American Motors rolled the dice (once again) in the 1980s and came up with the Eagle, a 4X4 family car that would be considered a “crossover” 30 years later. The Eagle combined the comfort of an automobile with the off-road versatility of a truck and would have a production run of eight model years. It was the only 4WD passenger car produced in the U.S. at the time. This example from 1984 is rough around the edges but we’re told it runs well, although some things need fixing. A tip from Pat L, this car is located in Columbia, California and the 4X4 is available here on craigslist for just $3,000.
The Eagle was a compact Concord perched atop a Jeep 4X4 platform. It originated in 1980 and ran through 1988, the last of which was under the watchful eye of Chrysler Corp. as they had acquired AMC and its prodigy, Jeep. Total Eagle production exceeded 155,000 units plus another 30,000 of a sub-compact version called the SX/4. The station wagon was overwhelmingly the most popular body style at 113,000 copies, including 21,000 from 1984, the year of the seller’s vehicle.
Since the seller’s ’84 Eagle has a “non-op” registration, we assume the wagon has been off the road for some time, though that won’t stop it from climbing hills and valleys. At 86,000 miles, we’re told the Eagle has a refurbished cooling system, along with new brakes and the fuel pump. Under the hood resides AMC’s 258 cubic inch inline-6 and 4-speed manual transmission, appropriate for off-road use. It’s going to need some tinkering: the A/C leaks freon, the windshield is cracked, and the hood release is broken, along with a few other odds and ends.
The body is okay, but there is a bit of rust here and there. And the upholstery is well-used so it and the headliner will need attention. But the tires are good and should get you to where you need to go. As a source of parts to fix up this Eagle, the seller is throwing in a donor car, a 1986 Eagle that’s been out of the DMV system for years. These cars were often under-appreciated when new (as was most of what AMC produced).
Last smogged in 2009
The emissions systems on these cars are complex with miles of vacuum plumbing and gadgetry along with an electronic feedback carb and exhaust pulses used to feed air into the catalytic converter. All of that can be pretty tough to keep working well enough to get through an inspection especially now that they are decades old. This would be best purchased by someone living in a state where it will not need to be “smogged”.
Would be much cheaper than buying a quad runner or side by side if you just wanted a field car.
The manual transmission is a great, and pretty-rare option. You don’t see many manual Eagles this late into their production run. I’d love to have this one. Hopefully someone keeps this one on the road.
more like a concord with jeep drivetrain (since a jeep is a full frame… the eagle is unibody)
look out for rust BEHIND the rockers.. notorious spot for mud etc to collect and the front rail as comes up firewall… owned too many of these! including TWO of the sundancers (stupidly sold them but years ago)
still have parts including a new hood release (common break point)
GLWTS
Gord,
What do you want for the hood release as the on on my Kammbacxk is broke.
AMC had so many innovative ideas that it put into production before any other car manufacturer. It’s a shame they aren’t still around.
#1 – the AMX, these…also rans but -gimmie a waggy- !
i would luv to have this one, but it is all the way across the country and the deal wouldn’t be as sweet after paying for shipping….sigh
Already sold! No surprise. Very desirable and rare in a manual. I think the car was an 82 or 83, not an 84. The 84 had the “late style” roof rack. This car had the early style. Also, I believe all manuals were 5 speeds by 1984. I believe during 1982-1983 you could get the 4 speed or the 5 speed. The “parts car” looks better than the “main car”. Brown car had some serious sun damage to the interior. These were great cars and worth fixing up both of these examples.
Thnx for the spot/choice/write-up Russ.
Your post about low production numbers has me scratching my head – it seemed they were all in my neck of the woods. There are periods (1/2 decades? full decades?) where the locals all get ona jag’n (young families our main product) all buy the same Y/M/M…wolwo wag, chrysler mini vans, SUV and now mini suv….back in the day (as 2 – 5 y/o models) it was these.
Still listed, sounds like a great deal! 4-speed, 4wd and a parts car, what else could you ask for?! These would be a fun project and easy to work on. Great grocery-getter but too far away for me to consider.