Hiding in this garage is a vehicle that might appeal to enthusiasts seeking a classic Station Wagon. This 1980 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon is a two-owner survivor with a mere 68,000 miles on its odometer. Its condition is exceptional for its age, allowing it to draw praise wherever the new owner ventures behind the wheel. The seller has listed the Eagle here on eBay in Ada, Michigan. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,000, although there is still time to stake your claim on this classic.
AMC introduced the Eagle for the 1980 model year, using its existing Concord as the foundation for its latest offering. Available in three body styles, the Station Wagon variant’s sales volume exceeded those of the Sedan and Coupe combined. This first-year example is a two-owner survivor that is in impressive condition. Its two-tone Russet and Bordeaux paint boasts a tremendous depth of color and shine, with only a couple of minor imperfections that are visible only in the seller’s close-up shots. AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention strategies, with every Eagle receiving a Ziebart treatment before being shipped from the factory. Combine this with a life that has kept it clear of snow and salt, and, unsurprisingly, the only rust is limited to two small spots. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the trim and glass are excellent.
Every 1980 Eagle left the factory powered by a 258ci six producing 110hp. The engine’s 210 ft/lbs of torque peaks at below 2,000rpm, and when combined with a three-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive via a New Process transfer case, the Eagle was ideal for tackling loose and icy surfaces. AMC also included power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes as standard, meaning the driver didn’t have to exert themselves behind the wheel. The seller installed an electric fuel pump in 2021, which is the only deviation from standard specifications. The vehicle has a known history, which may allow potential buyers to verify the mileage claim. It is said to run and drive well, mainly seeing service for weekend trips to car shows.
Family Station Wagons are prone to interior wear and tear, but this Eagle has avoided that fate. The rear cargo area is particularly noteworthy, as it is free of the scuffs and scars inflicted by loose luggage and other items. The seats and carpet are wear-free, there are no dash issues, and no evidence of aftermarket additions. The new owner won’t receive power windows. However, the first owner equipped this Eagle with air conditioning, power locks, cruise control, remote exterior mirrors, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
I have long admired AMC, as it was a company that produced some interesting cars on a shoestring budget. The 1980 Eagle Limited is a perfect example, bringing the versatility of four-wheel drive to a family Station Wagon. This one is in impressive condition for its age, and addressing its few minor faults would be relatively easy and inexpensive. It deserves a new home with an enthusiast who will continue to treat it respectfully, and that is guaranteed if one of our Barn Finders readers becomes its new owner. If you have previously owned an Eagle, was the experience enjoyable enough for you to consider buying another one?
Talk about pride of ownership. Very nice condition especially for a 4wd wagon👏
This is a very fine example! People obviously bought these for one reason only: driving in poor winter conditions and the salt eventually got them good. This one? It seems they had a winter beater and kept this in the garage.
The ad says that the original owner spent winters in Florida, which makes this a kind of odd choice for a vehicle.
Oh man , I wish I had room for more cars! But I’d probably prefer a more beat up one as I don’t think i could justify driving this in salt or off-road given that it’s probably pretty close to one of a kind now.
I can speak from first hand experience, my FIL had one similar to this but with a 5 speed. It honestly seemed that no amount of snow would stop these. I have spoken to people that insist the Eagle Wagon does better in the snow than a Jeep due to the extra weight. I had a chance to drive it several times ( over 30 years ago now) and always liked it. Funny thing mentioning the snow. It snowed the day my wife and I got married and her Dad drove her to the wedding in his brown Eagle wagon. He had no problems getting her there, looking back, it was one of the best things that man ever did for me. Great write up Adam, and thanks for dragging some good memories to the front of my brain too.
I used three of these on my rural mail route in western Illinois. An ’82, ’85, and ’88. Better than my Bronco’s and Jeep J20 pickup in snow.
Wow, a beaut. Going to add these to my look out for list. One with a 5 speed of course. I’ve seen them in action in snowy PA game land roads. Did great, climbing, but was always glad to have low range going downhill on icy roads.
We had 2 of them and they were better than any Jeep in the snow.
While they are great, my CJ and XJ were superior. Steep snowy downhills without low range mean braking, which means sliding. Better in snow to have low range/1st gear to crawl downhill. Not to mention the better low range torque in very deep snow.
These have been almost forgotten but back in the day they were the bomb in the upper Midwest in the winter
This is not a Limited trim model. Its a “DL” or standard Eagle. Still nice though.
What an suv wants to be. At a price that is affordable compared to what’s on the market today. I’d rather buy this as a daily than any of those jelly beans out there now.
A beauty for sure. I own a 1987 Limited model. 33,000 miles. Bought from estate of original owner.
Ended at $8,900.
Reserve Not Met.
23 bids.