Yesterday, we featured a very nice 1973 Gremlin on the site, one of those quirky AMC offerings that’s aged well through the years. Perhaps even more of an oddity that followed from the brand was their Pacer, which was introduced into the American Motors Corporation lineup in 1975. It received such nicknames at the Flying Fishbowl, Jellybean, and was even occasionally coined the Upside Down Bathtub. However, like the Gremlin, many enthusiasts have now come to appreciate its unusual design. This first-year model here on Craigslist appears as a mostly original example, so if you’re in the market for something that will stand out, it’s probably worth a look. Priced at $9,000, this 1975 AMC Pacer is in Santa Rosa, California, and we’d like to thank reader Barney for spotting it and sending in the tip!
The Pacer only lasted through one generation, and retained the same basic shape until production ended at the end of the 1980 run. Although considered compact, the abundance of glass almost makes it seem larger, plus the car was known for its capability of seating four adults rather comfortably. I’m totally enjoying that disco fabric on the seats and door panels, with the only obvious defect regarding the material being a small hole on the passenger-side bucket. The dash and gauges seem to have survived nicely, and it appears the only aftermarket item is a set of speakers in the doors, and perhaps a more modern Stereo.
Little information is provided regarding this car’s history, but the body looks quite solid everywhere, so it wouldn’t surprise me if this one has spent much of its life in The Golden State. There’s no confirmation that the paint is original, but with the fading and Unleaded Fuel Only sticker still underneath the gas cap, it’s certainly a possibility. The steel hubcaps and whitewall tires are a fun throwback to the seventies, and I might have a hard time deciding whether to fix this one up a bit outside or just drive as-is for a while.
The seller states that the inline-6 engine has been rebuilt, and says the car runs and drives awesome. It’s also mentioned that $9,500 has been sunk into this one over the last few years, with a stack of receipts included to show the details. Trades are being considered here, such as a bike or another auto of a similar value. If this 1975 AMC Pacer is as solid as it appears, maybe the asking price is in the ballpark. What do you think?
Party on Garth
Love these and I am glad they are getting the appreciation they deserve. Party on Wayne.
I love surviors and was hoping this was original paint and originsl interior. The doorjambs are red, but is that cream colored paint in the engine bay shot?
Not interested unless a station wagon. As I often say “…such a better looking, using, owning vehicle.” This one has the right motor, fine upholstery (not sure how long it could last; understand the last bolt for replacement stock has just sold out)..
Not a wagon ,,these are so much more unique
I can not even think of the last time i saw one.
AMC back in 1975 called this distinctive seat fabric “Basketry Print”.
it was called indian motif as I ordered it on mine
I’ve owned two of these. I think the ask is high, even if the interior plastics aren’t destroyed by the sun. Could have been a cream color originally, mine all had body color inner fenders.
The ask does seem a bit high for one in this condition. But glad the seller was a good steward of this specimen and understand he/she’s trying to recover some costs.
My x wife drove a pacer levi wagon. It was a nice ride car. They had to underpowered history behind it, but she loved the thing. uncle wynn owned AMC dealership.