American Motors was constantly trying to be different to stay relevant. They would conjure up cars that the competitors hadn’t yet figured out, like the Eagle. Based on the Hornet/Concord, the Eagle was a compact four-wheel-drive passenger car built between 1980 and 88. One of its variants was the SX4 which was a 4WD version of the subcompact Spirit (formerly the Gremlin). This 1981 SX4 looks to be in great condition and mostly original, including the paint. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this AMC product is available here on craigslist for $12,500. Thanks for bringing this one our way, T.J.!
The Eagle was the only 4WD passenger car built in the U.S. during its run. Although the description was not in use at the time, the AMC Eagle is recognized as one of the first “crossover” vehicles. After nearly two successful years, AMC added the SX4 in 1981, a sporty little car with a liftback. While the GM “Iron Duke” inline-4 was standard in 1981, this SX4 has AMC’s popular workhorse, the 258 cubic inch I-6 motor. Production of the SX4 was never large: 17,390 copies in 1981, 10,445 in 1982, and just 2,259 in 1983.
AMC revamped and rebranded its quirky Gremlin after the 1978 model year, giving way to what became known as the Spirt. Since AMC had acquired Jeep earlier in the 1970s, they had captive resources to adapt the Spirit into the SX4. The seller’s version is a first-year model and is nicely preserved, including the car’s original finish. There is no rust or body damage or evidence if there ever was any. The only thing you might want to repair is a broken corner trim piece on the front bumper on the driver’s side. These get brittle and break over time.
We’re told the SX4 runs and drives good, though it may need a tune-up and new rubber pieces like vacuum hoses. The car was treated to a recent oil change and the tires are like new. The heater core leaks, so it has been bypassed as a stopgap, but a replacement part comes with the auto for the new owner to address. A video of the AMC is available upon request. The seller will entertain a trade (partial or otherwise), including a dirt bike, Jeep, diesel truck, ATV or other vehicles that have a fun factor built into them. These Eagles are dependable vehicles that are seldom seen anymore.
Very nice Eagle.Nothing wrong with AMC cars.Wish they were still building cars.
A long time ago , eagles got me hooked on awd , living in snow and driving a front wheel drive is ok but an awd is the way to go !
This one is rare , you hardly saw them then , would love to own this but i wouldn’t use it during the winter and i only drive topless during the summer !
It could be a spring/fall backup car to my already too many vehicles…
Nice. I wonder how difficult it is to find the bumper corner trim piece.
Wanted one for years but couldn’t find one worth the money or too much rust on them. I like the sportier versions with the rear Spoiler on them. This one looks nekkid without one lol. Family friends had the Station Wagon version of these and man was it a fun car to go play with in the dirt and on some hills…or even to go camping with. Also I think they were under powered with those drive trains….they needed at least a small V8….then they would have been Awesome!!!!!!!
I wonder if I should offer my classic ute for it? The only thing is that I will use this Eagle providing the things it needs will make it run proficient like the tune up/carb kit. That means registering it for use. His tags say May 2013!
I was okay with the price until I saw the amount of deferred maintenance. And that’s just what we know of. It could cost a few more thousand to get it roadworthy again. But a very cool example worth the effort.
A poor man’s Audi Quattro..and nothing wrong with that. I think this coupe version of the Eagle is supercool..I’d be tempted to put some rally lights on it and head for the hills and beach. Very nice.
Shipping, these days, is the only thing holding me back . . . . . I’m on the east coast. Last time I bought a left coast car, it cost $2,500 to ship. That was only two years ago but, it seems like “forever”. Man, I miss the “old days”.
$50.00 red-eye flight and drive it home. There are many shippers out there that won’t bend you over.
As someone who has transported a fair amount of vehicles for people with diesel at 550 or more per gallon, shippers have to charge what they do
This would be a great companion to my 87 Eagle wagon in the same color scheme. I’ve had mine a year and am getting hooked.
These are great cars. I had a black wagon with the woodgrain and think the seats were leather? I’m sorry I ever sold it, it was as close to the perfect car you are likely to get
VERY cool car; like most of you all, I really miss AMC. Very little if any of that kind of creativity in the auto industry any more. Wish they were still around.