The original concept for the Eagle arose not from AMC’s marketing department, but from Roy Lunn, one of the company’s engineers. Lunn thought that some Jeep buyers rarely or never used their vehicles off-road; instead, the Jeep’s 4WD system simply felt safer if you had to run to the grocery store in the snow. Would there be a market for a 4WD passenger car, then? It was Lunn’s job to sell management on the idea of a new niche – and to develop the car to fill that niche. Regulations were instrumental to the Eagle’s design: Lunn needed to convince the EPA that the new model was not a car, but should instead be ranked as a light truck, resulting in easier fuel efficiency bogeys. Marrying the Concord with 4WD was the plan, but it took a few years before a 4WD system emerged that would work. Almost 200k Eagles were made before production ceased in 1988. Here’s one still plying the roads in Grand Rapids, Michigan, advertised on craigslist for $7500. Thanks to Tony Primo for sending over the tip!
Three engines could be found in Eagles over the extent of model production: a 4.2-liter six-cylinder, GM’s Iron Duke four, or AMC’s 2.2-liter four. This one is the 110 hp six, known for its thirsty behavior on the road. By squeezing the car into the “light truck” category, AMC could focus on the 4WD system rather than re-engineering for efficiency. A three-speed Torque-Flite automatic handles gear changes. Our seller notes plenty of “as-needed” work performed, from replacing fuel lines and the carb, to servicing the transmission. On the negative side of the ledger, the 4WD system has never been engaged during his five years of ownership, so he can’t say it works.
The interior is nice enough – the windshield is new, the stereo works, the upholstery is decent. Its few foibles include mirrors that no longer adjust from inside but are glued into their housings, and air conditioning that is “not in use”. The cargo area is clean, and the rear seats are spiffy. The original window sticker is still with the car, as is a factory service manual. The entire presentation radiates “I took good care of my Eagle”: in my mind, when you buy an old car, you’re buying the last owner, and maybe the one before that, so a clean car, floor mats, a detailed roster of work, and original items still present adds to the value of the vehicle and gooses my enthusiasm.
The exterior is wearing a custom “wood grain” wrap. There’s a dent or two, and the seller notes that the frame was professionally repaired due to rust. Overall, this Eagle is a running project, though non-executed repairs listed by the seller are mostly non-essential and could be delayed …. well, forever. Eagle values are all over the lot, with outstanding examples selling for over $25k, while run-of-the-mill types will hover below five figures. What do you think this Eagle will bring in today’s market?
I think I’ve mentioned my wifes Dad had one of these when we were dating and engaged back in the early 90’s. Nothing would stop that thing in the snow. One of the best things besides that straight six is it had a 5 speed manual that worked great. Michelle, I didn’t know it was considered the light truck catagory. But it makes perfect sense now that you mentioned it. He often got 20 to 21 MPG which back then, was very good. This one looks really solid overall. Many of these led a hard life. I’d be curious about the professional frame rust repair though before buying it. Thanks Michelle!!!
Never engaged the 4WD I have a hard time believing that. Isn’t that one of the reasons you would buy a vehicle like this one? If I was in the market I would have some one go over it with a fine tooth comb to see what else does or doesn’t work.
Ha, I am in talks with this seller right now to go check it out! What are the odds to see it here?? I will report back my findings. Price is high for the miles and rust IMO. We shall see….
Hello Dan. I had an 83 rust free in silver I sold about 10 years ago. I loved driving it in the snow for funzies. This price is way too high for this one, rust is a deal breaker. They are thirsty with that 4.2 also. My 4×4 didn’t work either and it took awhile to sort it out but it wasn’t too bad, they are vacuum operated and end up with vacuum leaks. I have a lot of the vacuum system parts tucked away if you need them. Also the plastic valve covers leak terribly and you have to drill and thread the head to install an aluminum cover. I’m in the Chicago suburbs. Good luck.
These were certainly all the rage for a certain segment of the public. No doubt an answer to the growing appeal of Subarus. Thirteen – five was a lot of bread for a Concord come Cherokee but soon others wanted in and we had 4wd Tempos and 6000s. Someone will find it a new home.
In 1981 I was happily handling winter in the Northern USA with a Subaru Wagon I owned., purc hased in Chicago because my three Italian sports cars were useless in that weather. Then I changed jobs and got an AMC Wagon as a company car, It lacked the poise and reliability in snow of the Subaru and as soon as the Newsroom got a new car, I took it as news ddierector and gave a cameeraman my EAGLE. A feew months later in winter, he came into my odfffice mad as a hornet, and carrying ther ENTIRE rear hatch. HINGES BROKE OFF WHEN I CLOSED IN IT NEAR ZERO WEATHER, HE SAID.Shortly after that we amanaged to trade it and get something more suitable. Laster near ther end of ther 80s bought some Toyota Previa minic=vans and thery were imprressiver for 100,000 miles with no issues.
Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember the Eagle 4wd. This car would’ve been perfect for anyone who wants something to do some light off road driving, but don’t want a Jeep. The only mechanical upgrade I’d have done to it would’ve been a small (2.8 litre to 3.0 litre) Turbo Diesel engine and a compatible gearbox, if there is such a thing.
I used 1983, 1985 and 1988 models for delivering mail in rural Illinois for many years. Best vehicle for Midwest winter conditions. Sturdy and reliable.
I owned a ’84 wagon, and on the highway i got 27 MPG. Living in Michigan, the 4X4 was just wonderful! My ex had a Suburban, (2X4) and I’d push it all over in the snow, when she’d get stuck. The Eagle was the best vehicle that I ever owned! It would go where ever you aimed it!!!
When I was growing up, I was told that anything with the name American Motors (or AMC) wasn’t a good car to drive. I disagree. I don’t think there’s such thing as a bad car, just bad owner. If you’re careful how you drive the car, you won’t have an accident. If you either do the maintenance yourself, or you take the car for maintenance regularly, it’ll last a long time.
Hey all, I did go to check it out. Seller had no idea it was on Barn Finds, but he was aware this site exists. Seller also had a Pacer X and 300ZX, right up my alley kind of stuff! The Eagle was in good shape, driver quality. Paint could use a good correction. It started up and ran fine until I put it into gear and it started stalling out. Seller will take to his mechanic and have it further investigated. Good dude who loved talking cars!
FYI, there was actually a fourth engine for a very brief time and only a few were ever sold. You could get a diesel in one.
I believe there is only one known to still exist and it is at the AMC Ranch in CO.
I’ve never heard of an AMC Eagle with a Turbo Diesel engine. If I bought one, I’d have one installed with a Duramax 2.8 litre Turbo Diesel engine and a compatible automatic gearbox.
I don’t know if it was turbo. I don’t know much about it, just what I have read about it at the guy who owns all the AMC’s in CO. I believe he is starting to sell off his collection.