66k-Mile 4WD: 1986 AMC Eagle Wagon
We take for granted today the fact that we can roll into almost any dealership in the nation and drive out with a vehicle with some form of four-wheel drive. While that might not matter as much for folks below the snow belt, the intrepid adventurers above that line need a four-wheel drive to get to work on days that would make us Southerners reach for hot cocoa and French toast. Yet those four-wheel drive options for passenger cars weren’t very plentiful back in the eighties. If you are an aficionado of early four-wheel-drive station wagons, then you need to check out this 1986 AMC Eagle station wagon for sale on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. Cleaned up, tuned up, and with just 66K on the odometer, is this fairly rare to see AMC worth the $13,000 asking price? Thanks to Todd K. for the tip!
It wasn’t that long ago when Jeep was a division of American Motors. AMC, as it was called back in the day, was the last remnant of the independent automakers. This scrappy outfit fought for slivers of the new car market but also cornered the four-wheel drive market with Jeep. While only common on the beach in the Florida I grew up in, Jeeps were the vehicle to have according to my uncle who lived in Western North Carolina. When he moved up there, he got himself a Jeep after that first rough winter and went to his grave as a Jeep owner. He never went without one after he bought that first one. Seeing where he lived made these purchases make sense to my Florida flatlander eyes.
Ever eager to gain market share in the passenger car market, AMC began to use some of its Jeep drivetrain in its Spirit and Concord lines, changing the name of the car to Eagle. These vehicles boasted full-time four-wheel drive and became hot sellers in areas that received a lot of snow. It wasn’t long before the company’s two-wheel drive cars were all some form of their parent company Renault’s products. The four wheel drive American (later Canadian) made Eagle soared on until 1988 despite diminished sales. When the company was purchased by Chrysler, it wasn’t long before anything that didn’t have the word JEEP glued or fastened on it went the way of the dodo bird. Chrysler bought the company for Jeep alone. This was an investment that proved to be quite lucrative.
When you consider that most AMC Eagles were sold in snowy climates, the survival rate on these cars is pretty low. Add to that the factors of low production numbers, a lack of spare parts, and the plethora of more modern options for those who need such a vehicle, and you can see why the 1986 Eagle you see here is a rare sight nowadays. Somehow this one escaped the abuse that so many of its brethren endured and had to have been treated to a garaged existence for the majority of its life. There are a few scuffs, dents, and dings here and there. However, the finish is very presentable, and the car seems free from corrosion. The interior is also in remarkable condition for its age. It is equipped with a stereo, power steering, automatic transmission, and cruise control. The windows are unfortunately of the now nearly extinct manual variety.
Under the hood lies one of the most reliable engines ever produced. AMC’s inline six-cylinder engine displaced 258 cubic inches and provided a dump truck load of low-end torque that was just right for a vehicle of this type. Despite the grunt at low speeds, the seller claims that the car can run comfortably at 80 MPH if needed. The engine compartment presents well, and the seller assures us that routine maintenance and replacement of some worn items has been performed.
While it is definitely a cool car and would probably be a standout at a Radwood-themed car show, the price may make some potential buyers hesitate. There are better vehicles out there for the task that this car was designed for. It is for that rare AMC collector who wants to tell the story of the company’s last days. It was an innovative product back then, but not groundbreaking enough to keep the company from being gobbled up by a bigger fish. Hopefully this car finds a good home with someone who will show it. It is an integral and interesting part of automotive history.
Have you ever owned an AMC product? Did you buy it for its four-wheel drive talents? Please share your stories in the comments.
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Comments
We, in the Badger, were mighty proud of this car. Fact is, it’s the last real car AMC made worth mentioning, considering what came next. This is the zenith of the highly versatile AMC Hornet, more specifically, the Sportabout. These cars were targeting older folks that were AMC loyal, and needed a cushy 4×4 in northern climes. Rural mail carriers used these extensively, and some probably still do today.
Sadly, like most AMC products, they were a tough sell outside the midwest, and due to their use in the winter, few survived. Reno is about the only place you’ll find one. Why a 4×4 wagon is needed in Nev. is a mystery, but if you’re like me, and have had it up to here with the modern day 4×4 offerings, makes this a freakin’ deal. They were great cars.
Good info Howard, I always liked these. And just an FYI… Reno gets 22 inches of snow on average in the winter. Better safe than sliding.
I’ve owned a couple of Eagle wagons including a 1986 model.
A quirk of the 1986 Eagle is for that year only it was equipped with an open center differential rather than the viscous coupling used other years. This means that if you lose traction on one wheel the car will just sit there spinning that wheel, despite having 4WD. (This car is too nice to use in the snow and salt anyway.)
I see from the engine photo that this car has a serpentine belt to drive the accessories. I’ve read some Eagles were set up this way but this is the first time actually seeing one. (Both my Eagles used old-school V-belts.) It also still has the OEM-style leaky plastic valve cover. An aftermarket aluminum valve cover is the cure.
If those are original wire wheel covers the Buick tri-shield can be found under the AMC stickers in the center!
“If those are original wire wheel covers the Buick tri-shield can be found under the AMC stickers in the center!”
This sort of info is why I come here. Thanks for the cool fact, AMC Guy!
You’re welcome! It was really surprising the first time I saw one where the AMC center sticker was peeling off.
I owned an 86 and rebuilt both the engine and transmission. I drove it 80,000 miles. I disconneted the locking torque converter that was problermatic on our car, and simply allowd viscous coupling without that troublesome addition. Because of the simple carburetor, its power fell way off at altitude. Yet, its high stance and lines I thought very attractive. This white car is amazingly original and nice! Still, TIME and Temperature in my car eventually deteriorated the headliner into an unwanteed hat, and all vynal deteriorated- as the new car smell reverted to rot. I even re-cast the door handles in aluminum as the pot metal originals broke! Do not let THIS car set outside, or the Shangrala syndrome will invade!
We had 2 of these and also a Jeep Cherokee of that period. The Eagles were much better in the snow than the Jeep.
I have a question. If this car is a 1986, shouldn’t it have a third break light? I thought all vehicles 1986 and newer were required to have them. Maybe it was classified as a truck? Just curious!
Yes, the Eagle was classified as a truck or multipurpose vehicle. (I forget the exact designation and am too lazy to look it up.) That’s also why it does not have 5 mph impact bumpers.
Thanks! I was wondering!
Many a wealthy Vermonter had these before Outbacks came along. Strangely enough, the first time I saw one of these was in the movie Moonraker in the shooting scene.
So since we are gaining info here 1 question please, with the different transmissions and engines what would be the best year and spec for all-around performance and fun? Should the manual be avoided because I prefer them.
Get a later model Fuel injected Jeep engine as a transplant. That engine boasted the most HP from any normally aspirated engine of its era. Same engine- just fuel injected! May be impossible to smog though.
Don’t forget that the front differential on these cars hangs off the engine block. I believe the early 4.0 castings do have the bosses for the diff mount but they are not drilled and threaded.
Lovely car. Assuming everything works like they should and it runs and drives safely and reliably, I’d be willing to pay between $5,000 and $10,000.
We had an 83 back in the early 90’s. Drove the seat covers off it. There wasn’t anywhere it wouldn’t go. My Wife still regrets the day we sold it. But since on that day we got a new 94 Grand Cherokee V8, she only miss’s it a little. At $13k, she wouldn’t miss it at all….
A buddies dad had several he used on his rural mail route. They would go through just about anything
I consider it damned unforgivable that Chrysler didn’t take the Eagle when they took over American Motors. They missed an opportunity to make some really good money. While the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee may have been popular, I think they could’ve done themselves a favour by expanding their line up to include a Jeep Eagle 4wd.
Everybody in Kenosha knew what Iacocca wanted and that name became a dirty word there.
Really? And how did that happen?
I keep hearing these are rare, but there is almost always one or two for sale in a regional CL or FBM search around here. I am surprised how often they pop up. Usually much crustier than this one, and for much less money. Certainly an ahead of its time concept. Survival rates probably partly a reflection of the robust 6 cylinder drivetrain.
I’d buy an Eagle 4×4 wagon if I knew where I could find one in decent condition.
Had these as part of the fleet, Jiffy Auto Rental back in the day. Cool vehicle, somewhat of a unicorn.
Yeah but rare doesn’t mean valuable. It’s a basic used car. It’s worth 4k$ tops. Dated sluggish performance, poor ride. Yeah it’s cool\rare but definitely not “valuable”
Are you sure about that? What makes a car valuable?
@Car Nut Tacoma – Case in point. The total production of Jaguar E Type FHC (coupe) was over 15,400. Total production of OTS (roadster) was over 17,300. Total production of 2+2’s was less than 6,000. Yet the 2+2 sells for a quarter of what an OTS will sell for. “Rarity” does not equate to demand ie value.
Okay. I think it also depends on the needs and wants of who’s buying. While a Jaguar E Type may be a nice car to drive to dinner or to church, unless has an AWD drivetrain, you won’t be able to drive through the snow to get there.
Another missed movie appearance. Marty MacFly’s future Father in law is driving one of these in Back to the Future.