UPDATE 1/27/24 — This vehicle has been relisted here on eBay. We assume the winning bidder failed to finish his/her obligation. The current bid is just $1,575 and again there is no reserve.
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American Motors lacked the deep pockets of General Motors or Ford. So, when it came time to replace the aging Hornet compact, all they could afford was to do a makeover and rebrand it as the Concord. That would give them an additional six years (1978-83) at a time when the competition either downsized or began shifting to front-wheel-drive. This Concord station wagon is from the car’s last model year, 1983, Only 5,300 Concords were built that year, with just 867 like the seller’s vehicle. Located in Gresham, Oregon, this survivor has low mileage and looks great for being 41 years old. It’s available here on eBay where the no-reserve auction stands at $3,400.
The Concord was a better-equipped automobile than its predecessor, the Hornet, and provided a quieter ride thanks to additional sound deadening. It went up against Ford’s new Fox-body cars, the Fairmont and Zephyr, and also the Chevy Malibu whose diet in 1978 had brought it to the same wheelbase size as the Concord. By 1983, only two trim levels of the Concord were available, base and DL, which we assume applies to the seller’s wagon because of the faux woodgrain paneling. As AMC and Renault had hooked up, Concord’s successor would be the FWD Alliance with more economical engines.
The standard engine was a 258 cubic inch inline-6, which is what’s in the seller’s car, not a 4.2-liter V6. These vehicles were probably middle-of-the-road when it came to either performance or fuel economy, which may be one reason sales trickled off every year from 1978 to 1983. At just 50,000 reported miles, this Concord is said to run well, and the seller doesn’t mention anything needing attention.
The body and paint look good, and we assume the latter is original though wearing the customary dents and dings for four decades. The interior looks especially nice and quite comfortable, suggesting this could be a great second vehicle for toting around the soccer team. The back seat folds down, so there should be plenty of space for hauling stuff besides people. Would you give this AMC a new home?
Looks like it’s missing a badge on the right rear, but that’s a minor quibble. This would be a fun car to have.
This car looks great. ..Looks new. …Someones going to be getting a very nice car !
Had some Concords and Spirits every once in a while in the service bays i worked from the mid 80’s throughtout the 90’s. The 258 was reliable and generaly peppy but a bit thirsty ( specially in the heavier Eagles ). I remember a gentleman whom had a 4 door red DL loaded with everything including vinyl and chrome trims around the fenders and mandatory hood ornament. The dark grey inside was incredibly plush. Would love to have one today
Now’s your chance.
Very nice car. Maybe my favorite Concord/Hornet body style. My aunt and uncle had a ’79. Green with the wood tone.
Amazing the life this little wagon chassis had… 1970 thru 1988 if one includes all the badging… Hornet/Concord/Eagle. Says a lot on AMC’s ability to do a lot with little resources. Took my drivers test in my Mom’s ’71. Was still driving my college beater variant (Gremlin) in the early ’80s… Never thought I’d hear myself say it, but I miss AMC.
I totally agree with Luckless Pedestrian…. Studebaker did a great job getting a lot of mileage out of chassis’,powertrains and components – but no one did it as well as AMC. This wagon is a great example of that, and it still looks pretty fresh today! I too miss AMC… fortunately, there’s a lot of used stock and technical support to keep them relatively present!
Had a 1980 Concord 2 door sedan. Had the Ironduke, automatic, and power steering. That’s it, other than factory Ziebart like all other AMC products that year. Went through quite a few driver’s door hinge bushings. It was a reliable car overall.
I currently drive the same car, but with seldom seen power windows,brakes and locks. D/L trim too. . AMC buyers were most often “frugal” with the options list! Nice car with an engine more suited to a small tractor.
By 1983, the only people buying old-school AMCs like this one were the folks who bought Nashes and Hudsons.
nice example. Never gota waggy that would reduce it’s carring capacity (the “D” pillar slant). Concord/eagle did…
Wait for the 4WD (not awd) model eagle, same engine 4.1 (258 better). Great size too. Lota eagles in my necka da wood (NE usa) due to sno. Only comes in Feb now (last 3 yrs). Really like 3 seasons w/2 v e r y long ones (Spring, Fall).
Winning Bid $4,851.00 ENDED!
Wow!… What a deal… Congrats to buyer…