Revenge of the Nerd Cars!

What?

Yes, there is such a thing as Nerd Cars.

Dean Renwick of Toronto never classified himself as one of the nerds. Yet, he jumped at the opportunity to purchase a bona fide Nerd Car: 1976 AMC Pacer D/L. He bought the car a couple of years ago.

What is a 1976 AMC Pacer D/L? If anything, it is a much maligned vehicle because it definitely exudes nerdish charisma. Its odd-shaped lines, garish headlights and excessive use of glass remind me of Garth from Wayne’s World. In fact, the Pacer was the car Wayne and Garth used in the movie. Yup, that small vehicle that fitted their entire garage band.

But Dean has a lot of good things to say about the Pacer, as reported by Canada.com,

"It was virtually fresh out of the box with only about 6,000 miles," he says. "To my surprise, it drove and handled like a full-sized car with its factory-optional 258 CID in-line six-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, along with factory air conditioning that still worked perfectly."

However, don’t get your hopes up for the AMC Pacer, it won’t be coveted in any Coys classic car auctions anytime soon. But, an insurance provider to classic car collectors recently maintained that Nerd Cars are definitely increasing in value. When asked ‘why?’ he answered “oddball vehicles are garnering renewed attention from collectors”.

Canada.com explains,

“He went on to compile a list of notable nerd cars, ranging from the fiascos of yesteryear (Edsel) to more recent embarrassments (Aztek). In short, nerd cars are best described as anti-babe magnets -- cars so jarringly ill-conceived they tend to repel rather than attract. And, yet, despite myriad faults, demand for such runts is on the increase. Renwick, who is well versed in the classic car market (he's a vehicle evaluator), has his own theory about why the automotive dogs of yesteryear are enjoying a comeback.”

Well, there you have it.

But for all those who don’t know, AMC Pacers are considered as the direct opposite of Hot Rods. Direct! And I don’t see that changing anytime soon. For now though, I will confess that I am happy for Nerd Cars.

… Not!

Sources: Canada.com