Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, it is undeniable that AMC produced some of the most distinctive vehicles in automotive history. One needs to look no further than this 1976 Pacer to spot a car that divides opinions. Ignored and ridiculed for years, the Pacer now enjoys a solid following in the classic world. That and the seller’s decision to list this car with No Reserve makes it worth more than a passing glance. They have listed the AMC here on eBay in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. Bidding sits at $2,323 with plenty of time for interested parties to make a play for this beauty.
Dubbed “The Flying Fishbowl” by Car & Driver magazine, AMC launched the Pacer for the 1975 model year. Marketed by AMC as the “first wide small car,” it was the company’s take on a compact at a time when buyers began steering away from traditional full-size models. The styling is nothing if not distinct, with the acres of glass the defining feature. The first owner ordered this 1976 Pacer in Aztec Copper, and its presentation is respectable for an unrestored survivor. There is possible rust developing in one lower door extremity, but AMC’s focus on corrosion resistance has left this vehicle rock-solid. I also noted some peeling clear on the roof, but addressing this shortcoming should be easy and inexpensive. The panels are straight, the trim is in good condition, and the windshield crack is the only glass fault.
It would be fair to say that AMC dodged a bullet when choosing an engine to power the Pacer. The company originally envisaged a Wankel rotary occupying the engine bay, but thankfully, that never came to pass. That motor would potentially have introduced the double whammy of heavy fuel consumption and reliability issues to a company that was already stretched financially. Instead, we find the company’s venerable 258ci six under the hood, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The 258 was a bit of a boat anchor by 1976, generating a mere 95hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque. However, with similar engines from other manufacturers also struggling under the weight of tightening emission regulations, those figures were considered typical during the era. The seller indicates that they recently replaced the tires, brakes, battery, and rear shocks. The Pacer mainly sees service on weekend outings, and is a turnkey proposition with no identified mechanical issues.
Apart from a seam separation on the driver’s seat, there is not much to criticize about this Pacer’s interior. Its Brown vinyl trim is in generally good condition, and the carpet is excellent. There is visible wheel wear, but no evidence of crumbling or broken plastic. The first owner equipped this Pacer nicely by the standards of the day, with this Pacer scoring air conditioning and an AM radio. Okay, we’re not delving into Cadillac territory, but every little thing helps when buyers are seeking a comfy motoring experience.
Automotive history is a strange and mysterious world. That raises the question of whether the Pacer would have enjoyed greater showroom success had AMC brought it to market with a syrupy-smooth Wankel rotary under the hood. My instincts tell me that the answer would be a resounding “No,” because the inherent refinement of that engine design would have been outweighed by its thirst at the pump. The other factor is that Mazda spent years struggling to build reliability into the rotary, and it was that very issue that killed NSU and its ground-breaking Ro80. With a Listing View tally of over 320 during the past day, it is clear that people are willing to forgive the 1976 Pacer its shortcomings, while the No Reserve factor means that this beauty is only days away from finding a new home. What would you be willing to pay for the privilege of parking it in your garage?
Aw, come on folks, if a Pacer doesn’t bring a smile and ensuing comments, you better whip out the BP monitor. Party on, whoo, whoo, whoo,, While AMC had become known for unusual vehicles, I think we can all agree, the Pacer topped them all. The 70s were all about throwing whatever the designers threw out there, to the public to see what stuck. There were plenty of unusual cars with features all their own, the Pacer seemed to say, “yeah, well top this”. It was a time when we 1st saw foreign jobs and the features they had, front drive, double overhead what now? Driven by rubber belts? Good heavens, the Pacer was for those that wanted none of that. The Gremlin was more of a novelty car, the Pacer was actually a very nice car. I knew people that had Pacers, and would have surely bought another, if any could be found. The people who wanted a Pacer, were probably happy to see the 6, ( a $99 option over the 4cyl.) and rotaries left a bad taste in many with Mazdas failure,and with a cost of around $3500, it was less than most cars at the time. A ’76 Granada or Nova, for example, was almost $4grand. Sales were strong( cough) the 1st year, with over 146,000 sold, but that was the problem, see, they were such good cars, sales declined to less than 35,000/year, and by the early 80s, when the original ones were rusted, another couldn’t be bought. Parts are all off the shelf items, most still available ( with an inch of dust) and 164 viewers, and up to $3500, ironically it’s original price and while interest is limited, maybe we’ve turned a corner here. Someone will be mighty happy, just like in 1976, it was a fabulous time. Disco,( meh) Jimmy Carter,( he was a great guy, just bad timing) Apple computers, and yes, the AMC Pacer.
Howard, it cost $99 to upgrade from the standard 232 6 to the 258 6. Thankfully, no 4-cylinder Pacers were built. They would have struggled to go over a speed bump.
What a chick magnet!!
We all laugh at that, but the thing is, if you find a “chick” who appreciates the Pacer, you should probably snatch her up.
I think I just found her,, :)
They didn’t get a lot of love back then and apparently not too much more now. I got 77 Pacer wagon in the early 80s (broke young kid) and a cousin in the same financial position bought a 78 Gremlin. My car turned out to be one of most reliable cars I’ve ever owned. I felt it was more comfortable and handled better than the Gremlin too. If I was able to, I’d consider this in a heartbeat.
I miss AMC (and the Pacer)!
My first comment to this very enjoyable Email:
I can still, vividly, recall the despair that overwhelmed me- as a teenager approaching driving age- when I first saw the Pacer.
Wayne’s World
My first car was just that. A blue one that I drove to high school in 1997. Everyone called it Wayne’s World. It was a lot of fun, and I took a lot of mocking for driving it, but I had the only one.
But now, 50 years on, I notice for the first time that the headlight and fender architecture for Pacer can be interpreted as a “hat-tip” to the 911. American Motors, what a bag of surprises.
Several years ago, I was in L.A. and visited one of the many prop houses there. Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” claims to have had the original, but I think they used several blue Pacers for the film. Anyway, in the back of the prop house parking lot, next to a dumpster under some rubble,, was a blue Pacer, in pretty shabby condition. I wondered what happened to that car.
When l was dating my wife 43 years ago she bought one from an elderly neighbor. I must admit I was embarrassed to be seen in it. Now l had a change of heart. Their as quirky as my 49 Nash.
This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile.
But at that time in history if you wanted an AMC and wanted something quirky, the Pacer and Gremlin were good choices. I can’t imagine the amount of heat and sun cooking you in the Florida sunshine, riding around in the Pacer
I wouldn’t be caught dead driving one of these if it didn’t have the rumble of a V8.
right, those (no longer wankels) rotaries R good @ the drag, not so much asa daily (thursty). Here, an almost perfect engine, the famious 258. I’d take anythng they’re in (possibly tossin the rest for the motor).
“Oddball” ? the airport rig is that. These R fine vehicles. However, I’d go w/the wagon, never, ever this model. But I’m like that w/many. Here’s my usual when seein the pacer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7fm9xThkjE
Sold on 7/5/2025 for a high bid of $4,152.
Steve R
Garth bought it.
Seems like someone was in a hurry to get rid of this one.