There isn’t much doubt or question as to who built the wackiest vehicles in the 1970s: AMC did, that’s who. If anyone can think of another company this side of Fisher-Price or Mattel, let us know in the comments. The seller has this really nice-looking 1976 AMC Pacer posted here on craigslist northeast of beautiful Spokane, Washington and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing.
First things first, Hagerty lists a #3 good condition 1976 AMC Pacer as being worth $6,200 so this car appears to be at the very minimum a great buy if not a downright steal as their #2 excellent condition value is $9,700 and this car appears to be almost spotless inside and out. The Pacer came out in 1975 so this is an early model, not that they changed that much over six years other than the front-end design, basically.
It doesn’t get much more basic than this photo, there’s not even an AMC or Pacer badge on the hood or grille. The Pacer was made from 1975 to 1980 – or, until very late in 1979 for the 1980 model year – and that was it. They came in two-door sedan body styles and a wagon but the wagon didn’t have the “iconic” use of the curved glass which gave them the nickname of fishbowls. I wonder what a cab-forward pickup version may have looked like… (no, I’m not day-drinking)
There is no fancy Navajo Design fabric seating here, unfortunately, but it is perfect-looking red vinyl and it’s hard to go wrong with a red interior. It looks outstanding inside and this one is even better with a three-speed manual and column shifter, something that we love to refer to as a three-on-the-tree. I’ve heard Saab 95s and 96s referred to as four-on-the-tree which totally loses the rhyming fun factor. This odometer is showing 68,267 miles so that may explain why it looks so good.
The engine is, I believe, AMC’s 258 cubic-inch inline-six with just under 100 horsepower. There is no VIN and the seller doesn’t mention the engine but I think the 232-six is a bit different. One of our Barn Finds reader AMC experts will instantly know. This one runs perfectly and this car looks like both a winner and a great deal given today’s market. Any thoughts on this Pacer?
I think every AMC PACER submitted here is written up. Love that.
I’ve never seen wheels like that before, on an AMC or otherwise. The center caps look a bit Ford-ish.
I had them on my 76 Pacer – these have been painted, they should have blacked out “scallops”
I had them on my 75 Pacer too, but they were shiny full size stainless steel hubcaps with the blacked out scallops. These don’t look like hubcaps.
Incredibly, the only small affordable car ever to get hidden wipers – & with a windshield that big/tall yet!
If only AMC had not made that roof so tall – no need for such headroom.
You don’t wear your hat in the car?
AMC offered turbine wheel covers, but these are not those wheel covers. It would look *much* better with those AMC turbine covers or AMC aluminum wheels.
I didn’t realize you could still get a column-mounted manual in ’76! Of the few that were likely to be produced; there just can’t be many of these left out there. Hope a real aficionado snaps her up, and continues to be her good steward.
When we were both in high school in the early ’80s my friend’s mom had a 1976-ish Hornet with a 3 on the tree.
I’m very much interested in the Pacer. It needs to be a daily driver with working A/C. Would you put me in touch with the owner? A transporter in your area; his quote? Thanks, DanDaD
I got a chuckle out of that cab forward version.
Another example of a car which, when you drive it, you need to be prepared for strangers wanting to take a look and engage you in conversation as you are simply trying to run into Kroger for milk and bananas.
can you get me in touch with the owner of the pacer as I’m very much interested. Does it have working A/C?. Also would need quote of transportation charge. Thanks, Dan
Dan- At the top of the post simply click on the highlighted “here on craigslist”. This will take you to the craigslist add where you can contact the seller.
Click the link to Craig’s List in the first paragraph of the article. You can contact the seller through the Craig’s List ad.
I am about as far away from Washington State as you can get and know nothing about transportation/shipping.
Looks great at a fair price, looks like that ashtray is pretty full.
The most inspired American car of the decade. Flawless design from every angle although corrupted I believe beginning in ’77 on the front end. This car has not a line out of place.
Were I to own one i would check if JETSON is available for a license plate.
I wonder why all the emblems were removed ? Maybe the car has been repainted ?
Why is there a black wire coming out next to the hood on the left side headlight with a loop on the end of it?
AMC’s had a notoriously bad hood release cable (from my experience with eagles). so most likely an alternative or back up hood release. Considering hinge forward like lincoln continentals… no real way to break in from the grille (i put an alternative hood release on my lincoln for that reason!
You’re right! I remember that I had to change out the hood release cable on my ’75 Pacer. I bought the part from my AMC dealer, and installed it my self. I almost broke a finger trying to get the rubber gasket set in place on the firewall. The thought of saving the labor charge, and perseverance got me through it.
Owned one in 75. Red with Navaho Blanket Interior and three on the floor.
Great little road car. Only problem was carb came loose on first big trip.
Simple screw driver tightened it down.
Richard K,my first Pacer had Ca license ONLYAMA. Seeing a baby Condor chick”so ugly only a mother could love it” It’s still around here in Calif. Dan
I would buy this if it was local. Not even a question. My wife would be mortified but definitely worth it.
I am with you. I would buy it and my wife would never stop rolling her eyes either. Fortunately, it is very far away.
If Studebaker had survived, they would have come in second place as to the weird cars of the 60s and 70s
Chevy Vegas also had forward opening hoods – did all of them come with a STANDARD inside hood release & were they troublesome?
Rearward opening hoods had OPTIONAL inside hood releases on many cars back in the day. & i believe with or without one, there weren’t any issues & even if so, could be reached/fixed/bypassed a lot easier.
On a ’73 firebird i once saw, i thought it was very strange to see a visible T-handle hanging down on the front below the bumper to release the hood!
I don’t believe that was stock, tho.
Not sure if engineers tried a backward opening hood on the Pacer.
The Pacer fuel gage is a “ribbon/sliding” type – not many cars had one of those.
I never understood how the Pacer can be called odd or weird, and the same people love the VW Beetle! To me, the Pacer is so much better than a VW! Better looks, better handling, better comfort, better quality, better engine and drivetrain. Better in every way. Yet the cheap, chincy, rattley, unreliable Beetle is loved! I don’t get it.
The Pacer is a real car!
The engine is most likely the 232 cui version due to the single barrel carb and 3 speed column shift… some of these 3speed models were equipped with over drive….would need the engine code to confirm. CID…..E = 232cui w/ 1bbl carb.
A= 258cui w/1bbl carb