While the AMC Pacer was mocked in its time for being a fishbowl, for looking weird, or just for being made by the number-four American manufacturer, it was quite innovative given their limited budget. It was designed from the passengers outward, made to be easily serviceable, and was the width of a full-size car to give drivers the feeling of being in a large car. Rack and pinion steering helped with handling, and the isolated engine and suspension designs helped with passenger comfort. The car also included many safety innovations – while the Big 3 were busy whining to the government about the impact on their bottom line, little AMC was diligently working towards the new requirements. Of course, that may have been part of what led to their undoing. Take a look at this 1977 AMC Pacer wagon for sale for $3995 in Portland, OR.
Posts Tagged ‘american’
Back and Forth – 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon
September 24, 2014Not Limited – 1966 Ford LTD
September 19, 2014Many enthusiasts would agree that American manufacturers hit some design high points in the 1960s – freeing themselves from the clutter of tailfins and excessive chrome of the 1950s, and simultaneously blissfully unaware of the 1970s constraints imposed by safety bumpers, headlight and bumper height regulations, and more. Based on the Galaxie line of cars, the LTD was the top of the line for the 12th generation full-size Ford, and was available with V8 power from 289 to 428 cubic inches. And while it’s a bit of a grandma car, seeing one of these parked on a corner of a postwar suburban street evokes the height of the cold war, space race, and more. Check out this 1966 Ford LTD for sale for $3000 in Sparks, NV.
RPO Z09 – 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth Twin Cam
September 15, 2014Originally slated for a 185hp Cosworth 16-valve version of the Chevrolet Vega’s inline four, the final horsepower number was dumbed down from the original 1971 forecast to 140hp in 1973 and finally 110hp in 1975 at the car’s release. However, put yourself back in the early emissions-strangled dark days of 1975 – catalytic converters were a new requirement, and manufacturers were still learning how to reduce emissions without heavily impacting performance. Well, okay, they had not learned much yet, and to make things worse, the 1972 change to net horsepower ratings means converted to net hp, the original number could have been anywhere between 130-170hp. And with roughly similar cars putting out similar figures (see twincam Fiat and Alfa engines to get you started) the power numbers are actually pretty respectable. Check out this 1975 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth for sale for $3900 in Eastern Long Island, NY.


