Weird Cars: AMC Pacer
All the stories in the news about Detroit's car companies made me think about American Motors, makers of possibly the weirdest American cars: one of which was the Pacer.
The pacer was introduced in 1975 as an economy car. It featured several unique features, such as a larger passenger side door that allowed easier access to the back seat. It also featured wrap around glass for increasing the driver's field of vision and steel beams in the doors for safety. These features added a lot of weight, which decreased the fuel economy. Sales of this eccentric little car fell way below expectations, and it was taken off the assembly line in 1979.
The pacer was introduced in 1975 as an economy car. It featured several unique features, such as a larger passenger side door that allowed easier access to the back seat. It also featured wrap around glass for increasing the driver's field of vision and steel beams in the doors for safety. These features added a lot of weight, which decreased the fuel economy. Sales of this eccentric little car fell way below expectations, and it was taken off the assembly line in 1979.
Comments
I actually planned on doing an article about that one next Expat
Posted by Matt in Florida on 05/11/09 at 12:54 PM
Yup. Gremlin. Retro cool.
That's what's keeping many potential car buyers at home. Who wants to be the guy driving next year's Gremlin. Pontiac is gone, what line will be defunk in a month?
That's what's keeping many potential car buyers at home. Who wants to be the guy driving next year's Gremlin. Pontiac is gone, what line will be defunk in a month?
Posted by Paul in Athens GA on 05/11/09 at 02:04 PM
I still like the smooth roundness of the Pacer. I would never own one, but it looks cool in its own way.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 05/11/09 at 03:52 PM
Is this the car they were driving in Wayne's World when they were singing along to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody?
Posted by Nethie on 05/11/09 at 07:17 PM
I am the proud owner of a 1980 AMC Spirit. My mom bought it new and gave it to me when I started driving.
@MikeUK - what makes this car weird is that it was a huge failure (AMC lost almost $75 Million developing it) but the car retained a cult following.
@MikeUK - what makes this car weird is that it was a huge failure (AMC lost almost $75 Million developing it) but the car retained a cult following.
Posted by Matt in Florida on 05/12/09 at 09:05 AM
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
Category: Business | Cars