1978 AMC Pacer Wagon - Jay Leno’s Garage

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
  • 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
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Komentáře • 2,5K

  • @kmrumedy
    @kmrumedy Před 5 lety +451

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

    • @onelogue
      @onelogue Před 5 lety +20

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

    • @christianmagana329
      @christianmagana329 Před 4 lety +29

      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
      @susancarey1958 Před 4 lety +30

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

    • @team3383
      @team3383 Před 4 lety +3

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

    • @team3383
      @team3383 Před 4 lety +1

      @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
    @tylerprescott3501 Před 5 lety +199

    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
      @team3383 Před 4 lety +6

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

    • @JasonSmith-vp6vl
      @JasonSmith-vp6vl Před 3 lety

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

    • @DM-wp9vq
      @DM-wp9vq Před 2 měsíci

      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)

  • @johnuhl3400
    @johnuhl3400 Před 5 lety +227

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

  • @iainmackenzie3704
    @iainmackenzie3704 Před 5 lety +342

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

    • @2Brian
      @2Brian Před 5 lety +48

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

    • @jaredmehrlich6683
      @jaredmehrlich6683 Před 5 lety +3

      A legend in many circles

    • @fifteenbyfive
      @fifteenbyfive Před 5 lety +6

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

    • @kristoffersparegodt420
      @kristoffersparegodt420 Před 4 lety +2

      Brian Hamilton 😂😂

    • @mrjomaled755
      @mrjomaled755 Před 4 lety +6

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

  • @florianmessemer147
    @florianmessemer147 Před 4 lety +58

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

  • @hope6571
    @hope6571 Před 5 lety +88

    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
      @ontogeny6474 Před 5 lety +6

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

    • @Patrick_B687-3
      @Patrick_B687-3 Před 2 lety +1

      @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
      @slimsauce8276 Před měsícem

      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 🫡

  • @jim8833
    @jim8833 Před 5 lety +62

    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!

  • @pablojose4890
    @pablojose4890 Před 5 lety +156

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

    • @JOHNJCLARK
      @JOHNJCLARK Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @paneraiferrari829
    @paneraiferrari829 Před 5 lety +104

    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
      @INTHEMIX74 Před 5 lety +4

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

    • @RobertMilat
      @RobertMilat Před 4 lety +10

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

    • @blackburn1111
      @blackburn1111 Před 4 lety +6

      :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
      @Sherwoody Před 3 lety +2

      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
      @Metal-Possum Před 2 lety

      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.

  • @Butter615s
    @Butter615s Před 2 lety +8

    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!

  • @1977jed
    @1977jed Před 5 lety +138

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

    • @kristoffersparegodt420
      @kristoffersparegodt420 Před 4 lety +8

      Jay Delancey. You got 12?!!!😮

    • @1977jed
      @1977jed Před 4 lety +4

      Kristoffer Sparegodt sure do!

    • @kristoffersparegodt420
      @kristoffersparegodt420 Před 4 lety +1

      Jay Delancey. Cool

    • @Anne6621
      @Anne6621 Před 4 lety +1

      smart man , Pacer is one cool car !!

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 Před 4 lety +1

      @@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!

  • @that70sschwinn
    @that70sschwinn Před 5 lety +429

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

    • @furyofbongos
      @furyofbongos Před 5 lety +2

      Yeah, it was cringy back then!

    • @fishkings423
      @fishkings423 Před 5 lety

      Still don’t like it though.

    • @RaytheonNublinski
      @RaytheonNublinski Před 5 lety +16

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

    • @that70sschwinn
      @that70sschwinn Před 5 lety

      I always wondered why they went with that grill design 😕

    • @BlueHopi144
      @BlueHopi144 Před 5 lety +6

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

  • @CallmeDaBreeze1971
    @CallmeDaBreeze1971 Před 5 lety +35

    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
      @vcolinc Před 4 lety +5

      Sounds like happy memories.

  • @norton750commando
    @norton750commando Před 5 lety +69

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

    • @brucebelitz3451
      @brucebelitz3451 Před 5 lety +5

      I noticed right away, cool touch!

    • @susancarey1958
      @susancarey1958 Před 4 lety +9

      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.

  • @judgegixxer
    @judgegixxer Před 2 lety +1

    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.

  • @stevepearce6689
    @stevepearce6689 Před 5 lety +79

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

    • @TheBrokenLife
      @TheBrokenLife Před 5 lety +7

      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
      @chestervaldes7551 Před 5 lety

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

    • @Chorochronchotor
      @Chorochronchotor Před 5 lety

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

  • @thegoatman62
    @thegoatman62 Před 5 lety +18

    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.

  • @SatansSpatula
    @SatansSpatula Před 4 lety +54

    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!

  • @earldeanpowell
    @earldeanpowell Před 4 lety +18

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

  • @Van_Liberty
    @Van_Liberty Před rokem +1

    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...

  • @OpenRoader
    @OpenRoader Před 5 lety +62

    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
      @JB91710 Před 5 lety +1

      How's this for a very regular Jack build? czcams.com/video/M2UpM5r5j2A/video.html

  • @williamwintemberg
    @williamwintemberg Před 5 lety +39

    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.

  • @WBush-uc9pe
    @WBush-uc9pe Před 5 lety +33

    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
      @Vicus_of_Utrecht Před rokem

      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.

  • @KeeperofTheMountain
    @KeeperofTheMountain Před 3 lety +2

    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.

  • @Jhihmoac
    @Jhihmoac Před 4 lety +2

    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!

  • @steved1387
    @steved1387 Před 4 lety +17

    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.

  • @robertyorga
    @robertyorga Před 4 lety +16

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

  • @chiconian49
    @chiconian49 Před 5 lety +9

    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
      @gertraba4484 Před 5 lety +2

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

    • @garlandremingtoniii4679
      @garlandremingtoniii4679 Před 3 lety

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

  • @YTjndallas
    @YTjndallas Před 3 lety +2

    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!!!

  • @mgmcd1
    @mgmcd1 Před 5 lety +75

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

  • @TheFogLakeshore
    @TheFogLakeshore Před 5 lety +31

    "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
      @houseofno Před 5 lety +3

      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
      @TheBrokenLife Před 5 lety

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

    • @1971irvin
      @1971irvin Před 5 lety

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

    • @edrcozonoking
      @edrcozonoking Před 5 lety

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

    • @TheBrokenLife
      @TheBrokenLife Před 5 lety

      @@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.

  • @whiteeaglehodges45
    @whiteeaglehodges45 Před 5 lety +12

    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

  • @dancehotelzumba3177
    @dancehotelzumba3177 Před 4 lety +5

    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.

  • @kentuckyblugrass
    @kentuckyblugrass Před 3 lety +2

    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.

  • @pistonliberationfront6810
    @pistonliberationfront6810 Před 5 lety +23

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

    • @susancarey1958
      @susancarey1958 Před 5 lety +3

      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
      @pskton Před 4 lety +2

      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.

  • @joseramos3401
    @joseramos3401 Před 5 lety +174

    Poor jay, he missed the Queen joke.

    • @ftby59mikeD
      @ftby59mikeD Před 5 lety +9

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

    • @upthedeise09
      @upthedeise09 Před 5 lety +28

      Definitely missed it 😂😂😂

    • @janhelfers9068
      @janhelfers9068 Před 5 lety +14

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

    • @SirVic42
      @SirVic42 Před 5 lety +12

      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
      @DWinegarden2 Před 5 lety +11

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

  • @Zelomeisterdude
    @Zelomeisterdude Před 5 lety +111

    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
      @seanharrison4817 Před 5 lety +4

      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
      @kiwiwifi Před 5 lety +1

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

    • @TheBandit7613
      @TheBandit7613 Před 5 lety +3

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

    • @Zelomeisterdude
      @Zelomeisterdude Před 5 lety +1

      @@TheBandit7613 Awesome car

    • @PhilipKerry
      @PhilipKerry Před 5 lety +2

      @broomsterm Clearly you're an ignorant arsehole .

  • @chrisroach9459
    @chrisroach9459 Před 2 lety +3

    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
      @susancarey1958 Před 2 lety +4

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

  • @codysmith9813
    @codysmith9813 Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @sundown798
    @sundown798 Před 3 lety +1

    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
      @susancarey1958 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @snugbug5067
    @snugbug5067 Před 5 lety +13

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

  • @thechumpsbeendumped.7797
    @thechumpsbeendumped.7797 Před 5 lety +207

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

  • @elijahhodges4405
    @elijahhodges4405 Před 5 lety +66

    I've always liked the Pacer.

    • @daveb7663
      @daveb7663 Před 5 lety +2

      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
      @Menstral Před 5 lety

      They were like birth control in the 80s.

  • @kepecs0408
    @kepecs0408 Před 3 lety +2

    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!

  • @_chan.burn.21_
    @_chan.burn.21_ Před 3 lety +1

    Funny enough, driving back to campus from a weekend home, I saw a whole yard full of old, rusted AMC cars including a couple Pacer Wagons just like this one.
    I'm more of a VW/European car guy myself, but I just love AMC and especially the Pacer. If I had to own an American classic, it'd be a 3-way-tie between a DeLorean, a Pacer, and a Corvair.

  • @dannyjacobs6734
    @dannyjacobs6734 Před 4 lety +15

    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!

  • @terryorcutt8739
    @terryorcutt8739 Před 5 lety +4

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

  • @chakrazoo
    @chakrazoo Před 5 lety +28

    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.

  • @mathiasjohannesson9833
    @mathiasjohannesson9833 Před rokem +1

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

  • @johnwilliams-mk3fr
    @johnwilliams-mk3fr Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @mss627
    @mss627 Před 5 lety +6

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

  • @audieconrad8995
    @audieconrad8995 Před 3 lety +13

    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
      @TOCC50 Před rokem

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

    • @audieconrad8995
      @audieconrad8995 Před rokem +1

      He has a pacermaker? 🤭

  • @TheRealDrJoey
    @TheRealDrJoey Před 5 lety +6

    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.

  • @alvincash3230
    @alvincash3230 Před 3 lety +2

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

    • @susancarey1958
      @susancarey1958 Před 3 lety +1

      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.

  • @roopeshmesta456
    @roopeshmesta456 Před 3 lety +2

    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..😍

  • @jamesdecross1035
    @jamesdecross1035 Před 5 lety +62

    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
      @shizuokaBLUES Před 5 lety +1

      James Cross well said. I like that

    • @GraemePryce1978
      @GraemePryce1978 Před 5 lety +4

      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.

  • @carloscarpinteyro332
    @carloscarpinteyro332 Před 5 lety +10

    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
      @fishkings423 Před 5 lety +2

      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
      @susancarey1958 Před 5 lety +3

      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
      @gertraba4484 Před 5 lety

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

  • @DavidReese2ndA
    @DavidReese2ndA Před 5 lety +14

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

    • @R00ster108
      @R00ster108 Před 5 lety

      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?

  • @adg1017
    @adg1017 Před 5 lety +11

    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. 👍

  • @hyacinthlynch843
    @hyacinthlynch843 Před rokem +2

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

  • @mattfarahsmillionmilelexus

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

  • @joshbrekke6374
    @joshbrekke6374 Před 3 lety +3

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

  • @markweitzman4943
    @markweitzman4943 Před 5 lety +51

    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
      @gpalmerify Před 5 lety

      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
      @susancarey1958 Před 5 lety +2

      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!

  • @bernlin2000
    @bernlin2000 Před 2 lety +1

    Certainly the best-looking wagon I've ever seen lol. And what a great entry in an era when there was massive Mercuries and Lincolns. Great little car with some seriously-quirky windows lol. But I'm sure it was a great view.

  • @hemaccabe4292
    @hemaccabe4292 Před 3 lety +2

    Love the looks of those AMCs. Miss AMC.

  • @the_original_Bilb_Ono
    @the_original_Bilb_Ono Před 5 lety +15

    7:25 the Eagle that jay is talking about is a huge cult hit where i live in the blue ridge mountains. they are very sought after and not easy to find. its like having a 4x4 lifted truck and mini-van built into a compact car.

    • @the_original_Bilb_Ono
      @the_original_Bilb_Ono Před 5 lety +2

      note: if any is selling an Eagle in southern VA or northern NC let me know i want one and have cash in hand.

    • @OMGWTFLOLSMH
      @OMGWTFLOLSMH Před 5 lety

      Pretty sure most of them disintegrated into a pile of rust.

    • @anthonyc1883
      @anthonyc1883 Před 5 lety +5

      All these years later, the Eagle strikes me as an early version of what we now know as the crossover.

    • @Anthonyjt12
      @Anthonyjt12 Před 5 lety +2

      The first crossover

    • @anthonyc362
      @anthonyc362 Před 5 lety

      Bilb Ono I remember seeing those in Lake Tahoe as a kid.

  • @johnbecay6887
    @johnbecay6887 Před 5 lety +24

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

  • @richardvillarino7996
    @richardvillarino7996 Před 3 lety +3

    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.

  • @matonmongo
    @matonmongo Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @DanTheMailman330
    @DanTheMailman330 Před 4 lety +2

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

  • @YoumuHoover
    @YoumuHoover Před 5 lety +229

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

    • @Dankcatvacs
      @Dankcatvacs Před 5 lety +1

      And cause it looks like a vacuum

    • @Quetzalcoatl999
      @Quetzalcoatl999 Před 5 lety +4

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

    • @QuanticChaos1000
      @QuanticChaos1000 Před 5 lety +2

      I wish I never sold mine.

    • @adityasanthanam1945
      @adityasanthanam1945 Před 5 lety +1

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

    • @stevenswm9844
      @stevenswm9844 Před 5 lety +2

      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

  • @harveymcfuddlestein5575
    @harveymcfuddlestein5575 Před 4 lety +3

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

  • @prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998
    @prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998 Před 5 lety +11

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

  • @simplesimon755
    @simplesimon755 Před 4 lety +1

    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
    @YTjndallas Před 3 lety +2

    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.

  • @brickboiler
    @brickboiler Před 5 lety +10

    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.

  • @dorklyasmr6017
    @dorklyasmr6017 Před 5 lety +9

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

  • @lrtrucking3661
    @lrtrucking3661 Před 5 lety +4

    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 👌🏻

  • @davidtaysom3592
    @davidtaysom3592 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @user-hx8fn2he9q
    @user-hx8fn2he9q Před 2 lety +2

    I absolutely love cars like this. So freaking interesting.

  • @onenikkione
    @onenikkione Před 5 lety +25

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

    • @gertraba4484
      @gertraba4484 Před 5 lety

      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

  • @thebakerman1
    @thebakerman1 Před 5 lety +7

    Never knew the Pacer was offered in a wagon. I never cared for the regular Pacer but admittedly the wagon isn't bad at all.

  • @cannednolan8194
    @cannednolan8194 Před 5 lety +67

    I knew someone who had the eagle. They loved it with our Canadian roads.

    • @TheBrokenLife
      @TheBrokenLife Před 5 lety +2

      Now you know 2 people... I own 2 Eagles.

    • @ClintMaas
      @ClintMaas Před 5 lety +1

      We knew a guy up on Whitefish lake in Canada who'd drive his Eagle all around the lake in the winter. The thing was a tank.

    • @user-neo71665
      @user-neo71665 Před 5 lety

      Buddy had one that he made into a mud buggy. As far as I know his dad is still beating on that car

    • @CamaroAmx
      @CamaroAmx Před 5 lety +3

      Back in high school I used to buy my cars from a local junkyard. They always had running, driving inspected cars out front for sale for cheap (not one was more the $550). One of the times I was there they had an Eagle wagon. I ended up not buying it cause I didn’t know anything about them. I ended up buying a Bronco II. Funny thing is about 4 months later I decided I wanted a muscle car. I looked at a bunch and feel in love with a 73 Javelin/AMX and I bought it. When it was time to buy another daily a year later (I rolled the Bronco), I went back to that junkyard and the Eagle was gone (I had every intention of buying it). I ended up buying a Plymouth Duster/Turismo which I destroyed the trans in (it didn’t like neutral drops). But I wasn’t worried cause the AMX was about ready for the road anyway. Over the years I kept looking for an Eagle but every one I found was either stupid priced or way to far gone. So I settled on my 98 Jeep TJ (as CJs are dumb money as well). Still have my 73 AMX.

    • @hawkdsl
      @hawkdsl Před 5 lety

      The first sport/all terrain car... way ahead of its time. Now cars like that are the standard. Poor AMC.. just couldn't get a break.

  • @catey62
    @catey62 Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @emmacutmore7520
    @emmacutmore7520 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @ginbelg1
    @ginbelg1 Před 5 lety +28

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

    • @RivieraByBuick
      @RivieraByBuick Před 5 lety +6

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

    • @digitalkov
      @digitalkov Před 5 lety +1

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

    • @larsvegas1505
      @larsvegas1505 Před 5 lety

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

    • @curtekstrom6600
      @curtekstrom6600 Před 5 lety

      The Car was Designed from H.R. Puffinstuff.

  • @yaboi8616
    @yaboi8616 Před 5 lety +5

    Phil's an absolute unit

  • @deke441
    @deke441 Před 5 lety +34

    Shout out to the Southern Cal Pennysaver!! Used to work for them but they are no more. A fixture in mailboxes for years and years. RIP!

    • @chicolittle5409
      @chicolittle5409 Před 5 lety

      I'm sure that somehow, libtards were responsible for their demise. Just like they're killing everything else in what was once a beautiful state.

  • @deighbo
    @deighbo Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @timbucktwo5929
    @timbucktwo5929 Před 3 lety +2

    I absolutely love this car

  • @michaeltaliercio4949
    @michaeltaliercio4949 Před 3 lety +4

    Jay and Phillip are both legends love them both.

    • @TOCC50
      @TOCC50 Před rokem

      The guy needs to lose 150 pounds

  • @sleepyhollow783
    @sleepyhollow783 Před 5 lety +6

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

  • @2Brian
    @2Brian Před 5 lety +9

    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"

  • @andypaine7489
    @andypaine7489 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @johnwidell8092
    @johnwidell8092 Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @isadore1969
    @isadore1969 Před 5 lety +41

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

    • @montestu5502
      @montestu5502 Před 5 lety

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

  • @Tomatohater64
    @Tomatohater64 Před 5 lety +12

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

    • @sykwookiee
      @sykwookiee Před 5 lety

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

    • @Tomatohater64
      @Tomatohater64 Před 5 lety

      @@sykwookiee Nope.

    • @sykwookiee
      @sykwookiee Před 5 lety

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

  • @motorTranz
    @motorTranz Před 5 lety +43

    I thought I would never say this; that's a good lookin' Pacer.

    • @johnmichaelkarma
      @johnmichaelkarma Před 5 lety +3

      It was a true standout design it its day. Compared to other compacts like the Pinto n Vega it had an advanced and thoughtful design maximizing interior room. Some of the best cars have great "green greenhouses" I would prefer it over those cars in the 3 dr hatch configuration though I would opt for the Pinto wagon.

    • @johnmichaelkarma
      @johnmichaelkarma Před 5 lety

      corr: 1 green intended

  • @josephgaviota
    @josephgaviota Před 3 lety +1

    They mention the Nethercutt Museum 19:01 ... if you haven't been there, it's _DEFINITELY_ worth the trip.
    I haven't been in a while, but back in the day, you had to make a reservation, and it was required to wear slacks and a button shirt ... but the price is free, and the place is MAGNIFICENT !!!

  • @festol1
    @festol1 Před 5 lety +9

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

    • @ramblerdave1339
      @ramblerdave1339 Před rokem

      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.