3. AMC Pacer X
In a desperate attempt to draw the performance-oriented crowd, AMC introduced the Pacer X. It was a high-performance version of their legendary compact car. They equipped it with the VAM package for 1979. The Pacer X featured a 4.6-liter straight-six engine with a raised compression ratio and more power.
The output was around 150 HP. Despite the fact it sounds funny today, this was a serious performing car by late ’70s standards. Of course, with the added power, AMC provided their customers with a special appearance package to make the X stand out from regular Pacers.