Update 8/27/19 – The high bidder flaked, so this sweet 4WD sedan has been relisted here on eBay with no reserve. It might end up being a bargain too because last time it only got bid up to $3k.
From 8/17/19 – While the AMC Eagle Wagon tends to grab much of the spotlight, the Eagle sedan is just as interesting (if not more so) for being an American sedan with 4WD in an era when Audi hadn’t yet found its footing. This example remains in impressive condition throughout, with under 100,000 miles and showing only modest cosmetic flaws. Find the AMC here on eBay with bidding at $3,000 and no reserve.
The wagon, understandably, gets more of the enthusiast network’s attention, because it’s a jacked-up estate with a reputation for being somewhat un-killable. Why the sedan doesn’t get as much of that shine, I don’t know – but we’re talking about a very similar vehicle just without the additional luggage capacity. This sedan even comes with the legendary ACM inline-six.
Inside, the cabin looks handsome, even today, with a dash coated in wood veneers and impressively clean carpeting, door panels, seats, and dash pad. The steering wheel shows no signs of cracking or even modest soiling. The overall condition of the AMC’s cosmetics suggest it was lovingly preserved since new, but the seller does not the headliner has started to droop.
AMC-built inline-sixes have long been known for their mule-like levels of ruggedness, and the condition of the engine bay and low odometer reading indicates this one will keep humming for quite some time. They don’t even necessarily crave regular maintenance, but will easily outlive most cars if loved from new. Would you buy a sedan like this or hold out for the wagon?
Nice looking car. I’ve heard of the AMC Eagle sedan, but for some reason, the Eagle wagon is more commonly known. I haven’t even seen an Eagle wagon in a very long time.
Question: Where is this car located? How do I know if I want to bid if I don’t know where it is? I would really like to have this car. Bidding at $3,050.00. I could do this!
EBay listing says Bristow VA.. It’s near DC
These are great cars. Pretty much indestructible. Can remember, in a snowstorm when I was in high school, my 71 lesabre went into a ditch. Was pretty much buried. A friends eagle pulled it out like it was nothing.
I would rather drive an Eagle 4wd than a Subaru Outback.
I’m rather disappointed to see it top out at just $3050, when a black wagon in similar condition recently went for more than double that on eBay. The sedans just don’t get enough love I guess, despite their relative rarity. Wagons accounted for 60% of total Eagle production, while only 14% were sedans. I have a 1987 Eagle sedan virtually identical to the one featured here, although mine is more equipped and a bit better condition despite slightly higher mileage at around 109,000 miles.
I agree with you. I’d buy either body style if the seller lived closer to where I live. And I like the asking price. That way you will have enough money on hand for inspections to make sure that the car is as safe to drive as possible.
“Drives well with the exception of some vacuum lines that need attention.” Uh oh. The bane of the malaise era. Have fun with that.
It’s unfortunate they never offered Eagles with the 304 V8.
That would have required some significant modifications since the front differential hangs off the engine in six-cylinder Eagles. (Not sure how they mounted it on 4-cylinder models, never worked on one of those.)
Funny thing is the first prototype was built in 1977 using a Hornet Sportabout wagon with a 304 V8. The decision was made though to stick with four and six cylinder models for production:
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2019/05/19/from-derisive-hoots-to-award-winning-technology-how-ferguson-and-roy-lunn-developed-the-eagle-for-amc/
I respectfully disagree. I’d prefer a straight six engine.
Well, buyers would have then have their choice. If that’s yours, your dream car is right in front of you! It’s pretty nice.
It is indeed.
My parents bought a new 1970 Hornet Sedan two door finished in metallic green with a gloss white roof. Still remember climbing into back at the dealership and the new car smell. That great little car lasted over ten years with no problems and was still running great when my brother swapped it for a Cuda that ran like crap.
Has anyone heard of a 1986 AMC Comanchee ?
I remember the Comanche. It was a pickup truck version of the Jeep XJ Cherokee.
these are great cars . put on some fat tires and it will go almost anywhere. i had an 1981 like this and i never got stuck in the snow. 3000. is a giveaway price . the inline 4.2 engine and chrysler tranny will easily go 300,000 miles. if your looking to stand out in the crowd buy it . cause everyone loves to look at them. true classic AMC style. as far as vacumn lines, a weekend and a six pack along with a good manual and your set. ooooh those scary vacumn lines. have you looked under a hood of any 2018 car, talk about scary. these cars are simple RUBE GOLDBERG machines… anyone with a lick of sense and patience can fix them. there like an old WILLYS fix it along the road and go. there like an energizer bunny…
If you live in a non emissions for old cars state , just get rid of the vacuum lines and put a rebuilt Motorcraft 2100 carb on and you’re good to go. This car is a steal at that price.
You mention AMC I am thinking a rebel or javelin which is my bucket list car but I remember growing up in the early eighties seeing these cars and always thinking the wagon was cool wouldn’t mind having this sedan though that would be a cool car too teach these millennials about
I call it a damn shame that Chrysler didn’t pick up the Eagle 4wd when they picked up Jeep.
I always thought the 2 door Eagles were the coolest of them all. With that said, I wouldn’t kick any of them out of my shop!
I agree. My favourites were the 4 door sedan and the Eagle wagon. But I also remember seeing a cool 2 door convertible at one time. :)
you think these were cool have you ever seen an AMC Eagle Sundancer. a wild chopped top car.
JALOPNIK QUOTE
AMC Eagles were the perfect vehicles for people who wanted all the convenience and capability of a four wheel drive vehicle in a strange automotive package. For 1981, AMC decided to make that automotive package a little stranger by adding the Sundancer option. Eagle buyers that checked the $3750 option got their new AMC with a Targa roll bar, fold down rear roof and lift off plastic top in place of its conventional roof sheet metal.
approximately 200 were made .AMC Eagles were the perfect vehicles for people who wanted all the convenience and capability of a four wheel drive vehicle in a strange automotive package. For 1981, AMC decided to make that automotive package a little stranger by adding the Sundancer option. Eagle buyers that checked the $3750 option got their new AMC with a Targa roll bar, fold down rear roof and lift off plastic top in place of its conventional roof sheet metal. try to find parts for this EAGLE expensive option spinoff.