Always marching to its own drummer, in 1975 American Motors rolled out the quirky Pacer, calling it America’s “first wide small car.” 

Introduced on March 1, 1975 as a mid-year model, the American Motors Pacer was a bold stroke: The development cost was $60 million, a vast fortune for the tiny automaker. An extensive research program led by AMC product chief Gerald Myers carefully analyzed 36 different package configurations, finally settling upon a unique compact platform that was short—the wheelbase was 100 inches, just like the original Nash Rambler—but a full 77 inches wide. American Motors dubbed it “the first wide small car.”

The novel exterior design (weird, some would say) included a tall greenhouse with yards and yards of glass, providing generous cabin volume and excellent visibility. Adding to the offbeat appearance was an extremely short hood. AMC planned to power the Pacer with a compact Wankel rotary engine supplied by General Motors, but when the GM program was suddenly canceled, the company adapted its trusty 232 CID inline six to the conventional rear-drive powertrain.

The larger, heavier engine, combined with a sturdy body design engineered for federal safety standards that were never enacted (note the roll hoop in the roof) made the Pacer a hefty vehicle for its class at more than 3,200 lbs. As a result, the fuel economy was never stellar but the ride and road manners were solid.

The roomy and comfortable cabin—AMC liked to say the Pacer was designed “from the inside out”—supported a number of seating options, including split-bench and reclining buckets-and-console configurations, while the upholstery choices ranged from conservative to flamboyant (1977 Perforated Vinyl and Basketry Print Fabric variations shown above). Since the Pacer was offered only as a two-door, the passenger door was made four inches longer to provide easier access for rear-seat passengers, generating one of those “Why don’t all the automakers do that?” moments.

In 1977, a two-door station wagon was added to the lineup, complete with roof rack and woodgrain-vinyl options, and in 1978 the front end received a minor facelift with a taller grille opening. The AMC 304 CID V8 also became available that year along with the 232 and 258 CID inline sixes. But by then, sales of the offbeat vehicle were slowing dramatically as the enthusiastic but limited demand was met. The best year was 1976 with 117,000 cars sold, and by 1980, the Pacer’s final year, volume dwindled to only 1,746 units.

Gone but by no means forgotten, in 1992 the Pacer served as a rolling punchline in the Mike Myers teen comedy Wayne’s World (below). With their quirky vibe, It seems highly unlikely that the vehicles could ever become investment-grade collectibles. According to the Hagerty value guide, current prices range from $2,400 for an example in fair condition to $14,300 for a Pacer in #1 concours condition. On the other hand, part of the fun in owning a collector car is in having a machine that isn’t like everything else, and the Pacer definitely checks that box.