Top Tips for Buying a Used Chrysler VG Pacer

Chrysler’s budget-priced Pacer appeared in 1969 with bright colours, distinctive ‘Tombstone’ seats and a three-speed floor-shift.

A year after the original VF model was launched came a restyled and more refined VG. This was the Adelaide-built car that Chrysler believed had the right combination of power, equipment and pricing to do battle with the rival Holden Torana and Ford Falcon V8.

Chrysler Pacer- Image: Shannons

The basic Pacer engine was a 4.0-litre, 245 cubic inch inline six-cylinder with a two-barrel (2BBL) carburettor. A three-speed transmission was standard (with automatic optional) as were four doors. The VG Pacer was also available as a two-door Hardtop. 

Concerns about rigidity saw performance-oriented buyers stick with the sedan, but Pacer Hardtops still sold well among those who fancied something stylish with performance. 

VG Pacer colours joined in the fun with clever names like Little Hood Riding Red, Bondi Bleach White and (for whale watchers) Thar She Blue.

image: Shannons

Inside, the VF's  'tombstone' bucket seats had been swapped for more conventional buckets and the ventilation system improved. The dash was redesigned to accommodate a tachometer and there were extra safety features plus a blacked out 'anti-glare' bonnet.

The VG Pacer engine was sufficient reason to buy this car on its own. The in-line Hemi six with seven bearings was durable and in 2BBL form produced around 155kW. Cars intended for competition, with modified engines and a single four-barrel carb, were said to make a gutsy 211kW. 

Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes were standard and the Pacer was geared to do its best work on the Mt Panorama circuit at Bathurst, where 4BBL cars could run from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) without a gearchange.

Even 2BBLs had a top speed of 182km/h and tall gearing that helped with fuel economy. Ironically, an instance where that frugality came in handy was at the 1970 Bathurst 500 Mile race where the economical 2BBL sedans used far fuel and finished a lap ahead of the thirsty 4BBLs.

Fortunes have been mixed for the Pacer during the past 40 years, with 4BBL sedans sometimes exceeding $100,000 but 2BBL two- and four-doors remaining below $50,000 until quite recently.

Things To Watch Out For, When Buying a Used Chrysler VG Pacer

• Underbody rust to torsion bar (front) and rear spring attachment points

• Worn Hardtop door hinges

• Clutch wear due to high first-gear ratio

• Sagging front suspension requiring torsion bar replacement

• Rear brakes not operating at all

• Seat frames cracked or twisted, especially in Hardtop

• Hardtop window seals allowing water to enter the cabin

Investment Rating: 6/10