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AMC Pacer

Compact car produced by American Motors Corporation / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The AMC Pacer is a two-door compact car produced in the United States by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1975 through the 1980 model years. The Pacer was also made in Mexico by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) from 1976 until 1979 and positioned as a premium-priced luxury car.

Quick facts: AMC Pacer, Overview, Manufacturer, Also ...
AMC Pacer
1975_AMC_Pacer_base_model_frontleftside.jpg
1975 AMC Pacer base model hatchback coupe
Overview
ManufacturerAmerican Motors Corporation (AMC)
Also calledVAM Pacer [1]
Production1975 – 3 December 1979[2]
AssemblyKenosha, Wisconsin
Mexico City (by VAM)
DesignerDick Teague
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
Body style2-door hatchback coupe
2-door station wagon
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine232 cu in (3.8 L) I6
258 cu in (4.2 L) I6
282 cu in (4.6 L) I6 (Mexico only)
304 cu in (5.0 L) V8
Transmission3-speed manual
3-speed with overdrive
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.0 in (2,540 mm)
Length171.8 in (4,364 mm) (coupe)
176.8 in (4,491 mm) (wagon)
Width77.3 in (1,963 mm)
Height52.8 in (1,341 mm) (coupe)
Curb weight3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorAMC Spirit
Close

Design work began in 1971. The rounded shape and large glass area were unusual compared with the three-box designs of the era.[3] The Pacer's width is equal to full-sized domestic vehicles at the time, and this unique design feature was promoted by AMC as "the first wide small car."[4] The Pacer was the first modern, mass-produced, U.S. automobile design using the cab forward concept.[5][6][7]

Reviews upon its introduction used descriptions like "futuristic, bold, and unique."[8] The Pacer featured an aerodynamic "jellybean" styling, numerous innovations such as different door lengths, and was noted "as a space-efficient car, seemingly from the future.".[9][10][11] The Pacer stood out at a time when "Detroit was still rolling out boat-sized gas guzzlers."[12]