AMC Eagle. The first thing most of us probably think about when we hear that name is the now-iconic 4WD wagon. They keep showing up for sale, and their other 4WD models aren’t seen as often. This 1982 AMC Eagle Kammback is listed here on eBay in Richburg, South Carolina, and there is a single bid of $500 so far. Thanks to Glenn S for the tip!
We know that AMC has been gone for almost four decades, and Eagle has been gone for almost three decades now, but we also know that there were a few other 4WD models than just the wagon in the Eagle lineup. AMC made the Eagle series from 1980 through 1987, and then Chrysler took over with wagon production for a year. Chrysler morphed the Eagle name into a few different vehicles, and it finally went away in 1998. Here’s a brochure on the 1982 Eagles.
Eagle’s Kammback is unmistakable for AMC fans. The design goes back to the Spirit, which replaced the Gremlin. It came in this one body style, a two-door hatchback and they’re rare to see today. I can’t remember the last time I saw one in person, several decades easily. The seller has uploaded a ton of great photos, please check out the eBay link to see all of them. There are inside, outside, underside, sideside… er.. well, there are a lot of photos. As what I’m guessing is a South Carolina car, a state known for humidity, there is a lot of surface rust underneath, and they have several underside photos in the link. The seller says there is no rust other than surface rust underneath.
This car would be a major head-scratcher for any modern-day car thief. “Four pedals?! Where’s the start button?! GAAAAAA!!!!” (thief running away, hands waving in the air). You first notice this is a 4-speed car, or I know that’s the first thing I look for. That’s a pretty rare feature. The fourth pedal, the one on the far left, is the emergency brake, of course. The seats look daunting, but they include another interior; you’ll need a dash top as well and a steering wheel, or a cover at least. They show the back seat area half folded down for storage, and here’s a shot of the rear cargo area. Well done, seller! They say this car has 196,500 miles and was parked because it needed a clutch, and now it isn’t running, so plan on that.
This is AMC’s 258-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 110 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque when new. Passing through that 4-speed manual, power is sent to all four wheels as needed, and they say the engine isn’t currently running. They planned on adding a newer engine and fixing the clutch, but with 40 cars, they need to get rid of a few projects. How would you restore this Kammback? Back to bone-stock spec for me, but I’m probably in the minority.
I had a friend that bought a SX4 like this new, and a big mistake. If I’m not mistaken, his had a 5 speed, and nothing but trouble. The car itself was a good car, 4wd was unstoppable, good heat/a-c, but plagued with transmission problems almost from the get go. Initially, it worked well, but soon, began to howl in 2nd gear(it’s always 2nd gear) The dealer had it for a long time, got it back with almost no change. He drove it like that for a couple months until it became a growl, took it back, and I don’t think he ever got it back, and traded it for something on the lot. I wouldn’t let that deter me, 196K certainly proved something, I heard the 4 speed was different than the 5 speed(?) but I’d take an automatic anyway. Being Beer City, these and the wagons were very popular and great cars.
The Car in image is in the line of an AMC Gremlin, Isn’t it?
Gremlins suffered a lot from the heavy 6-L AMC engine; finally, it were offered with a German Audi engine, 4 cylinders, 90 HP, 2 litres, less than half the weight of AMC 6-L, an indestructible engine
Had a Gremlin with the Audi 4… my brother had one with the 258 six… my Dad had one with the 232 six. Mine had the BW 4 speed manual, Dad’s and brother’s had automatics. Mine had front disc brakes (sourced from Ford IIRC), the others were drum all around (my introduction to terminal brake fade was in my Dad’s Gremlin). Mine was the “better” driving car, but none of them were “drivers” cars. It served its purpose when I was a starving college student. But it’s true those sixes were indestructible.
Neat looking little buggies. Remember seeing the 4wd AMCs in the parking lots at the Ski Hills back in the 80s ❄️🎿⛰️
I would do full mechanical resto on this and keep it and drive it forever.
This would definitely be worth saving. It’s not only a good looking little car, but very practical. That they’re including a good number of parts to fix the interior is pretty impressive.
A manual transmission and a six cylinder in AMC’s “entry level” Eagle, in (I think) the body style’s last year. This is one rare bird. I hope someone buys this and cherishes it. I have not seen one of these “in the wild” in more years than I care to admit. Great find!
I miss AMC.
A Gremlin by any other name….
Lovely looking car. The grille looks different from what an Eagle looks like. The grille looks like an early Spirit.
I have always thought these and SX4s were very cool, so it’s great to see one that’s complete. Hopefully, this isn’t too far from running – it would be perfect to keep most of the “patina” and get it mechanically sorted. I hope it finds a great home!
I like them, but always thought they sat too high. I know it’s 4×4, but is it necessary to sit that high?
My late Grandfather was an AMC fan having owned a Matador, several Hornets , Rambler and 2 Eagles. Always have a feeling when I see AMC cars and think of my Grandfather.
Call it what it is. IMHO. The Hornet became the Concord, became the Eagle. The Gremlin became the Spirit, became the Eagle Kammback. I like it very much. But have always felt that the late ’70s Hornet Hood/Grill/Fenders had a more aggressive sport look than the more boxy “sophisticated” look of the Concord/Eagle front end. AMC was trying “upscale” their image. Advertisements showed people pulling up in front of Country Clubs in formal clothing. IMHO this contributed to their downfall.
Auction update: this one sold for $7,278!