1978 AMC Pacer Wagon - Jay Leno’s Garage

Phillip Carey shares his family's restomod Pacer. Watch more cars like the Pacer in the all-new "Cult Classics" episode this Wednesday on "Jay Leno's Garage" on CNBC!
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1978 AMC Pacer Wagon - Jay Leno’s Garage
• 1978 AMC Pacer Wagon -...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@kmrumedy]

I don't know which I like more, the car or the owner. What a genuinely kind and loveable man.

[@onelogue]

Retired Elves yeah he had a really kind demeanor. The car made him smile and that’s what matters.

[@christianmagana329]

I was lucky enough to run into him and his wife at the Cruisin for a Cure show in orange county. Great people, just kept going on and on about the car and the story behind building it. The car looks even better person!

[@susancarey1958]

Christian Magana thanks so much. We do enjoy talking to people who stop and smile at the car.

[@team3383]

@Fisher Man Thats properly said. I wonder how unforunate people like him go to the bathroom ?

[@team3383]

@Fisher Man Ah. Well I suppose that I've just learnt something I didn't want to really know eaither.... Hmmm. If you think about it it makes sense but ....... unless you are ill and I have a feeling seeing his wife that its a food issue, how can you let yourself go that far ? Thanks for letting me know, Cheers.

[@tylerprescott3501]

That's probably the best Pacer in existence with the amount of quality work that guy put into it. I'm glad Jay got this guy and his car on the show. That's pretty cool.

[@team3383]

I owned one of these same colour but stock and mint condition in the mid eighties in Virginia. I loved it.

[@JasonSmith-vp6vl]

Speaking of quality, I want to know who makes his belt!

[@DM-wp9vq]

He just needs some new wheel bearings all around (& new brake shoes & pads) with some summer grade/blend/type semi-performance tires, & that car is perfect! Could probably use a new set of speakers & one of those cool vintage looking modern stereos. You know, the kind they advertised on like 2 Guys 1 Cup (2 Guys garage), & All Girls Garage, and Car Fix etc etc? The kind that has the slider on the face that switches between analog & digital, but has Bluetooth & an Aux cable & such. It would maintain that stock look, but add some usability to the car. A stealth backup cam would be cool as well. One that's hidden away. But as it stands, just some wheel bearings & new brake shoes & pads, & it's perfect. (And some pimpin AFR heads with a Lunati cam cough cough)

[@iainmackenzie3704]

Warms the heart, billionaire and average Joe talking cars. Jay is an absolute legend of a human.

[@2Brian]

Jay would be surprised to know he's a billionaire.

[@jaredmehrlich6683]

A legend in many circles

[@fifteenbyfive]

That he'd even talk to an average Joe about his favorite subject truly pulls on the heartstrings.

[@kristoffersparegodt420]

Brian Hamilton 😂😂

[@mrjomaled755]

man of the people....no pretensions....I love him!

[@johnuhl3400]

This guy is awesome. Just a regular dude doing his thing. Tip of the hat to you sir!

[@florianmessemer147]

i really like the owner..he has a really nice story why he loves the car...

[@florianmessemer147]

he really loves the car to all amount.

[@hope6571]

You can see how experienced Jay is with people. He made jokes and the guy felt comfortable in no time with the camera etc. Really great presentation!

[@ontogeny6474]

I noticed that too. Jay has a way of neutralizing stress almost instantly.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

@Hope I always feel like you could meet, and talk with Jay like any regular guy you’d encounter at a car show or swap meet.

[@slimsauce8276]

I met the owner at Big O tires in Lake Stevens. We were choppin it up about his AMC Eagle he was serving. Really cool guy 🫡

[@pablojose4890]

There is nothing like blowing some fancy car off the road in a sleeper mobile. This Pacer Wagon is the ultimate sleeper.

[@JOHNJCLARK]

Oyes a friend of mine put a LS in a old K car.

[@jim8833]

I owned a 1978 Pacer Wagon (same color as this one too), it was handed down to me from my Parents. My kids always asked me to drop them off for school a couple blocks away from the school grounds. They never saw her beauty...but I did. I loved that car!

[@norton750commando]

I love the AMC logo colours on the valve covers. Sweet touch.

[@brucebelitz3451]

I noticed right away, cool touch!

[@susancarey1958]

norton750commando that was my son’s talent. He was happy to contribute to the project since he bailed on it when he married and moved out.

[@paneraiferrari829]

I'm an Aussie, so I have no idea about these cars ... but when I first saw it i didn't think for one second it wasn't cool ... this is a very cool car :)

[@INTHEMIX74]

as a aussie myself do i need to buy you some glasses lol

[@RobertMilat]

I'm from Europe and to me the shape is so coool, I love

[@blackburn1111]

:D it's the original ones that weren't "wagon" models that were the ones people find so strange looking. This wagon one looks pretty cool imo

[@Sherwoody]

We used to call the Pacer the Fishbowl. The version Jay drove we called the Fishbowl Wagon. A friend of mine owned one, and his daughter hung a little plastic fish on the mirror.

[@Metal-Possum]

At the time of their release they were a typically horrible 1970's American car, and they've been the subject of abuse ever since. I'm not denying that they weren't awful back then, but you can't help but love them now.

[@that70sschwinn]

It actually looks better now than it did in 1978😏🚘🏠

[@furyofbongos]

Yeah, it was cringy back then!

[@fishkings423]

Still don’t like it though.

[@RaytheonNublinski]

Yeah because cars now are so ugly they make almost any alternative look amazing.

[@that70sschwinn]

I always wondered why they went with that grill design 😕

[@BlueHopi144]

yes , because cars today moslty look alike & dont offer much of those original shapes anymore ....

[@1977jed]

Being the owner of 12 Pacers, its great to see these unique lil cars finally getting some recognition....

[@kristoffersparegodt420]

Jay Delancey. You got 12?!!!😮

[@1977jed]

Kristoffer Sparegodt sure do!

[@kristoffersparegodt420]

Jay Delancey. Cool

[@Anne6621]

smart man , Pacer is one cool car !!

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

@@1977jed uhhh...would you want to sell one of those Pacers? cuz I've always loved them.(not talking about pace makers man) Amazing wide body compacts never came into vogue....especially with modern engines. The LS swap in this one is overkill...I'd probably opt for a smaller lighter replacement(turbo I-4 or V-6) with ~210-280hp. Or keep it original but tuned up a notch...Iowa has pretty lax emmisions regulations compared with stuck-up Cali millionaire liberals. Oh, and no inspections, woo-hoo! Even poor people can afford cars where I live!

[@stevepearce6689]

When I think of the best type of American , this fellow is exactly that. Lovely man. Aussie Steve

[@TheBrokenLife]

AMC people in general are the best car people you'll ever meet and the community around that brand is iron strong, because it has to be. Too bad the owner hasn't made it out to GAD (the show in Ohio he spoke of yet) because he'd fit right in.

[@chestervaldes7551]

@Cosmonauteable Sadly, the trend many Americans have fallen victim to.

[@Chorochronchotor]

​ @CanadaCraigBurned muchFatso ?!.. No worries, just get a move on ;)

[@judgegixxer]

I have a soft spot for these. My father had a yellow 76' Pacer X. In 77 when I was about 6 years old my lil brother and I rode in the back with the seat down from Edmonton Alberta to Lamar Colorado. Seeing this really took me back to that. If I had to buy a Pacer I would do exactly what he did to his. Glad to see this video.

[@Butter615s]

My Dad was an AMC guy. We always had Ambassadors and Matadors. We made the move to Pacers in 1976 and had the first 1976 Pacer X in Little Rock. We had 4 Pacers over the years, ending with my Mom’s 1979 bright Red D/L wagon. We rebuilt the engine and transmission and lovingly cared for that car for 25+ years. Say what you will- we had few issues with the Pacers over the years. Love this one, Jay!

[@CallmeDaBreeze1971]

This brings back a lot of memories for me. My parents bought a Pacer wagon new in '77 from Buckley's AMC Jackson Ohio. I remember they got a set of American Tourister luggage with the car. We were a military family so we traveled a lot. I saw America through those fishbowl windows.

[@vcolinc]

Sounds like happy memories.

[@thegoatman62]

I have worked in the Used Car Businesses for 35 years. Back in the early 90's I had a red (don't remember if it was a factory color) sedan Pacer on the lot, that I had named "The Tomato", sold it to a frequent customer who was into quirky cars. He bought it for his 16 year old daughter. He did some minor mechanical and cosmetic work on it, and had all the windows tinted red, including a windshield strip with "The Tomato" on it. His daughter refused to drive it! I know for a number of years his housekeeper used it to run errands, and she thought it was great fun! Thanks Jay for sharing all types of cars with us.

[@theodorebennett7938]

His poor daughter having to drive a tomato.

[@OpenRoader]

These are my favorite episodes. Regular Joe's building/restoring cars that are not the same old thing. Of course, any time you triple the horsepower, that instantly makes it COOL 😎 NICE WORK!

[@JB91710]

How's this for a very regular Jack build? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2O4oYBrp5qdaKM

[@SatansSpatula]

This is one of the best episode I've seen. The guy is extremely knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. Jay is obviously delighted and keeps doing his Pacer dance. Great stuff!

[@Van_Liberty]

I am telling you that at 15 years old, when the Pacer hit the scene, I thought is was one of the Coolest cars ever made. Even today, it is distinct and worthy of its place in automotive history...

[@williamwintemberg]

When these were new I wouldn't have been caught dead in one. This is not only a Super Sleeper but a fine example of what we now call a Resto Mod. I would love to own this car.

[@ashqelon7267]

We all said the exact same thing.

[@earldeanpowell]

My mom's dream car. No blind spots and AMC paid for all repairs like five years? Important to a single working mom.

[@WBush-uc9pe]

This has to be one of the sleepiest sleepers ever - Proper respect to Mr. Carey & his family for thumbing their noses at convention and building a helluvacar!

[@Vicus_of_Utrecht]

I have met sleepers like Dodge Caravans. If this thing pulled up to me I know I'd be in trouble. This ain't no sleeper.

[@chrisroach9459]

Just saw this car in person. It is very well done and very much loved. The owners are a joy to spend time with.

[@susancarey1958]

Thanks Chris! We enjoy having the chance to share our story with other enthusiasts.

[@snugbug5067]

When you love something you just dont let it go ! "The Porsche and the Pacer" That's a wonderful story. 😀👍

[@steved1387]

What a wicked cool machine, and what a charming owner. I re-evaluated Pacers thanks to Wayne's World. AMC dared to be different and produced a vehicle whose stature has grown with time. I look forward to having my own hot rod Pacer one day.

[@whiteeaglehodges45]

For Jay to spend so much time on this car,what a class act.Since you left the late night scene,no one has come close ,they are the real joke now

[@robertyorga]

"It took 41 years, but now this car is cool....."

[@alvincash3230]

This is first time I watched Jay Leno's Garage. Finally featured a car I can relate to.

[@susancarey1958]

That's great. So honored to have you see our episode. That's how we feel about the car, too. We love seeing all the hot rods and model T and exotic sports cars at the shows, but the Pacer is an every person's car. We have a constant crowd around us taking pictures and asking questions. We are approachable where other owners don't seem to engage with the folks walking by.

[@YTjndallas]

This was my first car in 1985 at age 18. I wrecked it and couldn’t find parts without internet. (Same with my Kawasaki Kz550 LTD.) The straight six four-speed stick was pretty strong! Mine was same color with woven cloth interior that had a Navajo pattern. I had planned to paint it black with tinted windows and American Racing Butterfly wheels, or slots. I called it a “mini-van before they existed. The back seat folded forward flat and the front seats folded rearward flat, so basically the entire interior transformed into a bed. It is similar to many modern Honda’s and others today. Way ahead of its time!!!

[@TheFogLakeshore]

"Body's in nice shape." 😂 The body is in PERFECT shape, Jay! Cars like this are why I watch and love Jay Leno. AMC Eagle is one of the greatest cars ever, up there beyond the Tucker and Edsel, and there is an underappreciated community out there. Not even an AMC fan but the Eagle and Pacer are great cars. One last thing: In the 1970s, American car companies made a bunch of smog wheezers, but they made small tiny cars either with a V8 option or an easy V8 transplant. So you got Monzas, Pacers, Mavericks, Mustang IIs, Vegas... a whole host of tiny, tiny cars which could all hold a small-block V8. This coincided with pushing small-block V8s out to 400 or more cubic inches. All it took to make these cars equivalent to '60s musclecars was an intake, carb, headers, cam, and milling the heads. The '70s weren't quite as malaise as everyone thinks! Jeep mods on the AMC 20 rear axle 😂 Haha this car is great!

[@houseofno]

I should add that the 49 other states don't have those crazy emissions laws where CA won't exempt any car made after 1976. Most states emission exempt cars 25 years old or older.

[@TheBrokenLife]

I would have ditched the 20 before the 304... But, at least he did all he could to it.

[@1971irvin]

But the ovner could be in better shape... 😲

[@edrcozonoking]

You were obviously never left stranded by the “reliability “ of the AMC Eagle....or have forgotten.

[@TheBrokenLife]

@@edrcozonoking I currently own 2 Eagles and they're pretty dead reliable now that I've removed all of the horrible, federally mandated, '80s emissions equipment.

[@dancehotelzumba3177]

Fantastic car! My family used to rent these in the summer to go to the beach from NYC. People would wave and smile as we drove by. I always thought it was a cool car, especially the wagon. This guy did a great job! My hats off to him.

[@pistonliberationfront6810]

Glad to meet Phillip and his wife at the 2019 Concours D'Lemons.

[@susancarey1958]

We had so much fun there, even though we didn't win a trophy...probably best because silly string on our paint job would have been awful to clean up.

[@pskton]

I was. Married in 71 and we bought a pacer wagon new in 78. It looked just like this one, except it had a wood look on the sides. We had to order it, I ordered it with a CB radio as they were popular a5 the time. Loved this car so much drove it for 10 years.

[@mathiasjohannesson9833]

I'd love to have that Pacer Wagon here in Sweden... Respect to the owner, and Mr Leno for having it on his show.

[@sundown798]

What a cool owner. You go to any local classic car shows with typical Mustang's, Corvette's and Mopar's. People immediately will gather around unique cars like this! Well done!

[@susancarey1958]

So true. We always have a crowd at any meets or shows we attend.

[@harveymcfuddlestein5575]

This is the most important show in all of media because of episodes like this.

[@terryorcutt8739]

THIS is why I love this channel. Car enthusiasts are car enthusiasts. Varied as the infinite colors of a rainbow. That Pacer is awesome!

[@chiconian49]

I bought a 3 year old 65 Ford Falcon Sprint convertible at a Ford dealership in my senior year of high school. It had been a trade in and had under 20,000 miles on it. I paid around $1,200.00 for it. I got teased by the kids in high school for buying a Falcon. They had no idea that a Falcon Sprint had a hi-pro 289. My auto shop teacher informed me that this was a very valuable car as Ford stopped making Falcon hardtops and convertibles in mid 65 to make room for the production of more new Mustangs. 65 Falcon Sprint convertibles are as rare as hens teeth now. He told me to treat it like an investment. I have kept it garaged and mostly drove it on pleasure trips and used my company cars for everything else. I sold it last year for $40.000. It was getting so I was afraid to take it to the store and leave it in the parking lot.

[@gertraba4484]

yeah FOMOCO did'nt want the competition so it shelved the SPRINT line and shifted to teh MUSTANG as a 6clyl option........

[@garlandremingtoniii4679]

Lance Boil's Lionel & Marx Trains Man. What a story. An uncle of mine had the same car. Back in the day.

[@kentuckyblugrass]

I worked with a fella that had multiple AMC's. One of them was a Javelin that he had completely restored. It was absolutely gorgeous.

[@kepecs0408]

I remember riding in my uncle's burgundy red peyser when I was about six years old. God bless you sir for such an awesome build!

[@elijahhodges4405]

I've always liked the Pacer.

[@daveb7663]

I'll have to admit, the longer I watched the video the more that car grew on me. I give it gets points for originality and its own brand of funkiness.

[@Menstral]

They were like birth control in the 80s.

[@mss627]

This guy is living my dream. I've loved the look of the Pacer since the day it rolled off of the showroom floor.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

Look at the design of that car, can you say it doesn't look better and have more character then 95% of the cars made today? I'm including every luxury & sports car out there. (Today's cars all look alike to me.)

[@seanharrison4817]

lol, appreciate the content, but this is not a beautiful car in that sense. No accounting for taste of course, but I will take typical contemporary styling over typical 70's styling, thanks. It does have character, and I am sure its mom still loved it.

[@kiwiwifi]

@Marcangelus1 hiHi from NZ DYK that cellphone connectivity comes thru aftermarket stereos. Retrofit to any vehicle!

[@TheBandit7613]

@@seanharrison4817 I have a 71' Mach 1 Keep your contemporary (boring) styling.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

@@TheBandit7613 Awesome car

[@PhilipKerry]

@broomsterm Clearly you're an ignorant arsehole .

[@johnwilliams-mk3fr]

I love the fact that Jay talks with the average Joe, fantastic!!

[@Jhihmoac]

Now I saw the Pink Playmate Javelin... I saw the Gremlins... I was surprised to see this one! One of my relatives had one of these Pacer Wagons (1980), V8, power front disc brakes, power rack and pinion steering, power windows, plush crushed velour seats, AM/FM stereo cassette... Just loaded to the gills... Smooth ride, but what I remember the most was all that R O O M!

[@dannyjacobs6734]

I hated the Pacer in the 70's, but 25 minutes of watching this has made me say to myself, "huh, not bad at all" and may have changed my 40 year old opinion! Nice job sir!

[@mgmcd1]

Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody reference from Wayne’s World, and goes right over Jay’s head. 🤓 The Archie’s. Honestly Jay!

[@theodorebennett7938]

Exactly.

[@martinliehs2513]

Jay's about a decade early with that comment.

[@frankfilippone9679]

And LEPRECHAUN, " What's the name of that bad movie with the LEPRECHAUN? " Hes so freaking funny!

[@bsquared4604]

yup!

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

LOL! Ikr? That's what i thought. *Beelzebub has the devil put aside for me? For me...for MEEEE!!*

[@DavidReese2ndA]

That's a full size Aquarium! I worked for AMC until the went out of Business! Loved the AMC Spirit, and Eagle!

[@R00ster108]

I worked on the Javelin and AMX (my favorite of their models). My father had a 1961 Rambler Classic 3 speed on the column. We also had an automatic with a push-button transmission. I always thought the Pacer was an ugly duck till I saw this wagon. Dare I say its a nice looking car?

[@davidtaysom3592]

So refreshing to see this type of car featured on Jay leno's garage

[@emmacutmore7520]

These two should do more together, they are hilarious together. Best episode ever. 😂

[@brickboiler]

You have a lot of cool cars on this channel, but this is what I really like. Just a guy and his family sharing love for a car that means something to them.

[@jamesdecross1035]

Love this channel, and the way Jay makes a hero of the average man. This guy must be so proud of what he has acheived. Great car!

[@shizuokaBLUES]

James Cross well said. I like that

[@GraemePryce1978]

Yeah, being in the Uk, I didn't really know who Jay Leno was. I'd heard the name occasionally, but I had no idea what he did until I found this channel. He does seem like a really nice guy and his collection and the enthusiasm he has for the vehicles and the people that own them is a pleasure to watch.

[@joshbrekke6374]

She’s one badass Pacer Wagon! I love it!

[@deighbo]

Glad to see just a regular guy like most of us make to your show Jay. Well done.

[@KeeperofTheMountain]

I remember the commercial for the Pacer where the guy was making a 6 foot sub sandwich in the back as the driver raced to the customer's party.

[@Tomatohater64]

Never thought I'd ever see a Pacer again. Memories of the late 70s.

[@sykwookiee]

Haven't seen Waynes World? There were a bunch of Pacers done up like the movie car ...

[@Tomatohater64]

@@sykwookiee Nope.

[@sykwookiee]

@@Tomatohater64 look it up...good flick...

[@joseramos3401]

Poor jay, he missed the Queen joke.

[@ftby59mikeD]

No, he made reference to 'Wayne's World' earlier, so he gets it!

[@upthedeise09]

Definitely missed it 😂😂😂

[@janhelfers9068]

i am pretty sure 15 minutes after he filmed this, he was like "duh, bohemian rhapsody !"

[@SirVic42]

He's admittedly obtuse about music and movies, unless the movie has a car chase. The Wayne's World Pacer scene *does* feature the Queen song, but Jay's the kind of person to forget that part.

[@DWinegarden2]

He doesn’t want anyone to make a better joke than be makes.

[@richardvillarino7996]

A really warm and fun episode. This owner and his family by the fantastic Pacer build and love thru out. Once his wife bonds with the new engine he"ll need his Gremlin just to drive again. Big smiles here.

[@hyacinthlynch843]

The ultimate sleeper car! Props to you Mr. Carey.

[@user-hx8fn2he9q]

I absolutely love cars like this. So freaking interesting.

[@adg1017]

Have to say... I actually really like this car. Super cool owner. Love how stoked he is about Pacers. My mom had one when I was really young. 👍

[@TheRealDrJoey]

In about 1973 or '74 I worked at a tool & die place in Detroit that had a contract to do a bunch of parts for the Pacer. Me and another guy made the plaster molds for the interior of the driver's door (the 4" narrower one). The part of the plant we worked in was walled off, and you had to have a pass to get in. As Jay mentions, they originally intended it to have a rotary engine, but then 2 things happened: the new Mazda rotaries got poor mileage, and the 70's OPEC debacle. A friend of mine, who worked for AMC, had a Pacer X for the weekend, and we went out and thrashed that thing. It was a BLAST to drive. For real. Maybe one of the greatest drift cars--straight from the factory--ever offered to the general public! But it was about 35 years before drifting was a thing.

[@dorklyasmr6017]

This car is honestly awesome. I know Jay is having fun goofing on it a bit, but clearly this is a special car.

[@hemaccabe4292]

Love the looks of those AMCs. Miss AMC.

[@DanTheMailman330]

Good to see good people have good things. What a nicely done car

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

That's one of the cleanest LS swaps I've ever seen. What a nice car.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Now it has an LS motor they should change the name to Outpacer.

[@mikeyfourbarrel8473]

stuart cole ha! Well played!

[@pixeltrainernathaniel1109]

That's what AMC should've named the sport version haha!

[@digitalkov]

I'll donate my Outback emblem.

[@ghostindamachine]

You win!

[@gertraba4484]

or PACER=RACER?????????????

[@audieconrad8995]

This rebuild is impeccable ....and with an LS3! Well done! These cars were well appointed and comfortable. One has to wonder what the car would have been like if the original plans had been executed with the rotary engine and front wheel drive. AMC took bold chances.

[@TOCC50]

The owner is built just like the car, no pun intended

[@audieconrad8995]

He has a pacermaker? 🤭

[@roopeshmesta456]

This episode is my favourite.. Jay seems to be in such happy mood here😅 he said the word cool almost 10times.. he was teasing him al the time in a sweet way. ... n the owner of the car too is very amazing..😍

[@andypaine7489]

Sight unseen, I'm loving this. The car is well... only a mother could love!

[@songonzalez3267]

This was a feel go. Thank you Mr. Leno to showcase this family and their beloved project.

[@michaeltaliercio4949]

Jay and Phillip are both legends love them both.

[@TOCC50]

The guy needs to lose 150 pounds

[@carloscarpinteyro332]

I have to admit that, that is the sharpest looking Pacer that I have ever seen!! In the 1977 movie , "Oh God!" You see "god" (George Burns), and John Denver driving around in one, in No. Hollywood, California, they can't be that bad!! Really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@fishkings423]

Carlos Carpinteyro I agree. I hate the Pacer a lot but this one is so well restored that despite hating this car I actually like this one one. This is the exception.

[@susancarey1958]

I love that scene. John Denver "If you're God, make it rain." George Burns/God "Why should I ruin everyones day just because you want rain?".

[@gertraba4484]

@@fishkings423 a resto mod without the bigs dubs and extreme interiors

[@dudetheblessed2524]

When I was a kid, this is the first brand new car that my mother ever bought. 258 6 cyl and a 3 speed. After she sold it, she missed that car so much that she tracked down the person that bought it and she brought it back.

[@johnwidell8092]

Jay can find a gem in cars and people. Great work on an odd car. Even the Pacer deserves its place in history. I love this man's interpretation of the car and Jay's respect for this car. Both men love all cars and treat them with the respect they deserve.

[@markweitzman4943]

I've seen this car at several local shows; very cool. Owner is a good guy too. Love Metropolitans, I've got a '59 hardtop.

[@gpalmerify]

My dad went to ArtCenter College of Design but didn't end up designing cars. He never lost appreciation for automotive innovation. We had a Nash Metropolitan because of it's art deco interior. I remember him telling me about "cab forward" as a design concept and that it wasn't invented by Chrysler (but marketed very effectively). An amusing thing that surprised new owners of Pacers was the very tight turning radius. People ran over curbs expecting the wide body to turn much slower. Love watching these videos and remembering fun stuff from the past!

[@susancarey1958]

We did a ton of shows this year, for sure. The big one coming up is Cruisin' for a Cure in Costa Mesa. We get to drive around (with the a/c on) at that one!

[@isadore1969]

Great vid! I have never seen a Pacer Wagon. With a LS motor to boot. Nice job!

[@montestu5502]

isadore1969 - I don’t recall seeing a wagon either. Way better looking than the regular pacer.

[@johnbecay6887]

i like this guy, and i like that he dares to be different.

[@simplesimon755]

This was great. Such a sweet guy and they did a top notch restoration job on that Pacer. Back in the day I learned to drive in my mom's Pacer. The funny thing is that after driving that car for so long every other car felt claustrophobic to drive. It took me a little while to get used to not driving a fish bowl. Back then I never thought I'd one day wish I had that car again but now I do. Thanks for including cars like this one on the show.

[@YTjndallas]

Jay is a super-cool, down to earth dude. My name is also Jay. So when I tell anyone my name when on the phone, I say, “Jay. Just like Jay Leno.” They always get it.

[@lrtrucking3661]

Enjoyed this ☝🏻 due to the fact it ain’t no Ferrari but the man 👨🏼 is proud of his car 🚘! That’s awesome 👏🏻 Thank you JAY for putting cars like this and the average man on your show 👌🏻

[@chakrazoo]

growing up here in Interior Alaska in the early 80's the AMC Eagle was very popular with the Mom's. Subaru's are the norm now.

[@edwardhalpin7503]

Where exactly?

[@johnny_6T8]

This was amazing! Enjoyed every second of it. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Carey for sharing this jewel with us!.. oh yea, you too Leno ;)

[@timbucktwo5929]

I absolutely love this car

[@wyattoneable]

I'm not going anywhere. I love the history, stories and cars that a common man can acquire and modify. Great picture.

[@prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998]

Actually it was ahead of its time in design! i like it!

[@2Brian]

Another great episode. Jay and his guest, Phil are two guys who truly love cars. I remember when the _terrarium_ AMCs came out. We also called them "fish bowls"

[@hyacinthlynch843]

We called them "moon buggies."

[@onenikkione]

I can still picture the small AMC Dealership in our town. Our neighbor always drove AMC cars but no wagon.

[@gertraba4484]

yeah ours too been there for 70 yrs before a WALGREENS bought em out for theproperty ..lined with scads of FSJ's CJ's and AMC's Gremlins, Pacers, etc up until mid 80's

[@matonmongo]

A 2-door wagon, amazing... and blown away by a Pacer, woulda loved to have seen the look on the Porsche guy's face!

[@codysmith9813]

My father had a 77 pacer wagon a year ago, I had 1 a year ago also but mine was a 258 inline 6 coupe. drove it to work for 6 months and around. Dark blue metallic with light blue interior.

[@workman88]

I like how Jay is just like everyone chill this car is cool... don't leave.

[@sleepyhollow783]

AMC?! You have my undivided attention! This is how a sleeper is made/restored. Perfect disguise. Great valve cover tribute. AMC 4 Ever ❤

[@YoumuHoover]

For some reason I want one just because of how weird they are

[@Dankcatvacs]

And cause it looks like a vacuum

[@Quetzalcoatl999]

Keep in mind Jay Leno's require a lot of care and grooming.

[@QuanticChaos1000]

I wish I never sold mine.

[@adityasanthanam1945]

Rick Hoover I also want one. They also look cool, futuristic, and different from all the boring modern cars.

[@stevenswm9844]

My parents had (I believe) a 75 Pacer X...it was the sporty version! It was maroon and white, and so wide it could handle curves really well! I remember the first time we all took it out, and a car with some kids pulled up beside us with their windows down, and I heard this kid say... IT LOOKS LIKE A SPACE-MOBILE! (mō- bēl) LOL

[@Bushface13]

Thank you for restoring and modifying this beauty.

[@danielfox3003]

My buddy had one of these in high school, he drove like a grandma. I drove it a couple times and realized it had V8 power. It was surprisingly fast with the right person behind the wheel.

[@ginbelg1]

It's very cool to see all the comments about the car, not a single bad word!

[@RivieraByBuick]

here u go - the car is beautiful, but the owner is an ugly obese average american.

[@digitalkov]

Here's a new slogan for Jenny Craig: "Make your car go faster. Join Jenny Craig today!"

[@larsvegas1505]

also i dont like the noise it makes... i would want it to be smooth sailing.. no squeeking/ratteling..

[@curtekstrom6600]

The Car was Designed from H.R. Puffinstuff.

[@festol1]

Can't believe those are the factory wheels. This car look very good! Nice paint job too!

[@ramblerdave1339]

Yes, I had those same wheels on a 77 Hornet X. The third best factory rally steel wheel that AMC offered, behind "The Machine" 15" wheel, and the Chrome Magnum 500 (1968 only). I transferred those wheels to my '64 Rambler Classic hardtop, then to my '66 Rebel. Considered having 15" rims put on the 14" centers, until I bent one in a pothole, and couldn't find a replacement (they only made them for '77-'78, on the "X" option). The closest design to them was the BMW 320i steel wheel, although people without a critical eye, would mistake them for Mopar rallys, which have much more rounded cutouts. The aluminum wheels from the later Dodge Mirada, were a similar design, very well done.

[@Jo_Knows_]

Awesome Pacer, Phil and Susan. You guys are awesome and genuine people. Thank you for letting me know about your car, Susan. Hopefully, I’ll see you around work again

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

Of all of Jay Leno‘s car videos this one is my new favorite! You have to have a lotta respect for people who restore AMCs! No one (or almost no one) is re-popping parts for them!

[@catey62]

Far out, I was surprised when they were saying they came with factory V8's and sixes...living in Australia you dont see them here and so we know very little about them. I was under the impression they were a 4 cylinder compact car. one of the things I love about your channel Jay is the fact you'll show any kind of car on here regardless of make or model, so you get to see some very unusual and unique cars on here. greetings from a car loving girl from Down Under.