Say what you will about American Motors, they were never afraid to push the envelope with new product development. 1960s and 1970s examples include the AMX, Gremlin, and Pacer. A 1980s breakthrough vehicle was the Eagle, a 4-wheel-drive passenger car based on the compact Concord (formerly the Hornet). Only AMC fans will remember the Eagle Sundancer, a 4X4 convertible conversion built out by a Florida company. This 1982 example looks good but has some not-so-small mechanical issues to overcome. Located in Wauconda, Illinois, this rare project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $11,999. Our thanks go to “Sam61” for this interesting tip.
To turn the Sundancer into reality, AMC contracted with the Griffith Co.—they had built the Sunchaser for Toyota based on its popular Celica. For the most part, convertibles had been out of vogue with manufacturers since the mid-1970s, but AMC was willing to take a chance on finding a market for the Sundancer. They shipped mostly complete Eagle and Concord coupes to Griffith, who cut off the roofs and grated on a Targa-style panel to accommodate a canvas covering. Then the cars were shipped back to AMC for the finishing touches.
As you might expect, interest in the Sundancer was limited, and perhaps only 200 were built as Eagles and Concords in 1981 and 1982. So, there can’t be many of these special Eagles left after 43 years. This example has its problems, with the most serious being a knock in its 258 cubic inch 6-banger (which usually is a hard engine to kill). This Eagle has a 5-speed manual transmission, not common in Kenosha cars in those days. The seller proclaims that this Sundancer may be the most documented example out there.
Besides the motor, the fiberglass Targa top needs repairs and “tightening.” The seller doesn’t know if the 4X4 system engages, though the transfer case is newer. The seller says he/she has done a lot of work on the rare car but refers to a Sundancer Facebook page (without a link) for details. Considering the repairs on this unicorn might be extensive, that may explain why the vehicle has been on the market for six weeks at the seller’s asking price.
4wd in Florida to cruise the beaches. And a manual. And a drop top.🌞🌴⛱️
Thank you Dixon. 😎
I was (happily) surprised to see a stick in this. I forgot all about these until this came up on here. Great write up Russ. I didn’t know the same company that did the Celica conversions did these as well.
Oy, never saw one, and not to boast, but if I didn’t see one, a good chance it didn’t exist, in any numbers anyway. I suppose it’s a neat concept, probably leaks like an old wood row boat, “saved it from the crusher”, and wants ,,what now? $12 grand? With engine knock? Double oy. With most of the steel top removed, I’d have to think structural strength was compromised, don’t open both doors at once. A guy I knew had a SX/4 with a 5 speed, and was trouble from the start. I think it may head back to the crusher.
Poor old AMC. Just didn’t have the means to make it into a conventional convertible.
It’s still on Facebook marketplace. Growing up in N.E. Illinois i remember seeing a few of these, maybe even this one. If I had room I’d take a look but I think I’d need a bit off the price.
The convertible top components do look almost identical to the ones used on the 79-81 Celica Sunchaser conversions. I have to say it looked better on the Celica, but it was a nicer looking car to begin with. This is a neat unusual car, which I like, but priced very high for what it is and the problems it has.
I have been a personal friend of the owner for decades, and was with him the day he saved it from the junkyard.
I can vouch for him and the car 100%.
The last one that was an automatic went for $37K on Bring A Trailer.
Rare is rare, whether a project or not.
There are lots of guys holding on to “rare” cars, waiting for that one person that wants it real bad. Some get their payday, many do not. Rare is rare, but rare does not always = valuable. Example – I was looking for a 1979 Olds Cutlass to restomod (that make/model was my first car). I had a guy offer me a rare 79 Cutlass with 5 speed manual transmission, in very good condition, and it even had T-Tops as my first one did. I was probably the one person that would really want that car most at that time, but the seller’s perception of value due to “rarity” had him price it beyond what even I, the irrational emotional purchaser, thought was reasonable. I tried to rationalize why I should buy it, but just couldn’t justify the number. I bought a different Olds with T-tops in similar shape and better colors – probably equally as rare as it was a diesel – for about 1/3 the price. That seller understood that, while the diesel was rare, that did not increase the value. Last I heard, the guy with the rare 5 speed Cutlass was still holding out for that one buyer who would pay his price for the rarity. A 1970 Olds W-31 4 speed – rare and valuable. A 1979 Olds Cutlass T-top 5 speed 260 V-8, rare, but not valuable. 1982 AMC Eagle Sundancer 5 speed, 6 cyl with knock – we will see.
I know rare but not valuable all too well, after 50 years in the hobby.
I have a ’61 Valiant V200 2-door hardtop, 1 of 18,586 built.
Rare but not collectable.
Any inanimate object is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
I used the Bring A Trailer Sundancer as an example of how my friend’s is priced at less than half of what that one was.
It will take a dedicated AMC collector to take the plunge and one day be the only one at shows, as I am…
Isuzu only made about 600 ImpulseRS turbo cars. Not real valuable – but they are rare. A Lotus Elan – which has the same drivetrain (unless you look for 4wd) is worth a whole lot more than impulse. Rarity only gets you so much. This car may be worth a lot in good shape. This needs an engine rebuild, paint and top work. I’m seeing $30k of work for a car that’s probably worth about $40k. A reasonable proposition, especially if you can do the work yourself instead of paying that $30k – but not a big money maker. The buyer better want one of these.
I have never seen one of these. Interesting reading on the Sundancer link in the article. I found this particularly interesting:
“Because the conversion was done by an outside vendor, the factory AMC warranty was voided and the only warranty available was through the Griffith Co..”
John! Thank heavens I’ve found you! I’ve been trying to reach you about your vehicle’s extended warranty!
No pictures of the roof? I read all about it but don’t know what it looks like.
Would be interesting to get and tinker with but not at that price. This poor thing will just sit and rust away unless the seller come to their senses. Unfortunate but that is the reality of the situation.