While the piranha isn't my cupa tea. weird with the roof scoops. I love the Machine. It is way cool. I could have had an AMX for free. We moved into a house in 74. The owner was a AMX fan. He actually left one behind the garage. We pushed into the street. The cops towed. I asked my dad years later. If I had asked could I have kept that car. He said yes.
Ya gotta remember that AMC owned Jeep at that time. Four wheel drive wasn't much of a stretch for them.
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Garage Find: 1975 AMC Pacer All these years later, the AMC Pacer’s shape is still one of the most recognizable in the world. That rear end design has never been replicated in any significant fashion, meaning when you see the back of a Pacer sticking out of a dusty garage, you already know what you’re looking at. This Pacer has just two owners from new, and has been locked away for several years following the second driver’s death. Find it here on eBay with just over 61,000 miles and bids to just under $2,900. There was a time when it seemed a Pacer was a bit of a joke among car enthusiasts. Perhaps it was the Wayne’s World connection, or simply coming at a time when American consumers really didn’t like economy car. Whatever it was, the Pacer has slowly enjoyed a second coming of age as classic car lovers begin to at least appreciate the car’s various quirks. The Pacer is no muscle car, but it is emblematic of a domestic brand that wasn’t afraid to take chances. The listing reports that the longtime second owner purchased the Pacer with under 50,000 miles on the clock and proceeded to use it for a very short commute. Today, the odometer reading seems valid based on that information, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell by the interior condition that the car was considered low-mileage when it was parked. It needs a lot of love inside, but hopefully most of these flaws are superficial in nature. Those tires look like they’d hold air if given a blast or two, but you’ll want to replace them regardless. The seller notes that the Pacer’s Alabama origins have kept rust to a minimum, which is this car’s saving grace: no matter how much we may love a Pacer, it’d be hard to justify restoring a rusty one. It should go cheap, which hopefully means it has a decent chance at being restored. Would you save a Pacer if given the chance? Description by the seller: About this vehicle This is a “Barn Find” 1975 AMC Pacer-however it was not in a barn-it was always in the garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Always an Alabama car so no huge rust issues underneath. This is a 2 owner car. The original owner sold it to this gentleman in 1979 w/48,000 miles on it. This gentleman had a very short commute to work-like 2 miles-so he did not put a lot of miles on it. The gentleman died 25 years ago and it was parked until recently when his son passed and all of the contents of the home were sold. Comes with original window sticker, copy of original title of first owner and a clean title of the 2nd owner. Vehicle Details We will be putting a battery in it today to see if it turns over. The back wheels are locked up-I am told this is common for a vehicle that has sit for 25 years-probably the brakes are froze up on it. You can see some small amounts of rust to the body in the pictures I have taken. All the glass is in tact with no issues. This is a great project car. Never modified-never had anything done to it! On Aug-24-23 at 20:58:41 PDT, seller added the following information: We put a battery in it, put a gallon of Non Ethanol and sprayed it with starter fluid and it cranked up with no problems! Air blows cool in the 5 minutes we kept it running. Lights work blinkers work-did not see anything leaking out of it. Ran smooth but when you tried to throttle it up too fast it spit-as seen in the video. Not bad for not being cranked in 25 years! Could not get the back wheels broke free-did not try too hard did not want to risk breaking anything so the rear wheel is still locked up and the tires are flat as seen in the pictures. Will need a winch on the trailer to pick it up.
Cool video from Luke a.k.a. ThunderHead289 on YouTube about bringing a 1972 Gremlin back to life: Will It Run? 72 AMC Gremlin - Saved from the Crusher!
Was working for a customer of mine last week and he was telling me about a old car thats located in a falling down building he owns in another part of the county. All he said is its small, covered in old carpet and has a big rounded window in the back. Im thinking Pacer. Trying to nail down a time with him to check it out.
That Taurus wagon would be one of the ugliest cars of all time if it weren't for the same vintage Sable wagon. The Sable wagon actually hit my personal #1 spot on the ugly list; replacing the '62 Plymouth for that position. My current #1 is the Pontiac Aztec. I know that the Buick Rendezvous was basically the same body, but somehow they found a way to make it less ugly. I think the Rendezvous lasted a year or two longer then the Aztec.
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Two Owners: 1978 AMC AMX It is safe to say we all appreciate an enthusiast with a sense of humor. Therefore, it is hard not to admire the owner of this rare 1978 AMC AMX. It has fallen upon hard times and is begging for someone to drag it back from the brink. It hasn’t seen active service for five years, and the owner says that her husband was always going to fix it “next weekend.” She says this lack of action is why he is now her ex-husband! Its most pressing need is a new owner willing to drag it from its current location before it reaches the point of no return. The AMX is listed here on eBay in McKenzie, Tennessee. Bidding sits below the reserve at $2,150, although there is a BIN option of $10,000. AMC introduced its Concord range for the 1978 model year, and while the AMX was derived from that model, the company granted it standalone status. Therefore, a close inspection will reveal the complete absence of Concord badges and identification. This separation extends to the VIN, with the AMX carrying a “9” as its sixth digit and Concord carrying a “7.” The seller is this car’s second owner, having purchased the vehicle in California in 1981. She later moved to her current location, taking a classic she genuinely loves with her. It appears it has been exposed to the elements for at least five years, which has taken a toll on this gem. The Classic Black paint is badly oxidized, and there are only faint traces of the unique Gold graphics that formed part of the AMX package. The front spoiler is missing, but crucial items like the fender flares and rear window louver are intact. The wheels aren’t original, although sourcing replacements may be possible. However, all this is window dressing when we delve below the surface. The seller admits the windshield leaks on the passenger side, allowing water to puddle on the carpet. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the floor has rusted through on that side and requires replacement. The rest of the carpet carries mold, which could be a precursor to more problems. It is worth noting that AMC was ahead of the game regarding corrosion prevention, and things might not be as bad as you would typically expect. This may be a case where potential bidders hope for the best but brace for the worst. Buyers could choose from a range of engine and transmission options to power their 1978 AMX, with this car’s original owner selecting the entry-level 258ci six-cylinder powerplant. This is bolted to a four-speed manual transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes making driving an effortless pleasure. The AMX package also brought upgraded suspension components, and contemporary reports widely praised the handling and ride comfort of these classics. The owner admits this car is no longer numbers-matching. She replaced the engine in the 1990s, and it only accumulated a few miles before the car was brought to a halt by what was believed to be a failed fuel pump. The owner replaced this, but the fuel still isn’t reaching the motor. It will require further investigation, but it might not be difficult to coax the engine back to life. The remaining mechanical components require a thorough inspection, and additional remedial work will undoubtedly be necessary. However, returning this AMX to active service could be an achievable short-term goal. The AMX package brought a few welcome upgrades to what was essentially the Concord’s interior, with items like the sports gauge cluster, tachometer, sports wheel, and contrasting dash inserts providing a sporting feel. The original owner took this further by ordering this classic with air conditioning. The car retains its original Black vinyl trim, and while the front buckets wear aftermarket slipcovers, the remaining upholstered surfaces look remarkably good. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV damage, but there is a hole where the factory radio should be. Someone has cut that area to fit an aftermarket unit, meaning the new owner may need to undertake repairs if a stock appearance is required. How much an interior refresh will cost depends on what hides below the slipcovers. If the vinyl is in good order, a deep clean, a carpet set, and something to fill the hole in the dash might be all that is required. Locating specific production figures is challenging, but it appears that AMC only produced around 2,500 examples of the 1978 AMX. However, this is another case where rarity doesn’t necessarily equate to a high potential value. Instincts tell me the BIN figure on this car might be optimistic, particularly if there is hidden rust. A high-end restoration could net a value of $20,000 on a good day, meaning the new owner must be hands-on to remain financially viable. However, an enthusiast seeking something slightly unusual could throw caution to the wind and pursue this classic further. I hope someone does because no car, no matter how humble, deserves to end its days this way.
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com. One of only 2514 with a V8 for model year 1978: Cheap 1978 AMC Pacer D/L Wagon The AMC Pacer was one of those quirky cars that you either liked or not – there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. In production from 1975 to 1980, the Pacer was unorthodox in appearance and that may have been because it was designed from the inside out. It was as wide as any full-size car of the era and boasted more than an average amount of glass. This 1978 D/L edition had been running recently, but a fuel delivery problem has surfaced. And there’s no title to be found. Located in Findlay, Ohio, this “Flying Fishbowl” (as they were sometimes called) is available on Facebook Marketplace for $2,500. The Pacer was another of AMC’s odd-duck styling efforts of the 1970s (other examples include the Gremlin and the ginormous 2-door Matadors). That likely contributed to anemic sales in the car’s latter years. The 1978 models only mustered production of 21,231 units of which 88% came with a six-cylinder engine. That puts the seller’s edition in somewhat rare territory as just 2,514 copies came with the 304 cubic inch V8. The seller provides only two photos of this vehicle, before and after it was washed. The third photo is of what we think the interior might look like (the photo is borrowed here). Though it looks to have been sitting for a while, the seller says this Pacer wagon is very solid. Once you fix the fuel problem, we’re told it should run, drive, and stop properly. The Pacer sports new tires and a fairly recent battery. There is some rust to be dealt with, principally on the driver’s side floorboard. The condition of the interior is rated as “fair” (a real photo would have been nice).
Here's a link to the advertisement on Facebook Marketplace, for some reason it's listed as a "1978 Chrysler pacer d/l" Click screenshot to visit the listing on Facebook
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Go Pack Barn Find: 1971 AMC Javelin AMX If you’re feeling brave and are searching for an affordable project candidate, this 1971 AMC Javelin AMX is worth a close look. It needs plenty of TLC, but it is an unmolested barn find that the original owner ordered with the optional Go Package. The seller has done nothing beyond washing it since it emerged from hiding, leaving the new owner to return it to its former glory. The Javelin is listed here on Craigslist in Red Wing, Minnesota The asking price is $5,000 for this untouched classic. AMC released its Second Generation Javelin in 1971, and as was the prevailing market trend, the new model was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessor. The styling remained distinctive, allowing the car to stand apart from the opposition. Our feature car is from the first production year, with the original owner ordering it in Brilliant Green Metallic. It would have looked dazzling when new, but time and a less-than-ideal hibernation environment have left it looking pretty tired. Its history is unclear, although the images suggest it was stored for many years. The new owner faces the prospect of a total restoration, and the most effective approach would be dismantling the car entirely. This will be a mammoth undertaking. However, that aspect of the build could be tackled in a home workshop to reduce costs. The front spoiler is missing, but the rear spoiler and cowl induction hood, which were an integral part of the AMX package, are intact. There is visible rust in the lower extremities, and we receive no information on the state of the vehicle’s underside. There could be issues hiding there, which would only reveal themselves with an in-person inspection. The glass looks fine, and the car rolls on its original slotted steel wheels. Readers should be relieved that this article doesn’t include a “smell” capability because this Javelin suffered a rodent infestation during its time in storage. These little critters leave an unmistakable and unpleasant odor in their wake. Eliminating it is challenging, and often the only solution is to scrap every piece of upholstery, foam, and carpet. That isn’t a cheap undertaking, especially considering that Javelin interior trim tends to be more expensive than for other pony cars from this era. However, it is complete, unmolested, and features a range of desirable options. The sports gauge pack includes a Tick-Tock-Tach. There is a tilt wheel, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. Frustratingly, the seller supplies no engine photos. However, they confirm the original owner ordered this AMX with the optional Go Pack. That means its 360ci V8 sent 285hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque to a Twin Grip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power front disc brakes were an integral part of the package, as was a heavy-duty cooling system and suspension upgrades for improved handling. This car would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.2 seconds in its glory days, but those were long ago. We receive no information on when this Javelin last fired a shot in anger or the state of its mechanical components. Revival may be relatively straightforward if the new owner has luck on their side. However, budgeting for a drivetrain rebuild would be wise. We’ve recently seen a few classics that have defied prevailing market trends due to climbing values, and the 1971 AMC Javelin AMX is one. They remain strong performers, although they don’t command the same prices owners can achieve for a similar Mustang or Camaro. This AMX features the Go Package, which significantly enhances its desirability. Handing it to a professional for total restoration probably doesn’t make financial sense, but if the new owner can be hands-on wherever possible, they could be okay. Would you tackle this one, or is there more to it than you could handle?
And another 304 powered Pacer wagon for sale, recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Stored 25 Years: 1978 AMC Pacer Wagon One thing you can say about American Motors is they weren’t afraid to take some chances. From the formation of AMC out of Hudson and Nash in 1954, they would dabble with this product or that one to see what would work. One example was the Gremlin subcompact from the early 1970s, created by shortening the wheelbase of a Hornet by 12 inches. Then there was the Pacer, a fishbowl-shaped compact that was as wide as a full-size auto and came with loads of glass. This 1978 Pacer station wagon has been in storage for 2.5 decades so it will need some mechanical tinkering. Located in Union, Indiana, this interesting artifact is available here on Craigslist for $ 7,000 Development work began on the Pacer in 1971 and the final product emerged for sale in 1975. First-year demand was healthy at some 145,000 copies, but the styling novelty of the Pacer with all its glass quickly slowed down, and by 1980 the machine was gone from AMC showrooms. The car became a bit of a celebrity more than a decade after it ceased production – it was prominently featured in the Wayne’s World movies of the 1990s. Most Pacers were sluggish with a 258 cubic inch inline-6, but the few that got the 304 V8 (like the seller’s car) were considerably peppier. The seller has listed this automobile for a friend who has gotten on in years. The Pacer has been in the garage for ages and the engine won’t turn over though the crankshaft can be moved by hand. We’re told the problem may be as simple as the starter (in the photos, the battery has been disconnected). This could be a low-mileage car as the odometer is thought to be just 46,500 miles. The body and paint are at least in fair condition and there is one dent you may want to attend to. The Pacer has fake woodgrain siding which was popular on station wagons back in the day. The interior looks okay and may be fine if you’re able to resurrect the car as a daily driver. Be the first kid on your block to own a Pacer!
Sold by Sotheby's at the 2022 auction in Highland Park, Illinois (25 May - 1 June) 1977 AMC AM Van Concept Sold After Auction Bill of Sale Only One-of-a-kind, late-Seventies design study showcasing AMC’s vision of a new breed of automobiles Preserved in original show condition as part of a well-known concept-car collection for the past 35 years Created as a rolling, wood-framed, fiberglass-bodied styling buck with a partial interior and no drivetrain A rare opportunity for a serious collection or museum to lay claim of owning a historically significant concept car from one of the most storied American automakers One of the most compelling American concept cars of the late 1970s, the AM Van was part of a larger effort by American Motors Corporation to bolster its image as an innovator during a period of social, economic, and political turbulence. In the wake of the oil crisis of 1973, company chairman Roy Chapin, Jr. sought to put AMC at the forefront of what he saw as a growing trend in which Americans would increasingly seek out smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, so long as they offered the appropriate style, comfort, and amenities. To showcase the company’s progressive ideas for the coming decade, AMC’s design department, then led by Richard Teague —creator of the AMX, Javelin, Jeep Cherokee, and other popular designs— developed six concept cars to be touted on a 1977 North American press tour, dubbed “Concept 80,” through seven major cities. The design studies included several compact hatchbacks, a scaled-down Jeep reminiscent of a Willys, a diminutive electric car with Buck Rogers aesthetics, and the AM Van offered here. The most popular of all, favored in exit polls by a notable margin, was the AM Van. With its flared fenders, deep, front air dam, large side pipes, and gorgeous wide wheels wrapped in meaty tires, it gave off distinctly futuristic muscle-car vibes. Being purely a design study, the AM Van was essentially a wood-framed, fiberglass-bodied styling buck with no drivetrain, non-functioning doors, and tinted windows concealing a partially completed interior. In concept, it was a compact yet spacious vehicle, designed to seat three across with a generous greenhouse offering expansive views for all occupants. A four-wheel-drive powertrain would deliver all-condition versatility, while turbo badges hinted at the potential for a small but potent engine. Though the AM Van concept never made it to production, its popularity on the Concept 80 circuit unwittingly foreshadowed the mass adoption of minivans and four-wheel drive in years to come. As such, it is truly a unique piece of automotive history. Believed to be the only one of its kind, the AM Van offered here has been preserved in a well-known concept-car collection for the past 35 years and remains in original condition, just as it left the AMC design studio in 1977. Given its compelling design and historical significance, it has been featured as the centerpiece of multiple museums in recent years, including the Gilmore Museum and the AMC display at the Kenosha County Historical Society. This AM Van design study represents a rare opportunity for a private collector or museum to own a historically significant concept car from one of the most storied American automakers.
