To think of the AMC Spirit as a sports car is to make a very big leap on the basis of the “GT” moniker attached to its name. However, the upgraded bit of kit was at least robust compared to similar upgraded models from General Motors, and this 1979 Spirit appears to retain most of the add-ons that made it special. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $4K and no action on the listing as of this writing.
The GT kit added the requisite aero enhancements, such as the rear spoiler seen here. The GT also received the upgraded wheels, along with a sport-tuned exhaust – hard to see if it’s still the OEM unit on this car. The seller notes that mileage is fairly low at under 90,000, and that the Spirit runs quite well. No leaks or overheating are noted.
The bucket seats look nice, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is still present. The seller notes some discoloration is present on the seating surfaces in the bright sun but is otherwise undamaged. Some of the GT models received upgraded, sport-tuned suspensions, which included adjustable shocks, a faster steering box, and bigger anti-sway bars. No word on whether this GT is equipped this way.
The additional gauges in the console were another GT-specific upgrade, and the seller notes all of the instrumentation works. It’s a nice look, similar to the rare gauge package in the Porsche 914, also mounted in the console. While this Spirit GT isn’t perfect, it’s plenty nice and the low mileage is a bonus. While a manual transmission would be preferred, the torque-rich inline-six will make it an enjoyable two-pedal cruiser.
Love it! I own a Spirit GT (1980), and like it, mine was originally white with the 258, ducktail spoiler, and the center gauge console between black vinyl seats. I found mine in the early 90s, immediately swapped the engine for a 360 V8, and resprayed it in black. It was a fun college car. I still have it, but it now sits without an engine (I ultimately removed the V8 for a CJ project).
This is mine back in its prime. Loved that car!
Handsome: Black over black with bright-work and Turbocast II’s. They didn’t make to many of these. Keep her dry and under cover – A future Barn Find. In the early ’90’s I had the opportunity to pick up a non-running, but complete, poppy red GT for $400 and passed. Mistake.
That is frickinh’ sweet.
I’d rather have a V8😎
Fortunately, they fit with room to spare.
Is this a Nurburgring edition car?
https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a29623/when-the-americans-conquered-the-nurburgring-with-a-amc-spirit/
I found 1982 DL 2.5, I only change lifters and gaskets , now it running good.I thinking in 304 engine.
Used to be a four speed. I converted it to automatic because my knee went and I couldn’t push the clutch in without pain. Yea, it’s my old car. I bought it from the original owner who wrecked it and parked it in his garage back in the ’80s. The Turbocast wheels are Chevy but they are the correct 13 spoke as were the AMC version. I used spacer/adapters to get them mounted up. The car was in immaculate shape when I sold it including and NOS grille. Must have been used as a daily driver to get it in that shape. Has a posi rear and I put the air shocks in it to get the clearance to mount up the 15″ wheels.