The seller uses the term “creampuff” when describing this 1982 AMC Eagle Wagon, and it is hard to argue that point. It is a one-owner classic that is original and unrestored. I’m not sure if it is the nicest example that we have seen at Barn Finds, but there is certainly little to criticize about its condition. Its most pressing need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Scott for spotting the Eagle listed here on Craigslist in Parkland, Washington. You could drive it away after handing the seller $12,500.
AMC introduced the Eagle for the 1980 model year, basing its latest offering on the existing Concord model to reduce development costs. Initially offered in Sedan, Coupe, and Station Wagon variants, the SX/4, Sundancer Convertible, and Kammback would join the line-up in 1981. Throughout most of the Eagle’s production run, the Wagon would remain the most popular choice, often outselling the next most popular variant by a ratio of more than 2:1. Our feature Eagle left the factory in 1982, ordered by the seller in Jamaican Beige and Copper Brown. It is a one-owner survivor, and its condition is particularly impressive considering it has twenty-three years of active service under its belt. The paint is free from major imperfections, and the panels are straight. AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention strategies during this period, with the underside shots confirming that this Eagle is as rust-free and solid as the day it left the factory. The trim looks excellent for its age, and the glass is clear.
A classic will often tell its story courtesy of its interior condition. Abuse and neglect will reveal themselves in worn and damaged trim, stained cloth, and broken plastic. There are no such problems with this Eagle. There are a few minor marks on the carpet, but that is as bad as the news gets with this survivor. The Brown cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are immaculate, suggesting that this classic is the creampuff the seller described. The dash and pad show no evidence of deterioration, and the only additions appear to be a wheel wrap and a CD player. The supplied images make it difficult to determine which factory options the seller chose, but it appears that it may feature air conditioning, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.
It is disappointing that the seller fails to supply engine images, because it is the drivetrain that defines the Eagle. The concept of all-wheel-drive had previously been confined almost exclusively to off-roaders, but AMC incorporated it into its latest offering. It wasn’t designed to “climb every mountain and ford every stream,” but to provide a more sure-footed driving experience on loose and slippery surfaces. Dubbed “Select Drive,” it allowed the driver to choose between all-wheel and rear-wheel drive at the flick of a switch. This Eagle features that system, a 258ci six, and a three-speed automatic transmission. The 258 was no ball of fire in 1982, delivering a relatively modest 110hp. However, the combination of all-wheel drive and the engine’s low-end torque delivery made this Wagon ideal for tackling mud and snow. Sadly, the lack of engine photos isn’t the listing’s only shortcoming, because there is no information provided regarding this classic’s mechanical health. However, the impression conveyed by the seller is that this is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy immediately.
It is often said that we get what we pay for, which is undoubtedly true of this 1982 AMC Eagle Wagon. It is possible to find cheaper examples in the classic market, although the buyer will need to compromise on condition in most cases. The seller’s price for this Eagle is realistic and is consistent with other vehicles of a similar caliber that have recently changed hands. It appears to need nothing, and is ideal for someone wishing to slip behind the wheel of a practical turnkey classic. It has been on the market for under a day, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
I was dating a girl back in the day and her parents had a brand new limited, I drove it every chance I got. I would love to have one today but my wife would definitely not be a fan.
Just tell her that it reminds you of your old girlfriend –
she’ll understand.
angliagt 🛌 👱♀️ 😲😅
This has to be the best looking Eagle i ever saw. How is this possible? Here in New York it would have been done 10 years from New! 🤣 if this was closer I would definitely look at this one! My wife dislikes woodys. Ahhh to bad to nice to pass up. Yes i wish there was engine photos . Good luck to the next owner! 🐻🇺🇸
I feel like they all are this color combo lol
Throw the ski 🎿 rack on the roof and head for Mt Baker. ❄️ 🏔 Be the coolest car in the lot. 😎
Wow this is clean. I probably mentioned my FIL had one of these when my wife and I were dating in the early 90’s. Brown ( what else???).258 and a 5 speed. Boy let me tell you what, no amount of snow can stop these things. Its hard to imagine the original owner after all these years having to let this go. I hope it gets the same amount of care with its new owner.
Silver
Gorgeous!
Love this Eagle, but I think you mean forty-three years of active service. :-)
My grandfather owned one of these brand new and loved it. Made for a great winter car in Pennsylvania..
That’s a very nice Eagle! Not sure if the wheel covers are correct but they look nice. I have an 87 Eagle in that same color combo with 65,000 miles…no rust, but my paint is “thin”.
Damn, I really wish AMC had the funds or an angel to keep them going. Way ahead of their time. I have a buddy in Texas that has over 200K on this wagon an still going strong.
Hope it stays in the Parklan area, it seems to be at home.
It will be coming to Texas! Can’t wait.
Mine was silver with Iron Duke 5spd which I owned in Vermont, where it was great because you never knew what the weather would be. Then later Alaska, where it was so cold the snow wasn’t slick.
I always liked the style and wanted one.
I love the practicality of this behicle. I call it a ALL WEATHER VEHICLE. It may not be a road scorcher, but it will get you there. I just can’t afford it now. 🫥
There is a good documentary on AMC that just debuted on YouTube by user “Auto Moments” Its a several part series and they are up to 3, about 30 minutes per episode. I even bought the commemorative AMC book. :)
https://www.youtube.com/@AutoMoments
Darn it. They did not do one on the CJ Jeeps.
It is also on most PBS stations right now at various times and days or on the PBS app.
I would drive this daily. I’ve always thought they were underrated. Looks tough built and easy to handle as well as durable and built to last
Lovely looking car. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like this. 🙂
Darn. They did not do one on the CJ Jeeps.
What happen to Barn Finds posts? I remember them as posts of more unique cars ….Not just older common cars someone kept in nice shape and now want to sell. To get more money they would have got before.
When’s the last time you saw a nice Eagle driving around?
As the years keep going cars are getting older. In most states, cars that are now 2000 models are 25 years old and are considered classics/antiques. Do you ever go to car shows, you see 80s cars and even 90s. How about the 80s Chrysler vans? Now they are wanted and rare.
gone.
Added this one to my fleet of older low mile classics! Can’t wait to get her home.
Congrats!