The Pacer's width is equal to domestic vehicles at the time, and this unique design feature was promoted by AMC as 'the first wide small car.' The Pacer was the first modern,, U.S.
Automobile design using the concept. The Pacer's rounded and aerodynamic 'jellybean' styling has made it an icon of the 1970s.
The body surface was 37 percent glass, and its surface area of 5,615 (3.6 m 2) was 16 percent more than the average passenger car at the time. The May 1976 issue of dubbed it 'The Flying Fishbowl,' and it was also described as 'the seventies answer to 's mode of transportation' at a time when 'Detroit was still rolling out boat-sized gas guzzlers.' Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Design [ ] American Motors' chief stylist began work on the Pacer in 1971, anticipating an increase in demand for smaller vehicles through the decade. The new car was designed to offer the interior room and feel of a big car that drivers of traditional domestic automobiles were accustomed to, but in a much smaller, aerodynamic, and purposefully distinctive exterior package.
American Motors called it 'Project Amigo' as a fresh design 'featuring a body style not seen before, using the latest technology, and exceeding upcoming safety regulations.' Magazine noted that 'AMC said it was the first car designed from the inside out. Four passengers were positioned with reasonable clearances and then the rest of the car was built around them as compactly as possible.'