Project Pacer: 1979 AMC Pacer Wagon

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We have seen quite a few Pacers and Pacer wagons come through the digital doors here at One Barn Finds Tower over the last few years. Some good, some bad, some restored or almost-perfect originals, and some in need of restoration. This 1979 AMC Pacer wagon falls somewhere towards the project car side of things and it can be found here on craigslist in Grafton, Wisconsin. The seller is asking $3,500 for this one. Thanks to Pat L. for sending in the tip on this Pacer wagon!

I got fairly excited when I scrolled through the photos of this car, thinking that this could be my chance to finally get a nice Pacer wagon for small money. The wheel covers are a huge bonus, I’m a nerdy wheel cover guy, not to mention loving the 3M dinoc woodgrain on the sides. And, power windows and power locks in a Pacer? Yes, please. Then I read the seller’s description and my excitement flickered out.

A station wagon body style was available for the Pacer starting in 1977 and it took away a big part of the oddball appeal: the famous fishbowl rear glass. But, it added more cargo room which is nice. In doing a little research, I ran across what I think may be this same exact car listed with more photos here. There is quite a bit of rust on and under this car, unfortunately. The seller mentions that it isn’t perfect and the front floor pans are rusted through and there is a rust hole through the firewall.

Gloom and doom aside, this car can definitely be saved and the interior looks pretty nice. Power windows and power locks are somewhat unusual to see in a Pacer and as much as some of you may scoff at those options, I like those things and would gravitate towards a car that had them rather than not. The seats look good and the carpet in the cargo area looks good. It’s the rusty floor pans that I’d be concerned about, and any structural rust. Check out the photos and let us know if this Pacer is worth saving.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Dusty Rider

    A buddy had one just like this 25 years ago, they leak water around the bolts that hold the luggage rack to the top. The seats are extremely comfortable, though.

    Like 0
    • Dean

      Word has it that Mike Myers and Dana Carvey didn’t want to leave theirs during filming breaks

      Like 1
  2. rustylink

    if a car could be a Pawg…..

    Like 0
  3. Jay

    I own 13 Pacers, and this one is Deffinately worth saving…I have done MANY Pacer floors and fire walls!

    Like 5
  4. Del

    Luxury Pacer with rust ?

    Naw. Cannot see anyone resto ing this.

    Jay of course being the exception 😁

    Like 0

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