When shopping for a classic or vintage vehicle, it can be tempting to look for a vehicle no one else owns. But that carries with it the risks of being stuck with an broken obsolete part or limited support system from fellow enthusiasts. The AMC Eagle wagon walks the line nicely in this regard, as it’s somewhat obscure but also loaded with easily sourced spare parts and supported by an enthusiastic community of owners. Check out this nicely preserved 1985 AMC Eagle 4×4 wagon here on craigslist, and thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for sending it in.
The AMC Eagle 4×4 wagon was a pioneer in many regards, the obvious being the combination of four wheel drive and a wagon body. No longer did you have to buy an SUV to get all-weather capability, and while companies like Subaru and Audi got credit for creating this automotive niche (somewhat unfairly, I might add), it was AMC that opened consumers eyes to the possibility of all-weather wagon utility. This AMC Eagle appears to be in excellent cosmetic condition with no signs of rust.
It has also been updated in places to make it more palatable for daily use. This includes updated LED lighting on the front end and a new radio with what looks like both touchscreen capabilities and potentially Android Auto and/or Apple connectivity. The interior is in great shape overall with what looks like unmarked seating surfaces, clean carpets and door panels, and a dashboard in very good condition along with intact switchgear and instrument cluster.
The AMC Eagle wagon is well-loved by enthusiasts, too, perhaps more so than any other AMC model. The rugged drivetrain makes it a compelling choice for actual off-road use, and parts supply is still quite good – not to mention the fact that you can still find Eagles of this era in whatever local salvage yard keeps older inventory around. The seller lists mileage of 50,000, and this 4WD wagon certainly appears to a car with low miles. Would you ever consider an AMC Eagle wagon as a classic vehicle you can daily drive?
Glorious. On my bucket list.
Nice looking Eagle. AMC was a great innovator. One wonders if the cars would have been as unique and interesting if they had had more money to throw at projects or would we have gotten more Gremlins, Matadors and Pacers?
I would argue that Gremlins, Matadors, and Pacers are unique and interesting cars in their own right. Not to everyone’s taste, certainly, and you don’t (or more accurately, I don’t) see innovation on the same scale in today’s environment.
I would definitely consider buying this. Its a rugged 4X 4th wagon that’ll surely get noticed anywhere
Paid $500 for one back in ’97. Kept it for 2 years. A great 4X4.
I had one for a few years in the late ’90s. It leaked oil due to a broken plastic valve cover that I couldn’t find a replacement for, so I would add 3 or 4 quarts when the oil pressure light came on when it idled. It is a tough car that was reliable to daily. The salvage yards had a few then, but they’re all gone now. I could do without the updated headlights and radio, the originals are good enough for me.
The cure for the plastic valve cover is an aftermarket aluminum cover made for Jeeps that have the same 6-cylinder 258 cid engine. I owned 2 Eagle wagons over the years and installed aluminum valve covers on both – no more leaks.
That’s correct on the valve cover. More pics would be nice especially underneath the hood this one probably came with the plastic valve cover. I also have two Two Eagles one I’ve had 30 years 87 came stock with aluminum . It’s always nice to see another Eagle on the road
The fix is steel valve cover,you have to drill and tap holes,dealers used to sell the kit.
Nice looking Eagle. AMC was a great innovator. One wonders if the cars would have been as unique and interesting if they had had more money to throw at projects or would we have gotten more Gremlins, Matadors and Pacers?
Weird at the time. Would be cool today.
The amc eagle started my life long love affair with AWD ,more than 30 years later , still drive AWD , now a santa fe with all the bells and whistles, would not want to downgrade to an eagle but love to see one , none left in canadian snow country
I think it looks better with the stock radio & headlights , More pics would be nice , Interior & underneath the hood. can’t tell if this has shift on the Fly 4×4 some of these Eagles you had to stop & move a lever to put it in four-wheel drive . Can’t tell the shape of the headliner most of these do need to be repaired . I’m guessing it has crank windows. As for the valve cover it’s probably plastic . The valve cover is not steel it’s aluminum . I should know I’ve had one 30 years limited 87 . If you have a limited AMC Eagle it would have leather seats , ele windows , locks with a nice stylish steering wheel . Always nice to see another Eagle still out there .
Nice car but totally lame ad that indicates car is similar to WRX, Charger, Chevelle Etc.
Using keywords to get this car into almost every search seems a bit unscrupulous. I would definitely proceed with caution with this seller.
I did think the Chevelle reference was a bit much. LOL
Reminds me of the AMC Hornet I once had when I couldn’t afford an Eagle. Good looking example. I’d be tempted if it wasn’t so far away and I didn’t have so many project cars that need attention.
Ahead of its time, built with first class components, and proven indestructible. Aside from being thirstier that the modern equivalents, I can’t think of a down-side to these for practical transportation. I’d love to have it!
it was a nice car with the 258 6 a good engine,go any where.