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.
AMC had a 360 of their own, and used the 727 Chrysler trans. The 6 cylinder engines got the 904. AMC used all kinds of parts supplied by other manufacturers, such as Delco alternators, VW engines, Ford Duraspark ignition, for example.
A-ll
M-akes
C-ombined.
Ah OK. That makes deciphering ads for modded AMCs kinda tough LOL.
It is a AMC 360 can .
I have only ever seen one Spirit GT in the wild, it was in the late ‘80’s, and it was in a junkyard. It was Firecracker Red over black, and it was complete, save for the Turbocast II’s. The body and interior were in excellent shape and I got so brave as to ask the yard owner the price. “I’d probably have to have $300” was his response to my question. Yet another one I am still sorry I didn’t take a swing at.
The main thing needed to seamlessly fit a 290 to 401 AMC V8 into one of these would be a V8 front crossmember sourced from any of the company’s “small platform cars” from the 1966 Rambler American through the last V8 Concord. To my knowledge they all interchange, excepting Eagle.
Of course you make just about any kind of Frankenstein vehicle with enough time, money, beer, and custom fabrication.
Latermodel Spirits also came with V-8s (304) crossmember could come from those also most likely if the rear end needs help is is an axle they were very weak on the small rear end and 360 would have too much torque.
id love be the care taker of this !
and if it had power windows id be calling the seller.
i got my hook in a blue one in SoCal, but it too lacks power options.
I think $5 is a great price for this,
as ive commented before, ive seen plenty of Sentras and Kias selling for more.
I like the body style once it’s lowered a couple of inches. Anyone know the weight penalty for the 360 VS the 258? I’m betting this is very nose heavy.
Not sure on the weight difference of the engines, but one can take Matador springs and replace the current springs, or get the V8 Spirit/Gremlin springs.
Not concerned really about the springs. More concerned with the overall handling. I know no matter what engine is in it. It will be nose heavy. If going a V8, a 5.0 Ford with aluminum heads and intake probably makes the most sense. As 215 Buick/Oldsmobile 4.0 Rover tends to be more expensive to gain horsepower.
Lovely looking car. This has always been my favourite year for the AMC Spirit.
sucha style improvement over gremlin wishin the 2 not even mentioned in the same sentence (above). The ‘sports car’ (etc) long hood/FB/short deck/2 dor/2+2 I always love (never use the other 3 seats my self, MIGHT have 1 passenger).
Would want the i6 back over the bent8 for all it’s inherent reasons. This model hada transfer case @ some point too, no? I say: “Go fer boffum”. Next, the period correct ‘turbo’ wheel – nice, the fewer the spokes the better (over 10, 12 does not appeal here). Finally, the location awards a close inspection as to being one of the best continental locations for ‘lacka rust’ (PNW) to chassy.
Scores?: One ‘thumbs up’ (3 w/above oem components).
love the saying I DONT WANT IT ANYMORE. give me 5k
If the rear end wasn’t upgraded I assume it either broke or is on the verge of breaking
These are great little cars but mine was a 79 drag racing car and entire undercarriage and engine changed out. LS engine on E-85, Ford 9″ with a powerglide. Makes about 500 hp to the wheels. Runs around 10.0 at a pretty high DA at 2800 lbs. Guy use to spray a 400 shot of NOS and it was really quick. Great car!!