American Motors built some really cool machines during their short span. The Hornet is a neat little compact that was vital to the company’s overall health for decades. The Eagle 4×4 series was well ahead of it’s time. The AMX, Javelin, SC/Rambler and “The Machine” were real-deal, throwdown musclecars, the Matador made for a great police car, and the Ambassador was a great answer to every other big car from the Big Three. But for every reasonable attempt AMC made at sticking with the mainstream, there was always that bit of “funky” that seemed to follow them around. And for some reason or another, it involved cars with rather strange rear ends. The Gremlin looked like a Hornet that had it’s backside chopped off with an axe, and as for the Pacer…well, you could try, but nothing beats the “Glass Ass” nickname to accurately describe one of the most panned designs to ever come out of Kenosha.
With very, very few exceptions to the rule, most Pacers are either relished as a throwback to the Wayne’s World movie, or are rotting, waiting for the salvation of the crusher. This one, however, has been converted into a neat off-road rig that honestly, makes us think that American Motors’ 4WD system might have been even better suited to the Pacer platform. Nothing is going to save the car from the ridicule that gigantic greenhouse brings, but with a lift and a spare tire out back, this Pacer looks kind of cool. It doesn’t hurt that an unknown V8 and four-speed got swapped in, either. We are getting a kind of Baja Bug vibe off of this Pacer. All it needs are some slot mags on some BFG All-Terrains and we’d call it just about perfect. Ok, maybe not perfect, but a damn sight cooler than any stock Pacer would ever be!
eBay Link: 1976 American Motors Pacer
Aren’t these about the same size as a CJ-5…? Almost wondering if somebody put a late 80s CJ5 frame underneath with a 304 & T18… that’s how is build it anyways!
Turd on stilts.
This is perfect for Geordie to cruise on his little island