy 500 Pace Car. It took some time in coming but I'm glad it did and very happy with the overall look and appeal of the model.

-Tony Perrone