Advertised as “the first wide small car”, this 1976 American Motors Corp. Pacer is powered by an inline 6 producing 100 bhp coupled with an Automatic column shift, 3-speed transmission. The vehicle is now located in Rocklin, California and runs perfectly. 

In 2007, Dale bought this Pacer as a project for he and his son. Originally from New Jersey, there was significant rust in the floor panels that has since been cut out and replaced. Paint and cosmetic upgrades were accomplished in 2009. It has new interior, seats, headliner and carpet. 

Now at 97,617 miles, the Pacer’s rust has been remediated and its condition is described as very good by its owner. According to him, his car is “A #10 from 10 feet away”. It has front and rear drum brakes, power steering and AC. 

Dale is a member of the SacEV car club and currently owns two electric cars. Now that Dale’s son is 28 and lives in Ohio, he decided that EV conversion is the best upgrade for this fun car. 

Dale will ship the Pacer cross-country to a converter of his choice. Before that, he will upgrade the brakes, wheels and suspension. He is open to suggestions regarding ICE-related parts removed from his vehicle and will consider selling or trading those parts as an option. 

Knowing that the automatic transmission is not recommended for EV conversion, Dale is open to either manual transmission or direct drive. He wants to use as many used EV parts as possible. He has no motor or battery preference but expects the car to be more powerful than today, targeting 150-200 horsepower, and reaching a top speed of 80 mph. 

With a curb weight of 2990 lb., the Pacer is not light and Dale expects to drive at least 100 miles between charges. It will be primarily used in the city and charging will mostly happen during evening hours at home (already equipped with a level 2 home charger).

Dash and gauges are original.  Dale would like to keep them as they are, reusing the fuel gauge for battery level, and concealing the BMS functions or any other digital display in the glove box. The AC does not work anymore and needs to be replaced.

Dale’s Pacer is not the first Pacer to be converted to electric. The Electric Vehicle Associates (EVA) of Cleveland converted over 100 units in 1978. They used eighteen 6-volt lead–acid batteries and a 15 kW series DC motor at that time. 

1978 EVA Change of Pacer front battery pack. Credit Christopher Ziemnowicz.

https://automotivehistory.org/last-amc-pacer/

No towing requirement.