These AMCs do a lot for me; I cannot help but love them, and I have no idea why. They're a statement of days gone by. Before the Subaru Outback took off as the "crossover" of choice, 4x4 wagons were something of a niche that not everyone was doing. Sure, you had the Subaru 4x4 wagons, and you had the Obvious truck-based vehicles like Suburbans and the like, but there was really nothing in between-- until the AMC Eagle came along in 1980.
Like the Subaru Outback lineup that played the major role in getting crossovers recognized as mainstream, the AMC Eagle lineup was also available in a sedan and wagon bodystyle. Unlike the Outback models, the Eagle was available in a two door hatch, and a two door coupe as well. Unfortunately, it seems that, especially in Minnesota, only the wagons seem to make it past the "old beater" stage. Granted, this one is in rather poor condition, but most of them are these days.
The most heartbreaking thing about this example is the condition of the wood trim; for me, these cars don't look right in solid colors. It's one of those things that's a law, apparently. Most of the Eagles that survive today have all of their wood trim intact. Sadly, the wood on this particular car is almost beyond saving. What's shocking is that none of the other trim seems to have quite suffered the same fate. All the badges are in order, albeit a bit worn down, and deplated. Other than that minor setback, this Eagle's body seems to be in decent condition, especially considering its nearly three decades old. Funny-- the styling doesn't nearly suggest that. I think this is proof that certain cars really are "timeless", because the AMC Eagle (and Concord for that matter) look better than the a same-vintage Chrysler product or GMs from the same era.
I think more Eagles need to be saved; like the bird of the same name, the car is also on the endangered species list-- for similar reasons. We need to band together and save the Eagle from extinction.
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