1975-80 Pacer
1975-1980 AMC PACER
|
|
1975 AMC PACER COUPE |
1979 AMC PACER WAGON |
| PACER SALES NUMBERS From Standard Catalog of American Motors Total Number 279,094 |
YEAR 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 |
Coupes 72,158 Coupes 117,244 Coupes 20,265 Coupes 7,411 Coupes 2,863 Coupes 405 Coupes (Likely 1980) 236 |
Wagons Not Introduced Not Introduced 37,999 Wagons 13,820 Wagons 7,352 Wagons 1,341 Wagons Coupes & Wagons |
TOTALS 72,158 Total 117,244 Total 58,264 Total 21,231 Total 10,215 Total 1,746 Total 236 Total |
General Information
With a rough sketch drawn in 1971, Richard Teague began a revolution in automotive design... quite a bit before its time. His car, the AMC Pacer, was first introduced in 1975, heading for a short life of six model years and a production total of just over 280,000 units. The Pacer wagon was introduced in 1977, and total production ceased in 1980. The smallest of the "Big Four" American automobile manufacturers at the time (or, the only American car company independent of the "Big Three", as some say), AMC met its demise in 1987, being bought out by Chrysler Corporation.
As Ricky Young of the Orange County Register stated, "When Pacers came out, it was the era of the Ford Granada. Round was unheard of." It was not until the early 90's that round became commonplace. The Pacer was ahead of its time. Criticized by many for its nonstandard design, it was at the same time praised for its revolutionary concepts of passenger comfort, convenience, and economy. More than a decade and a half after the end of production, very few specimens are still in existence, and those that are remain a novelty.
Though people often disagree on their opinions of the Pacer, it's very hard to dispute its uniqueness. Throughout its history, the Pacer has played many roles: innovative automobile, laughing-stock of the showroom, road "warrior", 70s pop culture icon, and more.
Above Information Courtesy of Jeni's Site
Body Styles And Trim Levels
"X", "D/L", "Limited" -- What does this mean? The Pacer was available with a number of different packages throughout the model years. Note that many of the features listed below were also available as individual options on a base model Pacer.
- X Package: Available '75-77 (a "sport package" was available in '78), this was the "sporty" Pacer package. It featured sporty appearance options (vinyl bucket seats, sports steering wheel, custom trim, etc.), as well as sporty functional features (manual floor shift, front sway bar). A "Pacer X" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
- D/L Package: Available '75-77 as an upgrade option, the D/L ("De-Luxe") became the base package '78-80. It featured options like individual reclining seats in Basketry print fabric, wheel covers, extra molding and trim, wood grain instrument panel overlay, etc. A "Pacer D/L" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
- Limited: The Limited was the Pacer's super-luxury package, available '79-80. It featured leather seats, power door locks, power windows, tilt steering wheel, and deeper-pile carpet (18-oz. vs. the standard 12-oz.). A "Pacer Limited" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
Pacer Sticker and VIN Number Statisitics There are all sorts of statistics one can glean from a Pacer's stickers and other markings, but the cryptic acronyms and numbers are sometimes difficult to decipher. This guide exists to help you figure all of that out!
Above Information Courtesy of Jeni's Site
Engines
Engines available were limited to 3 sizes, 232cid 6, 258cid 6, and the 304cid V8.- 232 cid OHV Inline Six, 1V, - 1975 thru 1979 (Base Option, 49 State, Canada)
- 258 cid OHV Inline Six, 1V, - 1975 thru 1980 (Base Option, California)
- 258 cid OHV Inline Six, 2V, - 1975 thru 1980 (Optional, 49 State, Canada)
- 304 cid OHV V-8, 2V - 1977 thru 1980 (Optional, 49 State, Canada)
American Motors engine code is found in two places.
1) Plate on firewall.
2) Machined surface between #2 and # 3 sparkplugs.
Further, displacement is cast into the side of the block.
Transmissions
There are 2 Manual and 2 Automatic transmissions used in Pacer Production.- Model 150T three speed manual, (machined to American Standard sizes) standard equipment on 232cid, and 258cid 6cyl motors.
- Model SR4 four speed manual, (machined to Metric sizes) optional equipment on 232, and 258 6cyl motors.
- Model 904 3 speed automatic, standard equipment on 232cid, and 258cid 6 cyl motors.
- Model 998 3 speed automatic, standard equipment on 304cid V-8 motors.