Here are several photos of the two actual Camaro RS/SS 396 convertible Z11 pace cars used at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the days and weeks leading up to the Indianapolis 500. A quick way to visually identify one of the actual pace cars is to look for 15" rally wheels, hood pins and flag holders mounted at the rear.
Here is a paragraph describing the actual pace cars. It appears in a special 1969 Z11 pace car section of CRG:
http://www.camaros.org/69pacer.shtml "The Real Pace Cars
The two cars built to actually pace the race, the pace car and the backup car, were both ordered with the L89 aluminum head 375 hp 396 engines, automatic transmissions, power steering, sport-styled steering wheels, consoles, gauges, and AM radios. After assembly, they were shipped from the Norwood plant to the GM Tech Center.
Both cars were then identically prepared by Chevrolet Engineering and Chevrolet Experimental Department. The engines and transmissions were disassembled, thoroughly inspected, and reassembled. The aluminum heads were replaced with L78 cast iron heads, a special 6-bolt COPO torque converter was installed, and service JL8 four-wheel disc brake axles with 3.31 gears were installed. (The cars were not ordered with JL8, possibly due to limited JL8 availability.)
The driveshaft was balanced and the front JL8 brake components were installed. All chassis safety items and suspension components were magnafluxed/inspected and treated to insure they would not fail at the race. The heavy-duty battery and a 61-amp alternator were used to ensure 12 volts at all times (it is unclear whether the cars were ordered with these items or retrofitted). Prestretched drive belts were used and ‘aircraft-type’ hose clamps were installed on all hoses. 15-inch rally wheels replaced the standard 14-inch wheels. One car was equipped with Firestone tires and the other with Goodyear tires to give both companies equal promotional time.
Several external and internal body modifications were made for the pace car duties. Grab handles for the passengers were installed and flag brackets were mounted on the rear bumper. A two-way radio was installed to communicate with the tower. Hood pins and special convertible top boot fasteners were used to keep things in place at the 130 mph pace speeds.
The pace cars were driven by Jim Rathmann, winner of the 1960 Indy 500. Both pace cars were used to pace the race. The #1 car was used for the initial pace lap. The #2 car was used when the pace lap was rerun due to an accident. Both cars still survive."
Photos:
1)
http://www.camaros.org/69pacer.shtml2) yenko.net
3)
https://dmr.bsu.edu/digital/collection/SatterleePh/id/379/rec/1
