You can’t get much for $2,000 anymore, at least as far as buying an entire functioning vehicle goes. It hardly covers a medium-sized service visit these days let alone getting a whole car. The seller has this 1978 AMC Pacer D/L Wagon posted here on craigslist in Omaha, Nebraska and they’re asking $2,100 or best offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
Anyone who brings their car or truck in for service rather than doing it him or herself knows how much basic maintenance costs these days. I know that most of the Barn Finds family does their own maintenance, but those who do bring vehicles in for service and repairs, especially to a dealership, know that $2,000 doesn’t buy much anymore. Here’s a whole Pacer wagon for that price and it’s located right in the middle of the country for ease of shipping if you aren’t enough of a gambler to fly in and attempt to drive this one home.
The 800-pound gorilla in the room is that this car appears to be incredibly rusty, unfortunately. It would most likely never be restored, although Hagerty lists a #2 excellent-condition example at $16,600 so there’s a bit of room to do some work on this car. Their $8,900 #3 good condition value is probably more likely to happen and that means a person doing the work themself in their own garage.
The Pacer was made from 1975 through 1980 and it’s hard to believe that a car company made vehicles like this at one time. I applaud AMC for thinking outside the box, they sure had some unusual cars. As the seller says, the interior is in good condition and it sure looks good in the photos that they have provided. Their listing said to send an email for more photos. The back seat looks like new and the rear cargo area looks like it would be a fun weekend project to redo, once the pesky body rust is fixed.
There are no specific engine photos so I zoomed in on this one above as much as I could. It should be AMC’s 258-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 100 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 232 inline-six was standard, so it could be that, too. Sending power through an optional Chrysler-sourced three-speed Torqueflite automatic to the rear wheels, the seller doesn’t say a word on how or even if this one runs, but I have to assume it runs. Is this one worth saving?
Doesn’t say if it has ac.
I really wish people would post complete pictures of the interior and engine compartments. It just sucks when you have to ask. I mean, if you really want to sell it then act like it ab BE TRUTHFUL….just sayin…..
It has A/C, there is a vent in the center of the dash. Not to say it works, but it did once upon a time.
If this has working a/c for $2,100 bucks, consider buying yourself a few lottery tickets too!
I had a ’78 wagon like this only in darker blue. I even had the same wheels (Keystone Classics?). Mine had the 4speed stick and a 232 and no A/C, but I got about 28MPG’S on the hiway. We went camping in Florida in August, good thing we too young to know how miserable we were. It was one of my favorite cars ever.
You’re absolutely right about finding anything that isn’t a carcass, for two grand. But I couldn’t drink enough liquid courage to be seen in this thing.
When you drive one of these, you end up talking to a bunch of people. It’s a great experience, unless you are in a hurry. They just want to share their story about one with you.
I bought a new 78 Pacer Wagon with the stick in 78 and loved it. It was kept for 6 years and 80K on the clock. These were good, basic transportation, and like a previous reader post, most people asked what it was and the majority liked the looks, It was different but there were a lot of different rides in those years and it added to the eclectic mix on the highway. Unlike now when all autos are designed from a potato and come in 5 shades of paint, or it so it seems. We have one in our neighborhood, it is a 17 year old high student students ride. Love to see it go by.
Need to see pics of underside and seams at bottom of doors
Need to see pics of underside and seams at bottom of doors
Need to see pics of underside and seams at bottom of doors
Need to see pics of underside and seams at bottom of doors
Right you are, but I’d rather see some photos of of the lower door seams and the underside.
ok, already!
I had two ’75 Pacers. That area behind the rear wheels was rusted out on mine and that was over 40 years ago.
Actually, I want a Pacer Wagon but it MUST BE IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION than this one. The criteria is 1) 258 engine, 2) Manual Transmission – 4-speed is preferred, 3-speed with Overdrive is acceptable 3) Air Conditioning MUST work in a car that is a greenhouse, 4) Interior and exterior must be in SOLID condition – NO Rust Throughs or sun baked plastic that crumbles and dies when you cross railroad tracks.
The AMC drivetrain is usually not the problem (but sometimes it’s an annoyance due to the lousy carburetion). I don’t mind a small problem, but this car would take longer than I have left and/or money to complete.
Even getting it home (if it’s more than 10 miles away) ain’t for the uninitiated or talented….
I’m pretty sure any Wayne’s World jokes/ references would be lost here, so moving on.
“Nothing really matters, anyone can see…”
sad that the rear rocker panels have turned into rust dust. The front end restyle on these was truly hideous. this car was not designed for a conventional grill and this year made that painfully obvious. otherwise a savable piece of history if the price is right. Wayne would approve
They had to raise the hood to accommodate the bigger radiator for the optional 304 V8 available in 78. At least that is what I read once…
PS baby/powder blue in and out scores this Pacer bonus points