The American Motor Corporation (AMC) Pacer was perhaps the oddest vehicle to roll out of a shop notorious for its quirky designs and limited budgets. AMC dubiously marketed the stubby little critter as “the first wide small car.” The greenhouse was enormous, the body was as wide as a full-size sedan, and the wheels were pushed to the corners. This allowed for a remarkably spacious interior, except for one critical deficiency: lack of cargo space.
The Pacer was built from 1975 to 1980. The wagon version, like this example currently listed on eBay, was first offered in 1977 and immediately became more popular than the coupe—with 37,999 wagons sold out of a total of 58,264 cars that year, according to The Pacer Page. The wagon solved the coupe’s issue with limited cargo capacity, as it gained roughly 60 percent more cargo space by trading the Pacer’s distinctive balloon-like bubble butt for an ample (and more angular) boot. This resulted in a far more conventional appearance.
The engine bay could be filled with a 3.8 or 4.2 liter inline six, as well as 304 and 401 cubic inch V8s. The 304 V8 put out somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 horsepower. The V8 was introduced in 1978, when overall Pacer production dramatically declined. In that year, 13,820 wagons were produced. The Pacer was originally intended to carry a Wankel Rotary engine beneath its hood, but plans were thwarted by lack of availability.
This remarkably well-preserved 1978 Pacer Wagon, listed by Carolina Classic Boats and Cars, is fitted with the 304 V8 and automatic transmission. The car is a time capsule on wheels. There are some chips in the Claret paint and a bit of surface rust on the undercarriage. The interior is original. There are no cracks in the dash. The upholstery and headliner are in good condition.
“The Pacer has been in the family for quite some time,” explained Greg Jackson of Carolina Classics. “My father-in-law is a retired Chrysler/Dodge/AMC dealer. He collected many cars over the years and bought the Pacer Wagon as a one-owner car.”
Forever immortalized in Wayne’s World, the 1992 cult comedy movie, the Pacer is a true American icon. While its distinctive form is endearing to some, many others find it, well, repulsive. Top Gear USA host Adam Ferrara confessed to me that he longed to turn the Pacer’s bulbous tail into an aquarium. When I asked my wife what she thought of the Pacer, she shot me a look and said, “You’re not bringing one home.”
Original press photo for 1977 AMC Pacer X.
You might be surprised to learn that, back in the day, the automotive press had kind words for the Pacer’s road manners. Carolina Classic’s Claret Wagon has maintained its road manners. “It’s a good solid driver,” said Jackson. “It’s amazingly smooth. For that age car, for what it is, it’s a nice ride.”
The Pacer holds the distinction of being the first car to use a cab forward design and to this day, it looks like nothing else on the road. It was, in hindsight, a glimpse into the future of urban vehicle design. Richard Teague, the car’s designer, was a graduate of the famed Art Center College of Design. He would later become vice-president of design for AMC. Teague was responsible for the design of a number of AMC vehicles, including the equally iconic Gremlin, Hornet, and Javelin, as well as the Jeep Cherokee.
See AMC Pacer 1979 Wagon Cars & Trucks for sale on eBay.
