Growing up near an AMC dealership in the seventies and having a father who enjoyed rooting for the underdogs, it wasn’t surprising when he eventually drove home behind the wheel of one of their products, though it did little to help elevate my hipster factor being seen dropped off at junior high in a lime-green colored Gremlin. Even stranger-looking was the company’s Pacer, but as the decades passed, both of these unusually shaped cars developed somewhat of a strong following and desirability. Barn Finds reader Zappenduster recently spotted this 1977 Pacer Wagon for sale, and we’d like to thank him for sending us the fun tip here!
The Pacer was introduced into the AMC lineup as a 1975 model, but it wasn’t until ‘77 that wagon availability was added, which basically just included some modest stretching of a few areas beyond the B-pillars. The seller says this one was intended to be a daddy-daughter project, but the young lady lost interest, and there’s not much information given about exactly what all the duo got accomplished versus the as-found condition before they started. Most of the simulated woodgrain trim is missing from the driver’s side, but much of it remains intact on the other, with what looks like possibly some moderate rust on both rear quarters. However, most of the sheet metal appears straight plus the panel fit seems pretty good for the most part, so maybe it won’t take an extensive amount of bodywork before this Pacer’s ready for a fresh coat of paint.
One area that seems to have received attention already is the interior, with some fresh upholstery installed on the seats, although based on the door panels and dash it’s probably a different color than the original material. The floor covering has all been removed with new carpeting included in the sale, which is good as we get to see the exposed metal below. A lot of it remains solid, but it’s hard to tell if the photos show some corrosion in a few spots, such as upfront near the accelerator pedal. A large warp stands out on top of the dash from the passenger’s viewpoint, so a replacement pad would be another worthwhile investment for the inside appearance.
There’s no word on whether the inline-6 or automatic transmission has ever gotten a rebuild, but the seller says the car is running and driving well, so maybe some good miles are left if this one’s just used as a novelty weekend cruiser. Some more positive news is the price, which is $3,950 and firm, so at least the initial investment won’t deplete most bank accounts. If you’re ready to take over this project and move forward, this 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon is in Wilsonville, Oregon, and can be seen here on Craigslist. Would you restore this one to its original specs, or is this a better candidate to do something more fun with?
“Daughter lost interest”,,,,well, that’s too bad, but no surprise. The Pacer wagon was an odd addition, as if it was just what was wanted. Sadly, the Pacer didn’t appeal to many, and the wagon didn’t help much, in fact, I read, the wagon was one of the 6 reasons the Pacer failed. It did sell almost 2 to 1 over the coupe, but that’s not saying much. Many still can’t understand why Chapin, then head of AMC, put so much into this, when a market was clearly changing. Ironically, the price here is about the same price new, considered expensive at the time, and even with a V8 the next year, it remained one of AMCs poorest sellers. With an initial investment of over $60 mil, it could be considered a flop. One was featured here couple months back, apparently sold, but much nicer than this. They have to be nice for any interest, no wonder the daughter bailed.
Hillarious and informative Howard. 😃 keep it up. 🙌 🍻
I think this same Pacer has been here before, I’m still surprised a teenage girl lost interest in this.
I have a 78 Pacer wagon Az car ( no rust ) and am asking 1800 for it runs and drives, needs master cylinder and muffler.. And some interior work it is listed on Facebook under coda ( no place for AMC )
Hi Frank, “no place for AMC” says a lot right there.
Can you send a picture of the pacer ?
Had a pacer x in ‘76. Loved that car
now here’s a good’un:
wagon (no hood bump, tight bumper, correct engine).
No further comment but “great price” (till seen… under, close up, pinch welds, etc). I’d not expect too many surprises (PNW).
GLWS, jealous
(signed)
Right Coaster
Thumbs up, chrisful!
Those new “reupholstered” seats look horrible. How can you get a fabric to look so dirty already…
Anyways, a good project for someone who wants an old daily or cheap car show driver. Maybe a little overpriced though.
Ahhhh… I like that. A lill more tempered than gud ol Heych Ha’s above.
“…not saying much. Many still can’t understand…considered a flop”
John Eeeee!, I see you getting your thumbs up ability in the not too distant future. BF is now quite changed from ’11. Is almost entirely puter driven.
AMC had alot of innovative idea’s with this car but they designed it for the Wankel engine from GM which never materialized ,shouldn’t have done that,,It was the little car with the big interior,,I think their actually kinda neat.
In the last week 3 of these sold for 6 to 11 K. So I think I will do some things to it and put it in a auction.. These are bonified sales.
I can’t quite figure out what that strange thing is mounted to the left of the speedometer. Any ideas?
It is a vase holder. How do I know? I asked the owner just after I bought this car from him. I can’t wait to start on it.
My dad had a new 1976 Pacer coupe. It was a great handling car compared to the other cars of the day and we never had a problem with it. My brother had a used wagon a few years back. He drove it onto the Carlisle auto flea market. It was sold before he even got to his parking spot in the car corral.
My dad had a new 1976 Pacer coupe. It was a great handling car compared to the other cars of the day and we never had a problem with it. My brother had a used wagon a few years back. He drove it onto the Carlisle auto flea market. It was sold before he even got to his parking spot in the car corral.
JER, now mine wont work…
I think I saw this before because of the seat material. It looks like some fabric from the 20’s or 30’s mohair?
Congrats JE !
I;m jealous 8^ )
I hope Wilsonville is close. It
looks like 1 someone could
drive home?
How many miles away?
It’s headed to New Mexico from Oregon by transporter. I used to love “road trip adventures” with used, unknown vehicles when I was younger (I once drove an M-43 ambulance quite a distance with only a 5 gallon Jerry can for a fuel tank- what fun!). At 71, I can do without the “excitement”. Thanks for your support. I’m thinking slightly lowered, tinted glass, Minilite copies with wider tires and some BMW tan leather sport seats that I already have (delete rear seat). Delete the Di-Noc and trim. Cibie driving lamps. That’s all that has come up so far.