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Cheap Classic: 1980 AMC Concord DL

This 1980 AMC Concord DL is loaded up with a nice array of optional extras and appears to be in above-average condition for its age. It is hard to go wrong with a nice car finished in black, and I have to thank Barn Finder AMXBrian for referring the Concord through to us. If you would like to become the next proud owner of this beauty, you will find it located in Westwood, New Jersey, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking what appears to be a very reasonable $2,250 for the vehicle.

From an appearance perspective, 1980 brought a mild facelift to the Concord and also saw the introduction of a full vinyl top as an option on the DL and Limited version sedans. The original owner decided to avail himself of one of these and ticked the box beside the Black one. The Classic Black paint looks to be in good condition, and there are no obvious signs of accident damage or repairs. AMC chose to demonstrate some real bravery with the 1980 model, and every car received a Ziebart treatment as standard. Combine this with a newly introduced technique for applying the primer to the lower body, and it allowed AMC to introduce a 5-year “No Rust-Through” warranty on the cars. This one seems to have lived up to this hype because it does appear as though it has avoided any problems in this area. The red pinstriping offers a nice contrast against the black paint, while the original alloy wheels, along with the trim and chrome, all appear to be in good condition.

The interior is a bit of a surprise, because, to be honest, I really was expecting cloth upholstery. It looks like leather, but AMC described it as “deluxe grain vinyl.” Still, the upholstery looks to be in generally quite good condition, as does most of the plastic. The carpet is showing its age a bit, but reattach it where it has come loose near the firewall on the passenger side, and it should look quite tidy. It isn’t clear exactly which options were chosen inside the car, but I can see that it has air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo radio, remote adjustable exterior mirrors, a tilt wheel, and all of the woodgrain trim which was part-and-parcel of the more luxurious cars of this era.

Owners had a choice of two engines when they ordered their shiny new Concord back in 1980, and the original owner of this car chose the 258ci 6-cylinder engine in preference to the 151ci Iron Duke 4-cylinder unit. The 258 in this car is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the car is also equipped with power steering and power brakes. The 258 was not the world’s most powerful engine, producing 110hp. Its real forte was its torque, with its maximum figure of 210ft/lbs being delivered at a mere 1,800rpm. The good news is that the car is said to be original. The bad news here is that the owner thinks that it might be in need of a new head gasket. He doesn’t tell us what symptoms the car is exhibiting, so hopefully, it won’t be a big job to return the car to good health.

The 1980 AMC Concord is a handsome car, and this one appears to be in good condition. There is that question mark hanging over the health of the engine, but if any issues with that can be addressed cheaply, then it could be quite an enjoyable and practical car to own. It’s general condition and equipment level would certainly seem to justify the asking price.

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    If it does require head work, then that would be the time to detail the engine compartment to match the rest of this beauty’s appearance! :-)

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Miguel

    That is a really nice car for the asking.

    Somebody will get a nice cruiser. I liked every one of them I had, and will get more.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Cheap, yes classic I dunno. Good luck to the new owner, that 258 mill was a stout engine that stood the test of time, hope the new owner can get it straightened out, you will have to dig deep to get the head off!!!
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 0
    • Avatar That AMC Guy

      All the “stuff” comes off pretty easily for head removal if necessary. (The nightmare scenario would be to do that job on a Pacer.) Like most old cars I would expect the worst part of the job will be removing the manifolds due to rusty fasteners.

      These engines are not prone to blowing head gaskets though. Maybe it badly overheated at some point?

      Like 1
      • Avatar Gaspumpchas

        Yea AMC guy that’s a pretty bulletproof six. I’m gunshy as I had a customer with a pacer and had the head off it. Still have night mares about that car. I’m also thinking it was probably overheated. If it got hot enough could have cracked the block or cooked the rings. Good luck to the new owner.
        Cheers
        GPC

        Like 0
  4. Avatar Joe

    Not alloys. Those are hub caps or wheel covers depending on where you’re from.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Mitch Ross Member

    They are not unprone to blowing head gaskets. Mine did and I’ve found others in the AMC community whose have. No big deal. Complete good running 258 engines are only $200 or so,

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Cjm

    The vinyl top was standard on the DL and Limited as was the interior wood grain trim. These cars look great in black. Should have had a red interior to go with it. This one appears to be nutmeg. Vinyl was optional on DL’s and leather on Limiteds. Seller is full of it! Car doesn’t have any where near every option, and how would he know? Doesn’t even have power windows, let alone seats.

    Like 0

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