“So much practicality, so much affordability . . . all wrapped up in a smart appearing four-wheel drive package. Whether the new Eagle Kammback is your only automobile or a second family automobile, it’s a truly sporty subcompact.” So says a brochure touting the 1981 Eagle line. This rare project Kammback is listed here on eBay in Empire, Colorado, and the current bid is a very surprising $5,000
The photos aren’t the best here. We don’t get to see the passenger side at all, not even a tiny glimpse or a detailed photo, and from what we can see of its condition otherwise, I’m very surprised at the high bid price. The Kammback is a very rare version of the 4×4 Eagle, and a couple of bidders must really want exact car as this example needs a ton of work, both cosmetic and mechanical.
AMC Eagle, or just plain Eagle, offered the Kammback – with an obvious resemblance to the AMC Gremlin, or Spirit – for model years 1981 and 1982 so they are very rare. I’ve wanted one for years but this example is rougher than I’d want to try to bring back to life. The seller, a 74-year-old woman, says that she bought this car from a 90-year-old woman who bought it new, and then the original owner’s eyesight started failing and this car sat for the last 25 years. The seller’s main vehicle has some needs so this car is now for sale. She planned on restoring it but we all know how those things go.
The door panels almost look new and I think I can see some clear plastic on parts of them, and overall the interior looks very nice. As with the exterior photos, we don’t get a good look inside and there are no overall photos, sadly, so it’s hard to tell what condition it’s in other than a few closeups. This car has an optional three-speed automatic rather than the standard four-speed manual transmission. The seller says it clunks going into reverse and that could be an easy fix or not.
They did include an engine photo, though, so all is right with the world. This one VINs (is that a word?) out to be an AMC 258-cu.in. OHV inline-six, with 110 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. After finding this hidden Kammback, she had her mechanic do some work including rebuilding the carb, bleeding the brakes, changing the fuel filter, new plugs, a new fuel pump, two new front wheel bearings, new wipers, an oil change, and a new battery. The wheel covers are inside the car, by the way. Any thoughts on this Kammback?
Rare car, never seen one around here ever, only the wagon, 5 grand not that bad, if it runs and not rotted. Where else can you find one?
Hello Mark.
I know where you can find one.
I have it
Send it in and we will auction it right here on the site!
I want it! Usually they have 4 cylinders so this is the power wagon of the bunch!
My dad worked for an AMC dealer in Binghamton at that time, and when we saw one for the first time he just kind of shook his head and asked how many more times they were going to reheat the Gremlin before they tossed that bowl of soup. You don’t see many of them and if you look at them, the reason is obvious. Not the most beautiful car on the road by any stretch of the imagination. That said, it’s unique and if the style appeals to you, where are you going to find another?
Definitely an Eagle/Gremlin mix. Not sure I like the Gremlin part of it. Would look a lot better with the Eagle back instead. Still Someone should save it.
Maybe a good driver/fixer upper. The least seen body style with the larger motor. Win win. Now how much will need to be spent to make it the way you want it?
When it first came out I wouldn’t be caught dead in it,now I kinda like it.
I’m definitely liking the eagles, transplant an Aussie straight six from Chrysler, either a 245 or 265 hemi.
If a Gremlin and a Pacer had a baby this is what they would get.
Midget ambulance. Red bubble on top decimals on the door an your in business..
Surprising at 5k? The owner would have to pay me to haul it away!
Karl—sold at $6600. I guess the owner won’t be paying you diddly squat.
I had the same exact model only with the 4 speed Trans. 4×4 worked fantastic in deep snow. The only reason why I sold it was it didn’t have very going headroom for me.
Auction update: this one sold at $6,600! Wowie.
Now it’s mine ;)