“1977 AMC Pacer. Super fun, and everyone loves it.” That’s how the ad for this interesting potential collectible kicks off on craiglist. Matt H saw that and decided to share it as a tip for the rest of us to chew on. Should you be particularly interested, you might want to part with $4800 (and no fooling around, as the price is “FIRM.”) You’ll have to take that loot to Wilsonville, somewhere south of Portland, to trade it for this pumpkin-looking 70s runabout.
Everyone loves this car except the daughter, who lost interest in it as a father-daughter project. On the way to this decision, the father, one presumes, spent time gathering parts, mostly for the interior. He also claims that the car runs and drives well and that some interior restoration has occurred. If that’s the case, then he needs to fire his upholsterer for producing more waves in the fabric than would suggest workmanship well done, not to mention the color mismatch that a subtle mint shade of green makes with the orange (tan?) interior plastic bits. Charming is charming, but ugly is not an exaggeration here.
So what happened to the kid’s interest in having this be her early-days car? Maybe it was the starting point. The Pacer was bizarre but cute when it came out in 1975. That fishbowl shape, which I first saw driving around the ice in Peterborough, Ontario in the intermission of a Petes game, was hard to wrap one’s head around, but there was a peculiar appeal to it nonetheless. This car is not that one. This one is a station wagon produced in the first year that that body style was offered. You end up with an awkward roofline and stretched-out body proportions, which are not flattering. Add that to indications of dirty days behind this car (the most filthy interior driver’s side door panel I can recall seeing and missing exterior trim that makes one side a mismatch for the other), and this one has all the signs of being ill-treated in its past lives.
If you’re restoring one of these Pacers, you’d be better off with an original two-door coupe model, which the eye test will confirm. So, what’s the value in restoring this unit? There’s some original paperwork, which is always a plus with a vintage car. And that, honestly, is about it. For a grand or $1500 bucks, you might be able to finish this car and not be upside down. If the seller sticks to his $4800, it’s good luck to him and the buyer to do the math.
The mold on the dashboard makes me think this Pacer is well worth the sellers $4800 firm price. Sure.
I imagine there will always be somewhat of a market for these. But more of a “hey look at this odd job I got” and that attitude will be why they are not worth much. People will only pay so much for a bit of a joke/oddity. In this shape maybe $1500
Not sure I would characterize the Pacer’s looks as bizarre. These were decent rides for the time, and a great number of “modern” rides are boring as hell.
Pumpkin, I loved that comment!
As for the mismatch of interior colors, I would look no further than AMC itself. My dad did everything in his power to keep me from getting my own car, even though I had earned the money, including the insurance. Rather, he said, I could use the family car–if I attained all of his goals, which I did. At the time, the family car was a Hillman Minx. Not my fav, but actually a pretty cool little car. He kept talking about trading that in, for a different car. I thought I saw an opening, and tried to buy the Minx. Not going to happen. But, he did trade in the Minx for a used ’59 Rambler, PINK and GRAY (there was a gray “strip” down the side) with a BLACK & RED interior. The ugliest car ever made–before, since or after. I’m sure my dad was quite pleased with himself. Chapter 2 involved trying to get a date with that thing. I will say, that when I finally did arrange a few dates (maybe they were color blind?), at least I knew they were not going out with me because I had a cool car.
This ad is really funny I have a 78 pacer wagon on facebook for $1800 and it really only needs brake work so good luck to this guy. I thought some of you might find it and put on here ( I am not good on a computer ). So if this guy gets his asking price I guess I should raise my price.
Show us the link
It is listed on facebook phoenix az and it is under CODA they don’t have a AMC listing.
Would only buy one in #2 condition. Not THAT #2 like this one..
I hate to admit this but I actually kind of liked these when they were new! What was I thinking?
Is it me or do the seats not match the interior ||
I’ve bought and sold probably thirty cars/trucks in my fifty five plus years since my high school days. One thing that I learned early is that “firm” doesn’t necessarily mean firm when you flash the cash and you are the only game in town. Believe me this dude wants this little mistake gone. He has no chance at getting $4800. Eventually after a few weeks of crickets he will be happy to negotiate. If he can find someone who digs AMC oddities he might get twenty Benjamins for it. He probably has his asking price already sunk into this what with the horrid upholstery and stuff that he has bought on top of what he probably paid for it. At this end of the market with something as arcane as a Pacer; spending any real money on it after it’s bought is a loosing proposition.
Hard to believe a teenage girl lost interest in this project.
Back in the day these were odd looking cars, to put it kindly. But in today’s world?… Yea, they still are!! And yes, I am still being kind!
I hope somebody finds and loves it, but it won’t be me.
and the answer is de mo cra ts