Bold claims about originality and mileage are nothing new to us at Barn Finds, and such claims must sometimes be treated with a grain of salt. However, it appears that isn’t the case with this 1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon, because the seller holds service invoices and other documentation dating back to Day One that seems to support their contention that the 36,000 miles showing on the odometer is a genuine reading. It is a beautifully preserved classic that appears to need nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Kiwie49 for spotting this fabulous survivor.
AMC released the Eagle in 1980, breaking new ground with a model that was a compact four-wheel drive passenger car. Such abilities were traditionally the preserve of Pickups and SUVs, but AMC set a trend that would bring similar vehicles from companies like Subaru and Toyota to the market. The original owner ordered this Eagle Limited Wagon in 1985, selecting Autumn Brown Metallic paint to compliment the faux woodgrain. The condition is hard to fault, with the paint appearing almost perfect, and no evidence of deterioration on the prone woodgrain surfaces. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention, and the first owner’s decision to have this Wagon undercoated has helped its cause. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. Interestingly, the first owner retained the original factory wire hubcaps, rather than ticking the box for the attractive alloy wheels. It may not seem odd in isolation, but considering how they loaded the interior, it is a curious decision.
The 1985 Eagle Limited Wagon received Honey leather trim as a standard feature, to which the first owner added air conditioning, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, and the range-topping AM/FM radio/cassette player with four speakers. The Eagle is consistent, with the interior as spotless as the exterior. There are no signs of the wear or damage that often plagues family Wagons. The carpet is excellent, but the rear cargo area could be a highlight. It looks to have never carried a load or loose objects which further supports the mileage claim.
AMC chose a “one size fits all” approach to the engine powering the 1985 Eagle Limited Wagon. Buyers received the 258ci six, producing 115hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque. A manual transmission was available, but most buyers selected the three-speed automatic. The dash-mounted “Select Drive” switch allowed the driver to toggle between two and four-wheel drive on the fly, which was welcomed by many. Buyers could also order their new purchase with power steering, but I’m unsure whether this Wagon has that feature. The seller supplies no engine photos but does provide plenty of positive news. The Eagle is in excellent mechanical health and has a genuine 36,000 miles on its odometer. They hold Service Records and other documentation dating back to Day One, including the original window Sticker. Potential buyers should consider the Eagle a turnkey proposition.
The seller listed this 1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon here on Facebook Marketplace in DeWitt, Michigan. The seller’s price of $14,000 is above the market average, but with the odometer reading and condition as factors, it isn’t unprecedented. Will they find a buyer? The Eagle has only been on the market for just over a day, and the price means they are unlikely to be inundated with inquiries. However, I do believe it will sell, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone paid the full price. Do you agree?
This car goes back further than the Eagle moniker, and is a direct descendant from the Sportabout, the 1st car with a hatchback. It is based off the wildly successful Hornet, basis for many AMC cars, kind of the Falcon of AMC. This was about as civilized as a 4×4 ever got, at the time. Oh sure, today, some cars you can’t even tell if they are AWD today, but this car shattered the myth, all 4x4s had to be rough riding rattle traps. Did it work? Well, kind of. In areas like the Midwest, it was perfect, fact is, many rural letter carriers used Eagle wagons. I bet some still do. Outside the Midwest, however, particularly where there was no snow, they didn’t do so well. Some say Asian cars rusted terribly, haven’t seen some of these rusted. Ironically, about the only place you’ll find a clean one. If a clean one is found up north, it was because it was some older folks “just in case” car, but that rarely happened, and they sat indoors during inclement weather. Again, not a 5 figure vehicle, as much as the seller would like. People won’t buy this because it’s any kind of classic, just a good old 4×4 Eagle wagon, $5grand tops.
I don’t think that’s too high of a price for an iconic car in near mint condition. I actually think it’s quite reasonable. This is a beauty that I hope someone preserves!
Had one identical to it and mine had about the same actual miles. I got 2k more for mine but the market is soft as compared to when I sold mine. It’s priced well assuming everything works on it and there is no rust below.
AMC never intended the Eagle to be a big seller. They noticed Subaru having decent success with its 4WD models (which beat the Eagle to market by 5 years) in snowy areas and figured out that they could tap that market with a minimal investment. They were never expected to sell well in areas like Arizona and Florida. In that context, The ~180,000 built between introduction for 1980 and this 1985 example represented a huge success for AMC, though some of that success came at the expense of Cherokee and Wagoneer sales. These were practically cult cars here in the hills of Pittsburgh, with families often having two or three in the driveway.
This one is an exceptional example, other than that right-front wheel cover, which has clearly seen some things. This has the vibe of a car that sat next to a Cadillac or Lincoln in a senior citizen’s garage, waiting for a chance to tackle inclement weather, a chance that never came because its owners simply stayed home when it snowed.
Beautiful car. I would prefer one in 2w/d though. (less complex driveline) Even though I worked for Ford in the Eighties, when it came time to find a new car for my aged mother, I bought an 82 Concorde. Lovely automobile. Rode well, decent mileage, and an adequate engine. Only negative was the Chrysler automatic w/od that had questionable reliability. I think this will sell at full price.
It appears to have a little rust on the bottom edge of the rear hatch, and can’t believe nobody has mentioned the stick on deer alerts on the front bumper lol.
I think 14 grand a decent bargin when there are really nothing for a buyer to chose from at this price point or even close to new looking! Once again AMC has produced a quality product at a price the competition can’t match even after 40 years !
I still miss AMC.
Lovely looking car. I’d buy one if there was one for sale closer to where I live. I’ve always liked the Eagle. If only more pics were posted on FB Marketplace.
One could rightfully claim the eagle to be the father of modern SUVS of today
Decades ago , i had a few eagles , 2 door, 4 door and wagon , living in montreal , canada the winters are long , cold and snowy, amc got me hooked on awd , now drive a santa fe and veracruz , i wouldn’t go back to an eighties car but this one is beautiful
Check this out. I found this other Eagle wagon on FBM. An almost identical 1986 AMC Eagle with 160,000 mi. for $10,000. Based on this other listing, the above original 1985 Eagle wagon with only 36,000 for $14,500. would seem to be a bargain / better buy.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2398536283668712