25th Anniversary of the Pacer

Rhett posted this great message containing lots of fun Pacer facts to the AMC mailing list to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the AMC Pacer on 28 February 2000.

Yes, yes, today: February 28th, 2000 marks the 25th Anniversary of the introduction of the AMC Pacer on Feb 28th, 1975.

The Pacer first went on sale March 1st of 1975, but was unveiled to the public a day before... except... this year, it's two due to leap year. Oh well.

Anyway, the first Pacers came with 232 and 258 6-cylinders in base, D/L, and X package form... and sold 72,158 units by 12/31/75.

A revolutionary design from the start, the Pacer had 5,615 square inches of glass space..or 37% of its total surface area. It had a short, low hood, thick B pillars, and an extra-long passenger door. Truly innovative and attractive... especially in 'X' form.

My friend owns a 1977 Pacer D/L Wagon... and it is the most comfortable car I've ever had a chance to ride in (mind you, I've never had a ride in a Matador or Ambassador).

The Pacer was sold from 1975-1981. It's still being disputed whether any were actually serialed as '81s, but there were 236 sold that year.

The Pacer was available with 3 engines: The 232 straight-6 (75-79), 258 straight-6 (76-81), and 304 V8 (78-79)... and came in hatchback and Wagon bodystyles.

Anyway, I thought that today... since it's the 25th Anniverary should be celebrated by the AMC community.

-You only ride like a Pacer when you're wide like a Pacer-

-The first wide, small car-

-Small was never this wide-

Happy milestone birthday to the Pacer!