AMT's '77 Pacer Wagon - Out of Box loser machine

[Faust]

Everyone knows that I love loser cars. I seem to gravitate towards the odd, eclectic, underpowered and unloved. Well, there aren’t too many cars that are more of all of those things than the AMC Pacer! That’s why I was so stoked when I got my hands on the MPC ’78 coupe from Round 2 a couple of years ago. I’d seen the on the second hand market, and wasn’t about to pay what they wanted there.



It never occurred to me that there would come a day that we’d be able to actually go into a shop and CHOOSE between two different Pacer kits! However, when I saw the new AMT ’77 Pacer Wagon in a local shop, that’s exactly what happened! Two different kits, of two different body styles and two different years. It’s loser Nirvana!



While I don’t normally get too excited by AMT’s, there’s nothing not to like about this one. I mean, it’s a Pacer wagon and it comes with all kinds of crazy custom bits! Check out the newest addition to the Pacer model kit family out of box here:



adamrehorn.wordpress.com/round-2-amt-125-1977-pacer-wagon-out-of-box/

[fordrodnkustom]

These things never were or are they on my radar screen but I get the cult following they have and I respect that. Thanks again for another excellent history lesson and kit review!

[Faust]

Thanks, Ron.

They're not everyone's cup of tea, but I am glad that you appreciate the review and the work that went into it.

I think people like you are what sunk AMC. They just COULD NOT get a handle on what people wanted, and then they awkwardly styled the results of their misjudgments!

[harron68]

The wagon, IMO, is the better looking and I got the original kit, back when I was building. I intended doing it as a copy of a real one in a magazine that was converted into a real "off-roader." Not as a high rider or giant-tire-mobile, but something one would see at an entry on the Baja race. This is a truly undervalued design. As to AMT quality, they were superior to their successor, MPC, tho not as great as Tamiya (but waaaay cheaper!). Good luck whatever you do with it. I will LUV any version.

[fordrodnkustom]

Oct 21, 2016 18:35:46 GMT -5 Faust said:

Thanks, Ron.


I think people like you are what sunk AMC. They just COULD NOT get a handle on what people wanted, and then they awkwardly styled the results of their misjudgments!

Really? People like me? I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at here but I think you're probably wrong about that.

[constructionbob]

I'm not one of them? Kind of like it.. I have a original issue, meant to be my best buddy's shopping/dogcar for his wife.

Redcandy, deep rims, opened tailgate to get her Leonberger in.. He have a Pacer already.. a '58.

[Faust]

Nov 7, 2016 15:22:41 GMT -5 fordrodnkustom said:

Oct 21, 2016 18:35:46 GMT -5 Faust said:

Thanks, Ron.


I think people like you are what sunk AMC. They just COULD NOT get a handle on what people wanted, and then they awkwardly styled the results of their misjudgments!

Really? People like me? I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at here but I think you're probably wrong about that.

What I meant is that, after the first year of the original coupe Pacer, the car wasn't really on anyone's radar. It's precisely what you said, that it wasn't really your bag, but they have a cult following. Thing is, a cult following only occurs long after the model year is gone! If AMC could have had a better feel for the styling and features people really wanted, they would have likely had a better run through the mid-'70s and early '80s. 

However, they stuck with quirky and found that most people might think it's neat, but not enough thought it was something they'd want to be seen in.

[fordrodnkustom]

Nov 10, 2016 20:13:09 GMT -5 Faust said:

Nov 7, 2016 15:22:41 GMT -5 fordrodnkustom said:

Really? People like me? I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at here but I think you're probably wrong about that.

What I meant is that, after the first year of the original coupe Pacer, the car wasn't really on anyone's radar. It's precisely what you said, that it wasn't really your bag, but they have a cult following. Thing is, a cult following only occurs long after the model year is gone! If AMC could have had a better feel for the styling and features people really wanted, they would have likely had a better run through the mid-'70s and early '80s. 

However, they stuck with quirky and found that most people might think it's neat, but not enough thought it was something they'd want to be seen in.

OK I see your point and agree. They had no money left at the time due to poor sales of this and Matador to compete in the new emerging economy class(gas mileage and lack of in house 4 cyl. engine) which to me is ironic seeing that they almost invented it with the Rambler American. To me Rambler/AMC were always ahead of their time yet behind at the same time. The AMX, Javelin and Gremlin X were extremely cool and iconic in there own right while the '57 Rebel could arguably be called the first musclecar.

[Faust]

I agree with the '57 Rebel, although I would say that the car is more like the first Pony Car, given its compact size.

You're also right that they did basically invent the compact car segment in North America. If they'd stuck with it, instead of trying to branch out and fight the Big 3 on even terms, I think they'd have kept a lot of their money and stayed viable a lot longer.

[harron68]

The history of Rambler and American motors was always fraught with little money and high risk. Their attempt to become the quirky (cute) economy car was an attempt to fill a void, but in good times economy doesn't sell. When gas prices hurt sales of gas hungry Jeep products, American motors created what could fairly be called the first "crossover" vehicles, with viscous coupling (like a Subaru)creating part time 4-wheel drive. They in effect saved the company for a time. Sadly, the Pacer looks weren't enuf to save it. Underneath, engine and in general it was just too ordinary and had no snob appeal.

[dodgefever]

I'm almost tempted to get one of these wagons and build something like the Hot Wheels Packin' Pacer I had when I was little. Less interested in a stock version, that's not really my thing. I have enjoyed reading Adam's blog though.

[Faust]

Oh man! Doing a Packin' Pacer would be awesome! I loved that one as a kid, too. My brother loved it more, though, and kept taking it and using it. It's worn now, but it's still one of my faves! Well, that and J-2000...