BF Auction: 1986 AMC Eagle Wagon
- Seller: Galen W
- Location: Walnut Creek, California
- Mileage: 69,300 Shown
- Chassis #: 2CCCK385XGB706253
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Inline 6-Cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
AMC deserved greater market success than it achieved because the company produced some genuinely unique vehicles. This 1986 Eagle Wagon is a prime example. Its “Select Drive” system provides excellent traction on loose surfaces, bridging the gap between a traditional Station Wagon and a modern SUV. This beauty is a meticulously maintained survivor with a genuine 70,000 miles showing on its odometer. The current owner drives the Eagle virtually every day but feels the time is right for it to find a new home with an enthusiast who will continue to lavish it with TLC. Therefore, this excellent AMC is listed exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
AMC unveiled the Eagle for the 1980 model year, basing the latest offering on its Concord range. The Eagle provided sharp and crisp styling that has aged remarkably well. The first owner ordered this classic in a combination of Mocha Dark Brown and Olympic White, and its overall presentation is extremely tidy for an unrestored survivor with thirty-eight years of active service under its belt. The paint retains a healthy shine, with no significant panel flaws or defects. The owner admits cosmetic shortcomings, with a visible scratch on the hood, a scuff on the front bumper on the passenger side, and one missing hubcap. What this Eagle lacks is rust, which is unsurprising. AMC focused heavily on anti-corrosion strategies with the Eagle. This included utilizing galvanized steel for the body, treating every new vehicle to an epoxy-based primer, and adding a Ziebart treatment before cars left the factory. Production numbers were relatively low by modern standards, but the company’s approach means these classics are typically rock-solid. The trim is in good order, and there are no glass issues.
What helped the Eagle to break new ground was its drivetrain configuration. Four-wheel drive had typically been the preserve of heavy and relatively inefficient off-roaders. However, AMC adopted a viscous-coupled center differential system that provided a smoother driving experience than found in most traditional 4x4s. It upped the ante with the Select Drive system, allowing owners to switch from two to all-wheel drive as required, predating similar systems from companies like Subaru by many years. This Eagle features a 258ci six, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The six delivers its 115hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque low in the rev range, making these Wagons remarkably tractable in adverse circumstances. The owner has recently lavished plenty of love on this Eagle. The emission system received new hoses, and a metal pipe was fabricated. The Wagon is now California smog-compliant. The water pump, hoses and the drive belt are all new. The radiator core was repaired, and the only pending work the winning bidder needs to tackle is a transmission service. It is worth noting that this classic has plenty of service and maintenance records, dating back to the 1980s. The owner drives this classic almost daily, confirming it is a turnkey proposition.
The Eagle’s interior is surprisingly tidy for a family Wagon, with only a few shortcomings. The headliner is sagging, and the dome light lens is broken. The seats sport a few minor marks, but no evidence of significant wear or abuse. The highlight is the rear cargo area, which is free from the marks and scars that often plague that area due to loose items rubbing against the plastic. The interior also features a welcome range of creature comforts. The winning bidder receives air conditioning, power locks, remote exterior mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio.
The AMC Eagle was reaching the end of its production life by 1986, and the sales figures demonstrated that fact. The Station Wagon proved a popular pick among buyers, outselling the Sedan by a ratio of more than 5:1. However, the total of 6,943 means they are still relatively rare beasts. This Eagle is a wonderful survivor that could function as an effective and practical daily driver. Its needs are minor, and lifting its presentation to a higher level wouldn’t take much money or effort. The current owner has derived great pleasure from this classic, but now it’s time for someone new to enjoy it! Will that person be you?
Bid On This Auction
OnTheBrink bid $3,950.00 2024-08-20 11:01:36
ElDoMino bid $3,700.00 2024-08-20 10:59:02- OnTheBrink bid $3,450.00 2024-08-20 10:51:38
- ElDoMino bid $3,200.00 2024-08-19 17:39:51
Bugeye01 bid $2,500.00 2024-08-14 09:07:39
Sikerd bid $100.00 2024-08-13 11:19:13
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Comments
These have that legit ‘cool factor’ that most autos don’t. Nice one here!
Your basic Hornet/Concorde converted to 4wd but it worked!
I have a question to ask of the seller about the car. Is there anyway to contact the seller? Or have him/her contact me?
I can’t think of another 4WD vehicle that offered wire wheel covers.
AMC bought those wheelcovers from Buick. If the AMC sticker in the center peels off you’ll see the Buick Tri-Shield underneath.
Not true, look carefully at wheel cover missing black sticker, has the late 70 model yr AMC logo in the center. I have a set of these same wheel covers in my garage.
Maybe not all of them, but I have personally seen AMC wire wheel covers where the Buick Tri-Shield is underneath the AMC sticker. Pretty sure they were 1980s covers used on Concords and Eagles.
I have a set of Rambler wire wheel covers, with spinners and the stylized “R” in the center, from the mid-1960s and they are considerably different. Probably higher quality as well.
Also search the following thread for “AMC”…
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/cc-clue-470/
Subaru mid-late 70’s
Boy, I’d love this. I could park it at my son’s house to use when I’m in town. Only thing wrong, he’d drive it when I wasn’t.
any underside pix… yes I know in CA but… have seen rotted out cars from there too. Especially of note are the backside of rockers as covered by the rubber and can look good up front. Not hard to get a camera under to see up and across at least! GLWTS!
The 1986 Eagles are less capable than the others. For reasons I’ve never seen explained for that year only the transfer case employs an open differential instead of the viscous coupling used other years. That means if one wheel loses traction you’ll sit there spinning that wheel! (Of course at this point you probably wouldn’t want to use up a nice Eagle on salted winter roads.)
And, these weren’t strictly “posers” either, you could use them off the beaten path for a little rough riding. And that engine was the precursor of the durable Jeep straight six that would be used in Cherokees and Wranglers for years. One of the things that made them so tough was five main bearings.
Actually seven main bearings. It’s AMC V8 engines that have five mains.
you are correct, my mistake
That’s what I like in a car, I like something that’s durable enough that you could go off road if you want to and then be able to get back on road when you’re ready.
Lovely looking car. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like the AMC Eagle. I was disappointed to say the least when Chrysler discontinued the Eagle when they took over. They continued the Jeep, but discontinued the Eagle? What the hell?!
I’d love to see what AMC would be producing today had they survived.
Right? I’ve often wondered what they’d still be doing had they continued.
Maybe making quirky but fuel efficient and affordable cars that would be easy to fix the regular person could buy! Just being a little sarcastic here. They could have been an import fighter and the Eagle was ahead of it’s time with the whole raised wagon all wheel drive thing.
owned an 1980 original Eagle with permanent 4 wheel drive.loved the car couldn’t get it to break loose and spin tires, even in deep snow.hated to trade off for A new Chevy Nova that was A big problem
Made in Canada
I miss American Motors.
Would this be one you would drive cross-country without thinking about it.
right motor, right model (waggy), now let’s get right price
Just Ouda Respect
I know they had 2 different 4WD systems in the model,
with later better. Cant remember the difference. May B
the later could come out of 4WD…
Any way this IS the later~
As a security service tech in montreal , canada This was the best service vehicle for me , i had 2 station wagons and a 2 door , loved them all !
I woud love to get my hands on the convertible version and
I must say that AMC started my love affair for awd , i have owned many and now drive a loaded santa fe and veracruz but always have great eagle memories
Same here. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the AMC Eagle was first intro’d to the American public back in the early 1980s. I would loved to have driven a car like this.
Does anyone know how to get hold of the seller? I live in CA and I have a question for him/her regarding smogg clearance.
Let me know how I could reach them.