AMC’s Pacer (’75-’80) is odd enough looking, but what about the station wagon version with its aquarium-sized rear side windows, such as this 1978 edition? Unusual would be an understatement. The listing says very little about this noteworthy car; instead, it directs you to an equally uninformative dealer website. Regardless, these cars are curiosity items today (some would say that was the case 50 years ago when new), and anytime one is discovered today, it’s always worth a look. Today’s find, courtesy of JDC, is a faux wood-slathered DL station wagon that resides in Woodside, Ohio, and presents quite well. Those with an interest can find it here on Facebook Marketplace or on Skyline Automotive LLC, where it’s available for $7,995.
Looking to build something “unique” in the C-segment (compact), AMC Chief designer Dick Teague penned the Pacer for a ’75 model year introduction, with the station wagon, such as our subject car, following in ’77. Over a quarter of a million Pacers were produced in their six model years, and 21K of that total rolled off of Kenosha’s assembly line in ’78. The seller tells us this Autumn Red compact has been driven 6,851 miles, but there’s no authentication of that reading, and I imagine the odometer has been once around. That said, this car is in fine shape. The finish has depth, the Dinoc “paneling” is still glued in place, and the chrome possesses a nice luster. We’ve often discussed the matter of five MPH federal bumpers, and this Pacer is one of the best, or worst examples of that regulation, depending on your perspective. Note in the lead image how far that front rammer is positioned away from the grille – it looks like it’s just stuck there and not actually attached. Back to this car’s orb-like body – no rust or crash damage observed. As for the underside, it’s pretty clean, though there is some evidence of a floor pan seam failure on the passenger side.
As for the interior, the red vinyl bucket seats actually look comfy – and they’re in great condition. And that presentation also applies to the carpet and door panels. There is an image on the dealer’s website that shows a somewhat billowing headliner, but it doesn’t look like a serious problem at this point.
All I can say about the dash and instrument panel is that it’s AMC all the way! It’s one facet that exudes what set AMC apart from its Detroit Three competition. All in all, the entire environment, including the wayback, is exceptionally nice.
Power-wise, we’re looking at either a 232 CI (91 net HP) or a 258 CI (101 net HP) in-line six-cylinder engine – which one’s employed is not stated, and the VIN listed is inaccurate for decoding. Coupled up to a three-speed automatic transmission, the seller claims, “Runs and drives great!”
So, an acquired taste? I dunno, some swear by these quirky-looking cars, and some swear at them, but regardless, I’m thankful for their existence and American Motors in general. The Big Three needed a competitive player that marched to the beat of a different drummer, and the Pacer, in particular, certainly fit that bill, wouldn’t you agree?
How exactly would one acquire such taste?