I’ve talked in previous articles about my admiration for AMC and how they could produce some great cars on a limited budget. As the 1970s rolled into the 1980s, the company’s financial position was a long way from healthy, but they still managed to produce a genuinely groundbreaking vehicle in the Eagle SX/4. Our feature car is a 1983 Liftback, and it had belonged to the same elderly lady owner for more than thirty years before finding its way to the selling dealer. Its level of preservation is admirable, and it is a turn-key survivor that deserves a new owner who is prepared to continue its life of care and respect. Located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, you will find the Eagle listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set a BIN of $14,000, although there is the option for interested parties to submit an offer. I need to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for referring this fantastic car to us.

The high-riding stance, badges, and fender flares leave readers in no doubt that this is an Eagle SX/4. The original owner ordered it in a winning combination of Jamaican Beige and Copper Brown, and it continues to present superbly today. The paint holds a beautiful shine, with no evidence of chips, scratches, or other damage that might require the buyer’s attention. The panels are laser straight, and the overall impression that the exterior conveys is that the original owner cherished her beloved Eagle. AMC was serious about rust protection during this era and took the unprecedented step of offering customers a five-year “No Rust Thru” warranty. This was a bold move and was motivated by their decision to utilize galvanized steel body panels, Ziebart Factory Rust Protection, plus other strategies designed to keep the tin worm at bay. Therefore, it is no surprise to discover that this Eagle remains rust-free to this day. Rounding out the positive first impressions are trim and glass that are spotless and factory wheels free from stains or physical damage.

There was nothing particularly groundbreaking about an Eagle’s interior, but the company designed it to be comfortable, tidy, and practical. That remains the case with our feature car, and it is one of the cleanest unrestored Eagle interiors of this vintage that I’ve seen. The seats are trimmed in tan vinyl, with this material continuing across most of the remaining upholstered surfaces. This can become tired and stained as time passes, but that hasn’t been the case with this gem. The vinyl is spotlessly clean, and there are no signs of wear or physical damage. The carpet shows a few marks, but its condition is as impressive as the upholstery given its age and color. The dash and pad are flawless, the headliner is excellent, and the damage-prone rear cargo area is well above average. This interior isn’t loaded with luxury goodies, but the original owner ticked the boxes beside the AM radio and air conditioning that continues to blow ice-cold. The only issue that the seller notes is a bypassed heater core. Still, when you consider the condition of the rest of this SX/4, fixing it will finally give the buyer a task to tackle.

You need to delve below the surface and examine the drivetrain configuration to discover what made the Eagle such an amazing vehicle. We have come to accept all-wheel-drive technology as an integral part of today’s automotive landscape. Companies like Subaru and Toyota have made this feature commonplace. However, AMC caused a stir in the automotive world when it introduced this drivetrain combination with the 1980 Eagle. All-wheel-drive had been the domain of the heavy-duty off-roaders like the Jeep and Bronco, but here it was being offered in a family sedan or wagon. The original owner ordered this Eagle with a 258ci straight-six engine and a three-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power front disc brakes were standard inclusions on the SX/4. That six should be pumping out 110hp, which is enough to propel this AMC through the ¼ mile in 19.8 seconds. The AWD system was an ingenious design, and its benefits weren’t instantly apparent on dry and clean bitumen. However, the moment the road surface became loose, slippery, or icy, the driver could feel the system providing valuable additional traction. The seller indicates that this classic has a genuine 77,000 miles on the clock, and given the documentation he holds, I believe this claim could be verified. Frustratingly, he supplies no information on how the Eagle runs or drives. However, if the visual condition is an accurate indication, this should be a turn-key proposition.

The AMC Eagle’s star shone brightly for a brief period before it disappeared forever from the new car market. However, it proves that being gone doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been forgotten. It showed what was possible in an AWD passenger car, and most manufacturers have since followed AMC’s lead in one form or another. This one is an absolute beauty, but the BIN price places it right at the top end of what a buyer might expect to pay for a pristine example. Is that figure justified? I believe that it probably is because it is one of the cleanest original, unrestored, and unmolested examples that you are likely to find in today’s market. However, it would be worth the effort to accept the seller’s option to submit an offer. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.