With production of the long-standing Gremlin ceasing after 1978, AMC buyers were introduced to a new kid on the block in ’79: a fresh offering called the Spirit. However, the model known as the sedan didn’t stray far from the styling of the tried-and-true previous Gremlin, with few modifications aside from an upgraded front end and stretched rear side windows. The other version featured more significant changes, including a Kammback-shaped rear end, as seen on this 1982 AMC Spirit here on Craigslist. This subcompact is located in Sooke, BC, Canada, and priced at $5,000, which I assume is CAD. Curvette, thanks for spotting this one and supplying the tip here!
Unfortunately, the seller is a man of few words and provides little detail about most aspects of this hatchback. For 1982, factory engine choices were limited to two: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, or a straight 6 measuring 258 CI. However, the owner indicates that there’s now a 360 in the bay, though no further details are provided, such as the source. As recently as a couple of months ago, the V8 was reported to be running great, but something happened that rendered it non-operational. Other than it being a 727 automatic, no additional information is given about the transmission either.
There are literally zero specifics mentioned regarding the exterior, so we’ll have to let the photos do most of the talking here. Fortunately, the sheet metal appears to be solid for the most part, with no obvious rust or corrosion easily detectable on any of the panels. The front bumper is sagging a bit, so it’s likely made contact with something hard in the past, and I’m not sure why the hood isn’t closed all the way in some of the pictures. Maybe it’s not able to latch completely due to the frontal impact, or perhaps the seller just didn’t push it down snugly.
It’s fun to find that this one is equipped with bucket seats up front, and the tilt steering column is an unexpected treat. However, the radio and door speakers have gone missing, along with some of the trim pieces in the hatch section. The strong nature of the body is one of the pluses here, but I’d like to know more about why the engine went from performing great to not at all in such a short time span. If the crank still turns, is five grand Canadian dollars a reasonable amount to consider spending here?
Well, the ad says it’s 360 with a 727, so I assume it’s a hunk of Chrysler iron under the hood. These look pretty nice in AMX trim, looks like it has the original turbine-style wheels.
It is a AMC 360 can .