1984 AMC Eagle Station Wagon
Innovation in automotive engineering has brought us some interesting creations over the years. One car company broke ground in the 1980s with a unique family sedan (and wagon) equipped with a 4x4 drivetrain to deliver passenger-car comfort, better fuel economy than trucks or sport utility vehicles, and all-weather capability. One such oddball creation was the "lifted" four-wheel-drive sedan and station wagon called the Eagle. It's a car that's hard to miss, if not a little awkward on the eyes.
Directly from the "And now for something completely different" category, and up for consignment, a 1984 AMC Eagle Station Wagon. Riding high and 4x4, this low mileage edition is poised to take on the outback or your local trail up the hill. It can carry all the gear necessary to stay for a while once you get there. All straight, rust free, steel, 4 doors, a rear wagon compartment, and the 4x4, she's a fine example of AMC ingenuity to create a new niche.
Exterior
Two tone Slate Blue top and Midnight Blue for the bottom paint is in very nice condition. These two paint colors are delineated by some pinstriping, chrome trimmings for the sides and a band of chrome which surrounds the entire car, even on the bumpers, with a small shiny band. A roof rack which is also chromed is atop, and all glass surrounds are trimmed nicely. A back gate allows easy access to the storage compartment on this wagon, and deep dish trimmed star shaped wheels are wrapped by thin whites all around.
Interior
The mid 80's were just great for interesting patterns and the interior of this car does not disappoint. Light broadcloth material with a dark blue grid pattern which forms small squares makes up the inserts to the front buckets and folding rear bench. Smooth blue vinyl for the bolsters, and these seats float in a sea of blue thick pie carpeting which remains clean and stain free. The original wood appliqu dash houses the square gauge cluster, radio, temp controls, vents, and glovebox in front of the passenger. Some blue vinyl tops the dash and provides a band that runs below the appliqu, still maintaining the square and rectangle design motif of the time period.
Drivetrain
The "from the factory" 258ci inline 6-cylinder engine sports a single 2-barrel carb on top, and a Torqueflite 3-speed automatic to push power rearward, (and forward when in 4 wheel drive) to a rear axle with 2.50 gears. Overall the engine bay is unrestored and has plenty of patina and some surface rust. The consignor states that the carburetor was rebuilt, a new fuel pump was added and a tune up was done to the engine.
Undercarriage
Some more surface rust is noted on the usual suspects (suspension, rear pumpkin, driveshaft, and brake drum coverings), but all rust free for the unibody construction of welded rockers and floorpans to create the structurally sound foundation. Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums are on the back, and a newer shiny exhaust is seen. We also note that the brakes have been gone over along with the lines be replaced as well as the suspension being fully gone over. No worries here!
Drive-Ability
Our test track does not have any mountains to climb so we could not fully test the 4x4 capabilities, however interestingly enough when comparing it to some late model Jeeps we have in house, the ground clearance is comparable. A quick starter, and smooth runner, with all functions working as they should.
A wonderfully preserved exterior and interior, original owners manual, original sales invoice, an original engine and bay it sits within, and some extra carrying cargo space, all 4x4 and a nimble wagon format. Quite the concept, it just did not catch on, although given some of the current SUV setups, they definitely harken back to this concept, so how far off was AMC really!!??
VIN DECODE
2CCCK3854EB721523
2-Canada
C-American Motors Canada
C-Multi Purpose Vehicle
C-4.2L I6
K-3 Speed Automatic
3-Eagle 4wd
8-Station Wagon
5-Deluxe/Manual Belts
4-Check Digit
E-1984
B-Brampton, Ontario Assy Plant
721523-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.