Key Takeaways

• Despite criticism for its design, the AMC Pacer's iconic role in Wayne's World led to increased appreciation for this example, selling for over $37,000 at its first auction in 2016.
• The Pacer, featured in the movie, received a restoration in 2015 and then sold for $71,000 in 2022, solidifying its nostalgic value.
• While the Pacer was not a high-performance car, its innovative design and cult following have led to modest auction values and loyal enthusiasts.

While love for the AMC Pacer is not universal, its unforgettable role in the '90s Wayne's World film (and its sequel) means it likely brings back fond memories even for those who can't stand its innovative design. As quirky as the movie's protagonists, the car is instantly recognizable. After the film, the American car got sold at auction some 23 years later, then again about 2 years ago at Barrett Jackson. We look at the Mirthmobile's journey from unlikely movie star to appreciating movie prop; a brief tribute to what is most likely the most valuable AMC Pacer out there.

This Movie Scene Made The AMC Pacer An Automotive Icon

Highlights Of The Wayne's World AMC Pacer's Journey So Far

• The car has been in various museums and events, but its first post-film big break was in an episode of Pawn Stars in 2015
• The Wayne's World Pacer was then sold in 2016 for more than $37,000 in its restored state
• Fast-forward 6 years, the famous AMC sold once more for $71,500

The AMC Pacer made various appearances in Wayne's World and its sequel, but arguably one of the most memorable is from the opening credits of the first movie - where the car gets seen driving downtown at night. In that sequence, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey are seen rocking out to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Wayne's World, which was initially derived from a Saturday Night Live sketch, was released at the start of 1992, with a sequel following at the end of 1993. After its roles in the two films, the exact AMC Pacer changed hands and ended up sitting in a deteriorated condition for some time. Luckily, it was bought in 2015 and subsequently featured in an episode of the Pawn Stars reality TV show. After receiving restoration, it eventually sold for $37,400 at a Barrett Jackson auction as part of the 2016 Las Vegas lot. That wasn't the end of the road for the Pacer. It then sold again as part of the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2022 lot for $71,500. This almost doubling of its price suggests that the love never went away for the Pacer, nor the 90s comedy film.

The Wayne's World AMC Pacer In More Detail

The Wayne's World AMC Pacer Highlights

• The iconic AMC was painted in baby blue with flame decals for the film
• Mis-matched style wheels complete the unique exterior
• Inside, the AMC packs unique features, such as a dash-mounted soda cup dispenser

Wayne and Garth made this Pacer unique for the film, but it has character and originality all of its own. For a start, the movie studio sourced a yellow Pacer and painted it baby blue, adding flame decals to the side, along with mismatched wheels front/rear. It turned out to be genius. Next, there were more upgrades to the interior that made this car unique: a dash-mounted soda cup dispenser and a candy dispenser in the roof, where the dome light would otherwise be. Under the hood was just the 3.8-liter six-cylinder though; nothing special there. Interestingly, only one car got converted for the film (and sequel), since no stunts were being performed and, as such, spare cars weren't needed.

Following the appearance in Pawn Stars in 2015, the car looks to be in good condition - that's because, before its first auction in 2016, it received a sympathetic restoration to bring it back to its authentic movie condition. This restoration covered everything from stripping the body down to sheet metal and repainting, to refurbishing the interior completely, retaining the iconic movie props such as the candy dispenser. Mechanically, the car has a rebuilt steering rack, exhaust, alternator, battery, belts and much more repaired or rebuilt. On the outside, there were new hubcaps, grille, light lenses, and other repairs or refurbishments. AMC fans no doubt loved to see the Pacer finally getting the attention it deserved. It was almost a new car back in 2016, but still 100% Mirthmobile.

The AMC Pacer Continues To Remain An Icon

AMC Pacer Fast Facts

• The AMC Pacer is worth an average of $3-21,000 at auction (Classic)
• Produced as a hatchback and station wagon, it lacked power and was criticized for its distinctive styling
• A focus on interior space led to the car also being 77" wide
• It enjoys a loyal following today from enthusiasts, although values remain modest at auction

AMC Pacer Basic Specifications

American Motor Corporation's Pacer, introduced for the 1975 model year, was as wide as a full-size American car of the time, but cut off short at the back, resulting in a small car in length but not in width. It did feature various other innovations, such as the large glasshouse, the placement of the windshield (further forward), its relatively large cabin (for a compact), and a smooth and quiet ride. Another innovation that didn't make it from the designers' blueprints to production was, surprisingly, a Wankel rotary engine. This would have made the Pacer wildly different to drive, but instead, it got a pair of straight-six engines that weren't overly fuel-efficient nor very powerful.

A 5-liter V8 engine released later provided an incremental upgrade in power, but there was never a truly performance-focused Pacer offered. Despite its faults or its clunky styling, its design was forward-thinking for sure with its shorter length, slightly cab-forward setup, increased visibility from the inside, and focus on fuel economy. Perhaps it's thanks to this notoriety that it got chosen for Wayne's World. Only a quirky, memorable little car like the Pacer would do as a trusty steed for a pair like Wayne and Garth.

Takeaways From The AMC Pacer And Its Story

Sources: Hagerty, History, Barrett-Jackson, Classic