What do the Ford Pinto and AMC’s Gremlin and Pacer have in common? All of these cars spent years as the butt of some often cruel jokes before finding a dedicated following in the classic community. Time has taken a toll on many, but this 1976 Pacer is an amazing survivor. Faulting its overall condition is almost impossible, which is unsurprising considering it has a genuine 59,000 miles showing on its odometer. The growth in popularity has seen values climb, but this car that seems to need nothing remains affordable. The seller has listed the Pacer here on Facebook Marketplace in Hamilton, Ohio. You could fly in and drive it home after handing the seller $8,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for this fantastic discovery.

AMC introduced the compact Pacer in 1975, marketing it as “the first wide small car.” Like many vehicles from this era, it could have easily been long-forgotten, but its starring role in the two “Wayne’s World” movies in the 1990s brought the Pacer sharply back into the public focus. This 1976 example appears to have led a sheltered existence, with its Dark Cocoa Metallic paint looking exceptional. The seller doesn’t mention a repair or restoration history, suggesting that it is a genuine survivor. I’m not sure if it is the best one left on the planet, but stints at shows or a Cars & Coffee would virtually guarantee that it will draw crowds. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the listing images confirm that it is rust-free. The trim, including the damage-prone hubcaps, is in good condition. The defining feature of the Pacer is its acres of glass, which is free from obvious defects.

AMC was the victim of circumstances when developing the Pacer. The company’s original intent was to power the latest model with a Wankel rotary, and when the two sources that it approached failed to deliver, a late call was made to slot a six under the hood. A 304ci V8 joined the range in 1978, but the majority of buyers didn’t tick that box on their Order Form. This Pacer remains a slight mystery because the seller doesn’t indicate which of the two available straight-sixes the first owner chose. It could be the 232 or the 258, and there is little to separate the pair if we’re talking about outright performance. The rest of the major mechanical components include a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller claims that this AMC has a genuine 59,000 miles on the clock, and it seems that the comprehensive service records may provide documented evidence. The car runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition for the new owner.

While it is hard to identify a single highlight with this Pacer, the interior may win that award. Trimmed in a combination of Brown vinyl and cloth, it is surprisingly free from wear, abuse, and UV damage. The carpet under the driver’s feet shows some age, but it isn’t bad enough to justify replacement if the new owner wishes to protect the car’s survivor status. Fitting some mats would prevent further deterioration, and is the strategy that I would adopt. The dash and pad are spotless, and the back seat appears to have seen little use. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, although most potential buyers will welcome the air conditioning and AM/FM stereo radio.

There has long been debate surrounding how successful the AMC Pacer would have been if the company had brought it to market with a Wankel rotary under the hood, as originally intended. The vehicle would have undoubtedly been lighter and more nimble than it proved to be with the powerplants that eventually occupied the engine bay. However, for all their shortcomings, the six and V8 motors produced the respectable low-end torque that buyers preferred, and the thirsty rotary would probably have returned significantly worse fuel economy at a time when such considerations influenced buyer demand. Reliability was also a concern, and if nothing else, AMC produced relatively bulletproof engines. That is one reason why this 1976 Pacer has survived, although it appears that a sheltered existence has helped its cause. It won’t appeal to everyone, but would you consider giving this classic a new home?