It was during all of this paper chasing that Paulsent his Vette to be refinished to match the original look. So, whileHoward burned the midnight oil, Jason's Body Shop of Indianapolissprayed some late-night paint. One month later, on September 21, 2004,Paul received permission to have the much-needed decals printed, a dayPaul remembers clearly. "The decal set came in two parts. The first partwas a decal that was placed on the car to paint the unusual blue designdown the sides and across the back. The decal was removed after paintingand the actual stickers that you see on the car today were installed."It was Howard who took special care in the final step. After placingPaul's car alongside the Museum-owned Vette, Howard applied the decalsat the Indianapolis 500 Hall of Fame Museum to ensure they matched theoriginal exactly. And so it was, on December 7th, that the car wasdelivered to Paul as an early Christmas present. As he told us, "To myknowledge, this is the only '04 Pace Car replica authorized by theIndianapolis 500 Hall of Fame Museum known to exist." What better way tocelebrate all things Corvette and the Indianapolis 500 than with theonly authorized replica of the Indy Pace Car? A very Merry Christmasindeed.
Off To the NCM
NCM Executive Director Wendell...
NCM Executive Director Wendell Strode accepts the '04's keys. Paul lentthe car to the museum for display purposes.
Having remained in touch with Paul Barth since first meeting him at the2003 Pace Car Reunion, Team VETTE has kept a keen ear tuned to theevents leading up to the creation of the Official '04 Pace Car replica.With the shooting season for car features limited in some areas morethan others, VETTE caught up with Paul during the spring thaw. It wassome time before this that the "Only '04 Owner" had made the decision totemporarily lend his new toy to the National Corvette Museum fordisplay. So, on the Monday following the '04's arrival to the NCM, VETTEmet with Paul and Wendell Strode for the momentous event. With the keyshanded off to the NCM's Executive Director, the Corvette was now underthe care of the Museum and its staff, which had relocated its Pace Carsspecifically for the new display. VETTE was there for the day the '04joined the rest of its family inside the NCM Skydome. If you would liketo see the display for yourself, log on towww.corvettemuseum.com/webcam/index.shtml to take advantage of theNCM's live web cams. Enjoy.
When Paul received his '04...
When Paul received his '04 Festival Car, it was fresh from the Brickyard400 track. Repainted and rebadged for the 400, here is what Paul's prideand joy looked like upon taking ownership.
Paul Barth would like to send special thanks to Howard Kirchenbauer.Howard was instrumental in assuring Paul's car received an official nodfrom the Hall of Fame Museum. Team VETTE would also like to thankWendell Strode for taking time out of his busy schedule to be available;Larry Grinstead who was our "Official '04" driver for the day while Paulfinished paperwork; and Paul Barth for his dedication to the sport andits preservation.
 With his pride and joy at...  With his pride and joy at home in its new parking spot, Paul took amoment to pose for us. As the sign reads, "The one and only authorizedreplica." No wonder Paul is smiling. |  |  Inside the Skydome, the NCM...  Inside the Skydome, the NCM had rearranged its displays to make a PaceCar-specific exhibition. Old met new as Larry pulled past a '78. |