I have long admired AMC because it was a genuine battler. The company produced a range of interesting and innovative vehicles on a budget that was, to be kind, extremely tight. This 1983 Eagle Limited Wagon is a perfect example of that approach. These were radical vehicles when they hit the market, and this one is particularly noteworthy as an unrestored vehicle that wears its original paint. It isn’t perfect, but should be considered an honest survivor. Listed here on eBay, the Eagle is located in Lakewood, Washington. Bidding sits below the reserve at $3,350, although there is a BIN option of $14,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
AMC introduced the Eagle in late 1979 for the 1980 model year. Penned by Dick Teague, the body was largely styled on the company’s existing Concord. Its appearance was modern and crisp, with the Wagon variant the most popular choice by a fair margin. This 1983 example is said to wear its original Copper Brown Metallic paint, having never undergone repairs or restoration. A close inspection via this YouTube video reveals minor paint imperfections, but the overall impression is extremely positive. Addressing those shortcomings would be fairly straightforward, and with the vehicle presenting so well, the cost and effort seem justified. One trim piece is loose, requiring a tweak to return it to its rightful place. AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention strategies, and with a Ziebart treatment forming part of that process, this Wagon’s rust-free status is unsurprising.
The first owner ordered this Eagle with leather trim, air conditioning, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. Surveying that list, it is surprising that they didn’t add power windows to the list. The seller confirms that although the headliner is new, the remaining trim is as original as the paint. The leather exhibits the typical wrinkles associated with age but still looks supple and inviting. The rear cargo area looks better than average for a vehicle of this type and age, indicating that this Wagon was always treated respectfully. The faux woodgrain hasn’t aged, the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV exposure, and the factory optional extras work as they should. Rock up to a Cars & Coffee in this baby and you’d best be prepared to receive plenty of positive comments.
You have to dig below the surface to uncover the Eagle’s party piece, and it demonstrated that AMC was ahead of the game. The 258ci six and three-speed automatic transmission combination doesn’t sound radical, but it is how the engine’s 110hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque feeds to the road that sets this Wagon apart from the opposition. AMC blessed these vehicles with an all-wheel-drive system that made them extraordinarily sure-footed on loose surfaces. Subaru and other manufacturers would soon follow the path blazed by the Eagle, but it demonstrated the lateral thinking that was a hallmark of AMC’s model development strategy. Potential buyers should consider this survivor a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The seller includes this YouTube video of the Wagon in action, and I can’t spot any issues that might cause concern.
This 1983 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon is a gem, and although it isn’t perfect, it would require more time than money to address its relatively minor shortcomings. The seller’s BIN figure is above the market average, but the Wagon’s overall condition, originality, and range of factory options leave it a cut above the rest. Will someone pay the asking price? That’s a difficult one to answer, but I won’t be surprised if they do. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind as a fair price?
My FIL bought a used 84 ( I think) straight 6 with a 5 speed manual. It was a darker brown than this one. Had a slight on and off lifter tap, I told him to add Marvel Mystery oil and that would always help. No amount of snow would stop that thing. I swear these were better in the snow than Jeeps. ( here comes the comments) . But he got home in some rough snow storms, actually passed a plow truck that went off the road, that Eagle never missed a beat. I agree with Adam, AMC deserves a lot of credit stretching their budget and coming out with some amazing vehicles. This is super clean, well cared for , probably garage kept. Nice find, and great write up.
Driveinstile 💯 agree.
I maintain an awd vehicle with a manual transmission is the premium setup for snow.
I totally agree… I owned an ’88, bought new (last year they made them), for almost 10 years. I HAD to be at work (9-1-1 center employee, no excuses). IT NEVER FAILED to get me there. NOTHING would stop it, not snow or ice for sure, just “drive carefully”. It ALWAYS started on the first turn over, IT LOVED COLD weather. Most folks don’t know how good that they were.
I have had several of these including one with the leather interior pictured above. Under appreciated vehicle that could not be stopped in snow or at the beach. Very simple to work on as well given it is just a “Jeep”
I have had several of these including one with the leather interior pictured above. A very under appreciated vehicle that could not be stopped in snow or at the beach. Very simple to work on as well given it is just a “Jeep”
Is that an aftermarket wiper delay just below the 2WD/4WD selector switch? The Eagles I’ve owned had factory wiper delay but maybe that was an option the original owner didn’t select.
In 1983 Eagles you still had to come to a stop to switch in or out of 4WD, though that setup is fairly easy to convert to the later “shift on the fly” system.
The engine still has its plastic valve cover. The buyer will want to replace that with an aftermarket aluminum job when the plastic leaks, which it inevitably will.
To be fair, Subaru had 4WD cars before AMC did but those used part-time systems that could not be used on dry pavement. The big deal with Eagles was that 4WD could be used under all conditions, in fact the early ones were full-time 4WD that couldn’t be switched off.
Mid 80’s used to deer hunt on top of a mountain in central PA. Game land nasty road climbed up the side, steep, narrow and tricky in snow. Later closed by PGC. Used a CJ7 and a xj Cherokee. Every year one of these was parked on top. We were amazed at the performance. We did have advantage going back down, low range crawl in snow was superior. But they made it down. Impressive drivetrain. Btw never saw a subaru up there
Lovely looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Eagle was intro’d. If I bought one, the only upgrade I’d give it would be Spirit grille and a Duramax 2.8 turbo diesel engine.
I remember in the late 80’s and 90’s you couldn’t drive a mile without seeing 5 of these in South Shore Lake Tahoe. The ride being higher than a car, 4 wheel drive, and multiple passengers were perfect for the snow. This is before pick ups were 4 doors so you could get the kiddies to school with a full load of groceries AND the family dogs!
My parents owned one almost identical to this one. They lived in Virginia City, Nevada,
Where some of the streets are extremely steep. They bought their’s after the city police dept switched Eagles for their patrol cars.
Nice looking car and I’m glad they are starting to get recognition. But $14,000 for this model is out of line in my opinion. Pretty odd to see a “Limited” without power windows. I have seen quite a few optioned out with 50,000 and less miles for the same ballpark price. With over 120,000 on the clock this would be an easy pass.
“It’s all we’ll drive.”
Amc started my love affair with AWD , still have and will as long as i have to drive in winter , i had one like this in the 90’s and a few other ones but i wouldn’t want to get another , hyundai has got me hooked on theirs now …
YOLO