A friend invited me

to a car show last weekend and usually you will find something very unique. Sometimes it is hidden,  maybe hard to find, or it is in your face like this Pacer resto mod...

Seriously some guy went all out on an AMC Pacer, it had me smiling and remembering when I eye witnessed the demise of one of these cherished automobiles of historical significance...

I worked at a Volvo Saab dealer and one day there was a commotion in the shop of 8+ mechanics, not technicians as they are called today.

Mechanics could look at a problem and figure out how to repair the defect. Sometimes this included improvisation, welding, a big hammer and gut instincts.

Technicians look at their Flute meter, or diagnostic computer screen and see that the computer is telling them to replace a part. A sensor, a brain box or any other electrical or computer part that vehicles use today. 

Anyway, the hub bub in the garage came across as "FIRE", any fire associated with a vehicle is not good. I have been involved in a few and you have little time to decide what to do.

So, out the rear door of the shop we all run and there to the left is a small plume of smoke coming from a car parked behind the shop. An AMC Pacer no less, a light piss colored Pacer, classic color for the year and model. One of the mechanics had the foresight to call 911 and tell them that a car was on fire, the fire department was dispatched and arrived within a few minutes. This is when the story evolves into "The Pacer" legacy.

All of the mechanics and I were standing across the street already stating that it would be best to let it burn, just kidding?

As we watched the firemen doing their sworn duty, we all started to notice  something, possibly unusual? They (firemen) seemed to be moving in slow motion, yes really, not one of them was in a hurry to, to, to stop the flames that were engulfing this, this remarkable piece of automotive history. As the mechanics and I looked at each other we understood, this was something that was not worth saving, it was better off as a burnt out shell of a pimple on the ass of automotive history. 

Needless to say once it was completely engulfed and a total loss did the hoses start to put forth the life saving water needed to save a piece of?

True story...

W