Today, we never think twice when we hear “crossover” – the phrase that describes a utility vehicle on a car platform. But in the 1970s, crossovers didn’t exist and that’s one reason American Motors’ Eagle series was a sensation, selling over 46,000 examples in 1980, its first model year. This volume was enough to boost AMC’s sales by 20% – giving rise to a proliferation of Eagle body styles and a nine-year production run. The Eagle has been posthumously crowned the “first crossover”. The passage of time has also generated nostalgia and a berth in the pantheon of collectibility. Today, nice Eagle wagons like this example from 1985 on eBay can bring five figures. But the bidding on this one stands at a reasonable $5701 so far, in a no-reserve auction; it is located in Stratton, Maine.
The motor is AMC’s 4.2-liter straight six, generating about 115 hp after AMC hiked its compression ratio for this model year. The transmission is a TorqueFlight three-speed automatic with Dana differentials in front and rear. The Eagle sits about three inches higher than the Concorde – its predecessor – on a live axle/leaf spring combo in the rear and independent suspension up front. The odometer reads 92,352 miles, and the seller indicates it runs very well. The AutoCheck report shows three owners and registration records indicate the mileage may be original. A fat file of receipts, manuals, and other documentation comes with the sale.
The interior remains in great condition even after all this time. The seat upholstery is clean and untorn, the headliner is perfect. This Eagle was optioned with air conditioning, which is said to blow cold. Cruise control, an AM/FM radio, and a tilt wheel round out the creature comforts. New for 1985 was “Shift on the Fly” – a switch on the dash that eliminated the two-step, stop-the-car mechanism of earlier years. Everything works as it should, even the clock.
For 1985, the Eagle’s front end was lightly restyled. The power bulge in the hood was now a feature on every Eagle, and the top-edge grille strip and hood ornament were eliminated. Our subject car is said to be free of rust. The paint shines well, and no serious dents are evident. While this specimen will not likely reach the otherworldly result found here for an Eagle Limited Wagon, it should settle somewhere higher than the current bid. Any guesses at the price that sends this one to a new garage?
Where do you get “reasonable” at over 5k$? Does anyone remember what true piece of junk this era AMC was? This think is 2k tops.
I know everyone here wants to romanticize their high school days in their cool car. But don’t remember the days it was broken down
I must’ve been living in a different time warp than you. All AMC vehicles I came into contact with were very dependable. I defy you to find anything for $2,000 anywhere near the condition this vehicle is in.
Very true, I owned two Eagles over a span of 20 years and they were very reliable. (First one was killed off by a guy who thought a red light didn’t apply to him. Second finally succumbed to the tinworm after more than 30 years of winter service.)
Every one of my AMCs was quite reliable and a pleasure to own.
My mom had one when I was in high school. It ran great, she had no problems! The Jeep Wagoneer we also had was always broken down due to busted U joints. But the eagle was always ready to go!
Hmmm, another nasty engine bay… when are they going to learn? That one little (actually big, to some folks) detail would make a huge difference in the presentation of any vehicle, unless it was one of those that has been drug out of a field, or an actual barn, looking like it’s been on the sea floor for a few years. But they’re only shooting themselves in the foot, and probably decreasing the amount of money they will receive for their vehicle. That being said, I had a friend who had one just like this, black with a red pinstripe, and it was sharp as a tack, and would go anywhere you had the kahonies to drive it. Great in the snow, mud, or creeping up a trail thru the woods, and with enough creature comforts to make you thoroughly enjoy the ride. I well remember when my friend started working on it, tuning it up, etc. It had a pretty bad oil leak from under the valve cover, and he had to beat the firewall back about 1-1/2″ with a go-devil( a sledgehammer with a blade on one end, for those of you not familiar with busting firewood) to be able to remove said valve cover. Apparently the geniuses at AMC didn’t think it would ever ever ever need to be worked on…
My mechanic fortunately used to work at an AMC dealership so he knew how to correctly remove the valve cover on a 258 engine. He put a jack somewhere under the floor pan area which lifted the motor enough to reach the bolt closest to the firewall. Trade secret. But what kind of engineering allowed for that poor motor placement? Quality control at AMC was lacking. My 1978 Concord had a 258 but was delivered with piston bearings that belonged on the 232 motor. Where salesman started the car for me the engine had knocking so he turned up the radio! I complained, so he told me probably bad gasoline. Weeks later their area service manager diagnosed the incorrect bearings. I then took delivery of the new car and drove it for 14 years. Only trouble was power steering shaft leak and a stuck valve. Under powered with the 6 cylinder. But really nice looking interior. $5,200 out the door. $6,400 sticker price.
With all the crazy emission plumbing needed to meet 1985 emissions standards with a carburetor a stock Eagle looks like a mess under the hood no matter what you do with it. You can clean it up but the clutter is still there.
Those plastic valve covers are a pain (what were they thinking?) but thanks to the Jeep crowd aftermarket cast aluminum covers are available. I didn’t have to beat in the firewall to do the job on mine. The factory went back to metal valve covers for the 258 for 1987 but it was pretty much over for the Eagle (and AMC) by then.
The Jeep 4.0 would be a great upgrade for one of these. Apparently the factory at least considered it since early 4.0 castings have the mounting bosses for the Eagle’s front differential.
I hale from eastern PA where these were king in our part of the country. I have said it before. AMC was a scrappy and brilliant company in many ways. While not having the funds of the big 3 they still managed to make the best of what they had. A bulletproof 4.2L inline 6 with a tried and true driveline. I still think this design is pleasing to the eye. Yea build quality was typical 80’s albeit a little worse than the big 3 but they were pretty reliable. There is a reason you don’t see many good ones. Owners loved them so much they ran them as long as they could. 200K to 300K was not uncommon until the rust killed them.
I personally believe these will continue to go up in value. Think of them as the Grand Cherokee of station wagons.
These were great cars that were years ahead of their time. It was a civilized CJ-7
I owned an 81 wagon and lived in the slush belt. The big problem I had with it was with the rubber boots covering the front axles. Slush and road crud would gather on the boots, freeze, and cause them to tear, letting in more crud which rusted out the stub axles. Happened every couple years.
We had a lot of AMCs in the 70’s and early 80’s. All were good reliable though simple transportation. a Matador wagon, two Hornets, a Gremlin, Sportabout wagon and a Concord. I have that same interior roof light in my ’96 Mustang GT, factory installed.
Amen..I had amc’s and fords..I worked on my Ford more. I had a two door matador and a javelin. Everytime I touched the amc’s they went faster, and more dependable. I miss amc motors.
Had the 82 Eagle SX4 Sport. Didn’t have any issues. Took it to England and back. Wish I barn stored to drive today.
I bought a used ’82 Eagle SX4 Sport in the early 1990’s. Loved it, especially on snow and ice. A little coupe with a 6 cylinder engine. Had a leak in the coolant system on Xmas eve one year and damaged the head casket and possibly the head, so mechanic advised that I sell it. Lots of room in the cargo area. A great hatchback.
Many years ago in Virginia City (NV) the sheriff got in to a disagreement with the board of supervisors, who cut his budget accordingly. Lacking a source for replacement patrol cars he found a convocation of Eagles and outfitted them for use. At an altitude of 6100’ they were a little wheezy but got the job done, especially in the winter.
Eventually the county and sheriff kissed and made up but the cars stayed in use throughout the county motor pool until they rusted away..