speed_staff's avatar
Author:
SPEED Staff
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
101 Cars: AMC Pacer
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
08/04/2008
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Small was never this wide. (Photo: Autoweek) ยป More Photos

If there ever was a poster child for one of the worst eras in the history of the American automobile, the Pacer is it. Although car snobs make fun of the chop-tailed Gremlin, it was a huge sales hit. AMC felt there was room above it for an avant-garde compact. WIde ofr its length with lots of glass, the idea was a smallish car that didn't feel that way. One of its sales slogans was, "Small was never this wide."

AMC also spec'd a lot of technology for the Pacer, including a rotary engine, front-wheel drive, electronic ignition, and rack-and-pinion steering; only the last two made production. The most unremarkable thing about the Pacer is driving it. The standard six-cylinder engine was optimized for fuel mileage, so performance is a relative term; but the rare, optional V-8 isn't so bad. The rest is standard late-1970s American fare: a smooth ride, uninspiring handling, and cheap plastic everywhere. But like disco and other cultural symbols of the era that taste forgot, the Pacer has made a comeback as a cult classic - which proves that what goes around, comes around, no matter how weird.

Specifications
Engine: 3.8-liter I-6, 4.2-liter I-6, 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 120 (4.2 with 2V carb)
0–60 mph: 10.0 seconds (V-8)
Top Speed: 105 miles per hour on a good day
Price New: $3,299
Value Now: $1,000-7,500, depending on model and condition.
AMC Pacer Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: The Pacer is the only car on the cover of Eric Peters' book Automotive Atrocities!


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: The soundtrack from the dork comedy Wayne's World, in which the Pacer played an important role.


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: Mike Myers


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: These things are all over eBay. Cheap.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW? The Pacer's doors are asymmetrical, the passenger side being longer to aid ingress and egress.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: Any place that makes you think of the late 1970s.



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!

Have a story or comment you’d like to share? Submit it below!

View All Comments