1977 AMC Pacer

Internally referred to as “Project Amigo” within AMC, design work for the car began in 1971, and was spearheaded by AMC’s chief stylist, Dick Teague, who correctly anticipated an increased demand for smaller vehicles for the upcoming decade. The Pacer’s design was meant to offer an interior that felt equivalent in size to traditional domestic cars of the time, but in a much smaller, more aerodynamic, and “purposefully distinctive” exterior package. Once, dubbed “The Flying Fishbowl,” the body of the Pacer is roughly 37% glass. Teague’s design was remarkably effective aerodynamically, with the Pacer achieving 16 mpg in the city, and a whopping 26+ mpg on the freeways during contemporary road tests. Roughly 280,000 Pacers were constructed before production ceased in 1980.

Finished in Rust Orange, the exterior of this Pacer is in fair shape. The paint is smoothly applied but there are plenty of dings, dents, and scratches on the car, especially on the passenger side. Speaking of which, there seems to be a large dent behind the passenger window and just behind that lies a very large chunk of paint that has cracked off but is being held on by a piece of masking tape. Furthermore, there are two large dents on either side of the fuel door. The faux-wood paneling is in similar condition, showing plenty of fading especially on the smaller pieces. The paneling on the trunk is multiple shades lighter than the rest of the ‘wood’ on the car as well. Chrome front and rear bumpers are in good shape, although the rear bumper does show some wrinkling. The chrome hubcaps show nicely as well with no corrosion or bubbling evident. The black roof rack looks unbothered and glass around the car is in solid condition showing no chips or cracks. Overall, the exterior of this Pacer should be described as driver quality at best.

Swinging either of the Pacer’s two massive doors open reveals a 70s style interior that carries quite a lot of nostalgic charm with it here in 2022. Most of the components used are light tan, but they are brilliantly balanced by added burgundy floormats and seatbelts. The black plastic dashboard is in good condition, the gauges can be easily read, and the various knobs and switches are clean. Down low, the burgundy mats could use some detailing, but the carpets they cover don’t look particularly worn out and the carpet covering the central tunnel is perfectly tight and shows very little damage or staining. The cloth front seats and rear bench are clean and show no creasing, holes, or tears. The headliner shows no stains and hangs tightly in place just like the sunshades, which appear to be two different colors. Panel fitment over by the glove box is weak. Overall, condition is much better inside the Pacer than out.

The undercarriage of this Pacer is dirty but there is no obvious major damage either. The frame has a decent amount of surface corrosion. The suspension components all appear to be in their proper locations, leaf springs again show surface corrosion, and the exhaust actually shows minimal discoloration. Under the hood, the engine bay is absolutely packed to the gills with parts aside from a battery. Condition is commensurate with the age of the vehicle.

This Pacer’s travels are relatively unknown to us, but thanks to the documents we do have, we know that the seller acquired this vehicle in February of 2016.

The AMC Pacer is an interesting vehicle. It’s remembered today primarily for its totally unorthodox styling. The Pacer came into existence just before the fuel crisis of the 1970s and that had a major hand in the Pacer’s somewhat successful production run. However, as more and more hatchbacks came into existence, the Pacer refused to evolve and its straight-six was the only engine ever offered. Failure to adapt left journalists disappointed towards the end of the production run, and the Pacer faded into obscurity before AMC was bought out by Chrysler in 1985. Today, younger generations look at the quirky Pacer with a fondness not shared by those who were actually driving when the car was released. The Pacer has great potential to become a beloved cult-collector car. We at The Market by Bonhams are thrilled to offer this AMC Pacer for online auction with no reserve, and an estimated value between $4,000 and $8,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.