When you are number four, you have to try harder. Such was the case with American Motors, which was always in the shadows of the “Big 3” (GM, Ford, and Chrysler). They came up with cars that were different than the others. Like the Gremlin,  the Matador, and the Pacer. With its jellybean or fishbowl body shape, it was as wide as a full-size car and more than one-third glass. Yet it was a compact, like this 1977 station wagon with woodgrain siding. Located on Long Island in New York, this survivor (we think) is available here on craigslist for $5,995. Another tip from Barn Finder Pat L.!

The sometimes-lampooned Pacer debuted in 1975 and – after six model years – saw the production of about 280,000 units. Not bad numbers for auto company #4. Promoted as “the first wide small car” the Pacer was the first modern, mass-produced American-built automobile using the cab-forward design for better space utilization. Its expansive use of glass was 16% greater than the average passenger car at the time. Others referred to it as the “seventies answer to George Jetson’s mode of transportation”. Like ole  Rodney Dangerfield used to say, “I can’t get no respect.”

We’re told this wagon (1977 was its first year) is in excellent condition with some recent mechanical work. That includes new brakes, a flush of the fuel system, and a rebuild of the carburetor, all indications of a car that had been sitting. The Pacer has the “rare” Santa Fe interior option which may take a bit of getting used to. But the seller says the car runs well and I suppose that’s what counts. We’re also told the seller is retiring and can’t take it with him/her (to where?) and also has a 1978 AMC Matador for sale. Descriptions and photos are not something the seller takes advantage of here. Who’s in the market for “an upside-down kitchen sink” (Rodney made me say it)?