When the AMC Eagle debuted in 1980, we wanted one. And yes, we were like four at the time. But it didn't matter. It had four wheel drive. And jacked up suspension. And available funky faux-wood paneling. While initial sales were decent for the struggling automaker's attempt to build a car-based ute an idea roughly only a decade-and-a-half ahead of its time were decent, they sharply nosedived rather quickly; American Motors sold only 9000 of the cars in the final year of production. In 2007, the current steward of AMC's legacy, DCX, plans to finally replace the Eagle with the Jeep Compass. Vindication is thine, noble Eagle. Vindication is thine.
Soaring Ahead of its Time [AutoWeek]
The Kids of Today Should Defend Themselves Against the '70s: AMC's Spirit of '76 [Internal]