THE STORY Fast becoming a cult classic, this 2-door coupe was produced in the US by American Motors Corporation (“AMC”) from 1975-1980. Dubbed the “big little car”, it was designed to offer the interior room and feel of a big car inside with the aerodynamics and size of a compact outside. Its width was equal to full sized sedans of the time (only 2 inches narrower than the Cadillac Eldorado) and it was the first modern, mass-produced US automobile that used the “forward cab” concept. When it was released, it was described as “futuristic, bold and unique”. Over 37% of the body surface is glass. The purposely was designed with a low drag coefficient in response to the fuel crisis at the time. The are a number of subtle nuances including the passenger’s side door being almost 4 inches longer than the driver’s to allow easy access to the back seats. It was only the second American car to feature rack and pinyon steering at the time. Many different “special editions” were produced including the “X”, D/L”, “Limited”, “Sundowner” and “Levis”. Each package had its own distinctive interior trim, accents and badging. Engines ranged from a 232ci (3.8L) six cylinder to a 304ci (5.0L) V8. Transmission options included a 3-speed or 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. The Mirthmobile in the movie “Wayne’s World” is an AMC Pacer hatch and was the setting for the famous head banging “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene. The car has also featured in many other Hollywood films including “Oh, God!”, “Good Burger”, “A Goofy Movie” and “Cars 2”. THE CAR This 1979 AMC Pacer is the rare “Limited” version. Only 2,500 examples were produced and they were considered to be small luxury cars. The Limited package gave the car leather seats, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, a tilt steering wheel and a much deeper carpet pile. There was also extra soundproofing and an AM radio. The exterior had chrome accents, styled road wheels and “Limited” badging. The car sports an AMC hood ornament and a bonnet chrome strip. This car is also rare given that it is finished in a faux “woody” trim. Under the hood, the car has a sweet running 258ci straight 6-cylinder engine that is mated to its original Chrysler Torqueflite 727 automatic transmission. The car starts and runs smoothly, the transmission changes are barely noticeable and she cruises along on the freeway effortlessly. The seating position is extremely comfortable, brakes are good and the air conditioning is cold. A fantastic, fun and unique car that turns heads wherever she goes. Party on Wayne!
