AMC introduced a Station Wagon to its Pacer range in 1977. The original Hatchback’s styling polarized opinions, but the Wagon’s appearance was considered less radical. It also proved an important move because Pacer sales were in freefall by the time the Wagon came to market. Our feature car is a 1978 Pacer D/L Wagon that presents beautifully. It would suit a meticulous buyer seeking a practical classic. Located in Fenton, Missouri, you will find the Pacer listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $6,402, although that figure remains short of the reserve.

Sometimes referred to as the “Flying Fishbowl,” the Pacer Hatchback was a love-it or hate-it proposition. However, it once again proved that AMC was willing to push the boundaries on vehicle design and styling on a minuscule budget. The Station Wagon met reasonable acceptance, although AMC brought it to market when sales had fallen through the floor. It hoped that the new model would save the company, but it proved to be too little too late. This Pacer is a D/L, representing the entry-level version for 1978. It presents impressively in its original shade of Claret. It is unclear whether it has received prior restoration work, but the paint shines richly. Any flaws or imperfections are too small to show in the excellent selection of supplied photos, while the panels are impressively straight for a vehicle of this type and age. There is no evidence of exterior rust, while the floors wear a consistent coating of undercoat. Therefore, it appears this beauty is rust-free. The trim, including the damage-prone hubcaps, looks great, and the glass is flawless. The AMC Pacer may not be the most desirable classic, but this one appears to be a gem.

The Pacer’s Maroon vinyl interior trim complements the exterior paint and presents nicely. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear and no signs of UV damage. The enormous expanses of glass allowed the blazing sun to bake upholstery and plastics, but this Wagon has avoided that fate. The carpet is excellent, the woodgrain trim is equally impressive, and the dash and pad are free from cracks and aftermarket additions. The Wagon’s party piece is its additional load capacity. The Wagon was a mere 5″ longer than its Hatchback sibling, but the extra length and squarer rear roofline saw space grow by 60% to 47.8 cubic feet. This Pacer’s cargo area, another aspect prone to damage, looks spotless. There are no signs of scuffing, stains, or physical abuse. It may be an entry-level offering, but the original owner equipped this beauty with air conditioning and a stereo AM/FM radio.

In addition to the Station Wagon, AMC introduced its V8 engine into the Pacer line to stem the sales collapse. Once again, it proved a failed strategy. Only 2,514 buyers ticked that box on the Order Form, and this car’s original owner wasn’t one of them. Its engine bay houses the 258ci six-cylinder engine that produces 120hp. That feeds to the back wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, with this Pacer also featuring power steering. For a car that is under fifteen feet in overall length, its weight of 3,278lbs means that it is hardly likely to break any land speed records. The journey down the ¼ mile would take 18.9 seconds, with the Pacer hitting the wall by the time the needle nudges 109mph. The seller indicates that this Wagon has a genuine 64,000 miles on the clock, although they admit they hold no verifying evidence. The vehicle’s overall condition makes the claim seem plausible, but verifying evidence leaves it an idle claim. They don’t supply any information on its mechanical health or how it drives, but its clean state is cause for optimism.

In 1975, AMC found itself with a minor sales success in their new Pacer. Potential buyers found the unusual styling refreshing, with 145,530 people electing to park one in their driveway. By 1976, that figure dropped to 117,244, and things went downhill dramatically. By the time our feature Wagon rolled off the line two years later, the total had collapsed catastrophically to 21,231, of which 13,820 were the Wagon variant. Many have succumbed to the ravages of time, and spotless examples aren’t thick on the ground. They are rallying slightly in the current market, although value growth is hardly startling. This Pacer has received thirty-three bids, indicating that a few people consider it desirable. Its overall condition suggests that it could pass $10,000 before the hammer falls, but if it does, I doubt it will be by much. This auction would be worth watching if a quirky classic appeals to you. It could represent your chance to secure one of the tidiest Pacer Station Wagons available at a relatively affordable price.