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?
I used to drive/inspect these cars before they were loaded onto transports. Absolutely the best car AMC made. Felt like a solid GM based car. They were actually comfortable to drive. Tight suspension not like the rest of the fleet. Front ends were actually beefed up because AMC wanted to go FWD on this car. I would have bought one, but they wouldn’t deal with an employee at the dealerships. They wanted sticker. Sorry, but I wasn’t that desperate and bought a ’76 Malibu classic instead.
The subframe for the front end with rack-and-pinion steering made a world of difference in the way these cars rode and handled compared to the otherwise mechanically-similar Hornet.
I don’t think the Company seriously considered front drive except as a though in the very early stages of the Pacer’s development when it was known as “Project Amigo”. Front drive would have made the car even more expensive for AMC to engineer and build. This is also evidenced by the fact that the Pacer’s front suspension has the coil springs on the lower control arms, blocking the path of any front drive axles.
I’m pretty sure the front bumper is missing the filler, that’s why it looks “out there”. They tended to discolor, so people would remove them. The Pacer’s “face-lifted” grill and hood with that squared off look are less attractive than the earlier models. Otherwise, the car looks nice, and it’s almost luxurious inside. Personally, I’d rather have the early, “fish-bowl” version.
There never was a filler. They just look that way.
Woodsfield, OH not Woodside.
I was going to note the same thing. I had grandparents who lived there.
Yes a station wagon, what a chick magnet. Better hurry posted 34 weeks ago.
That’s funny. It highlight the overwhelming demand.
Steve R
I don’t believe a brand new Pacer was worth $995.00. Although maybe Wayne and Garth would like it.
These look even more dorky with the raised hood! A friend once described the Pacer as a “Hornet with a trick body”. It’s a little more than that, but not much. Looking at the under-hood photo I wouldn’t want to be wrenching on one of those things!
The failure of the Pacer in the marketplace, along with the Matador Coupe, sealed AMC’s fate as the Company had no more money for the updated mainstream new models it desperately needed.
The Matador was an abomination. It was overpriced, looked ugly and it drove like a huge body sitting on top of a go kart. The suspension was just not there, not a confident feel at all. In all of the time as I spent as an inspector at the Kenosha plant, I don’t ever remember driving a Javelin, although I probably did. I loved the Javelin look. The Pacer was etched into my mind though as one of the best.
AMC’s financing was great right before they went out. A 6 year old could get financed walking off the street Nice write up.
i would use the term poor taste.
awful lot of oil leaks for 6k miles
I never understood why AMC changed the grill and hood from a nice looking combo to a freaking hair-lip design, which IMO destroyed the looks of the car, but that was part and parcel to why AMC bit the dust – they just kept doing idiot stuff like that until the showrooms became abandoned. Otherwise, the Pacer was a well-designed car. I knew someone that had one of the early models and it’s six-cylinder produced plenty of power for the light weight of the car. The glass visibility was the absolute best of ANY car made, and the interior was well appointed and comfortable. If this was an earlier model with original front end design, I think it would have changed hands in short order.
The change was made in part (according to the Company) to accommodate the V8 option and in part to give the car a more “traditional” look in the hopes of boosting sales. (That didn’t happen, Pacer sales continued to collapse.) The former reason doesn’t really have the ring of truth though because there were custom V8 Pacer installations made (such as by Randall AMC in Arizona) before the hood was changed.
There was a V8 option for these as well
I thought the raised hood was to clear the taller V8 motor. I thought the 6 cylinder powered Pacers kept the lower profile hood?
The V8 needed a bigger radiator, hence the bump in the middle. They all had this hood ’78 and up. We can’t have two good options, there’s a budget, mind you.
I bought a new Pacer Wagon in 1976, maroon, loaded, and with a stick. I certainly preferred the styling on the Wagon, and it was a comfortable, solid ride with plenty of room for a family of 4. My son learned how to row the gears in the Wagon, and it was a hit at his high school. After 112,000 miles, i sold it to a family in our neighborhood for use by their daughter. Lot of keyboard courage posts on here, and I sorta understand it, but it was a very well built ride and looked better in person. To each their own. Thanks for the blast from the past. I sent this to my son.
The reason the I-6 looks so uncomfortable in the engine bay is that the bay was designed for the extremely compact Wankel rotary which never materialized. The six required punching through the firewall and actually stashing the rear cylinders under the windshield/dashboard!
Wow! Such low mileage! Those seats look wicked comfortable! Rare to see one of these in such nice shape!