1976 AMC PACER

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While American Motors usually operated with limited capital for new-model development, the company consistently delivered some of America's most innovative and distinctive automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s. By 1974, most of AMC's existing model lines were simply massaged and updated, yet seemingly out of nowhere came the fascinating Pacer. Built upon a trim 100-inch wheelbase and 77-inch width, the Pacer delivered big-car interior space with an amazing 30 cubic feet of cargo space available

with the rear seat down. Amazingly versatile and quite advanced for the time, the Pacer was correctly advertised by AMC as 'the first wide small car.' Other Pacer highlights included exceptional visibility with a huge but heat-attracting glass area, a longer passenger-side door yielding easy rear-seat access, and a hatchback rear liftgate with gas-filled struts for convenient cargo loading. The Pacer was yet another 'rabbit out of a hat' styling and engineering coup for AMC, with design led by the Richard 'Dick' Teague. After the comical big-screen use of a certain Powder Blue-and-flamed 1976 Pacer as the 'Mirth Mobile' in 1991's 'Wayne's World' movie, few auto enthusiasts will recall that part of the Pacer's dimensions and packaging were in great part dictated by the car's originally-intended powertrain - a front-wheel drive Wankel rotary system to be sourced by GM that was suddenly cancelled, causing AMC engineers into a last-minute scramble to retool the car for the company's venerable inline 6-cylinder powertrains. Production continued through 1979 and, in addition to several trim levels and a wide array of options, the Pacer was also offered with a station wagon model after the car's debut for 1975. By 1976, the Pacer's first full model year, it silenced the doubters as AMC's best-selling car line. Featuring smart two-tone red and black paint, accented by 'Pacer X' graphics and trim, this 1976 AMC Pacer is a captivating example of the diverse classics offered from the Mile-High Collection. In addition to its very well-preserved overall condition, this Pacer X features high-back bucket seats and a gold dash motif, plus a center console, three-spoke steering wheel, air conditioning, power brakes and power steering. The 258ci AMC straight-6 engine was reportedly tuned prior to acquisition and sends the power through an automatic transmission. Rides on Rally wheels and BFGoodrich radial T/A tires. From the Mile-High Collection.