This 1981 AMC Eagle wagon is a three owner example bought new in California where it spent much of its life. Rust-free and strong running according to the seller, the previous owner carried out a mechanical and cosmetic restoration around five years ago. A 258 straight six, automatic-equipped car, it’s said to run and drive very well thanks to a rebuilt engine, transmission, and largely refurbished underpinnings. Maintenance work is detailed below and included new front drive shafts, new exhaust, new fuel and power steering pumps and more.

Resprayed with two stage paint, other cosmetic work included fitment of an NOS OEM grille, refinished stainless trim, various new rubber seals and weatherstripping, and polishing of the factory-option aluminum wheels. Overall the car presents nicely, though black plastic fender flares remain original and imperfect—no replacements could be found during restoration, but careful sanding and prep could bring them up to a higher standard.

Inside, the car has been treated to new, OEM-style upholstery and new padding. Sill plates have been polished, front door hinges are new, and a new headliner is in place but does sag. Gauges, lights, switches and electrical accessories work as designed, though the OEM cassette deck and A/C are inop—the latter is complete, however.

Mechanical restoration was extensive and included a full rebuild of the torquey 4.2 liter straight-six and automatic transmission, and the seller says less than 8000 miles have been logged since. Work items included an aftermarket header (both less restrictive and less prone to warping than stock), a new idler pulley, belts, air pump, hoses, fuel and power steering pumps, a new exhaust system with cat, refurbished cooling system, heater control valve, and replaced transfer case link belt. Other detail jobs were performed including fitment of a polished aluminum valve cover.

Suspension/driveline work included fitment of new front drive shafts, hub bearings, leaf springs, bushings, steering column shims, Pitman arm, tie rod ends and ball joints. There is a little play in the steering but it is perfectly driveable as-is. Brakes benefit from new calipers and lines in front as well as new shoes in back, and though in working order, the seller notes that the new owner may wish to adjust them for crisper pedal feel. Spares include two extra wheels, an additional center console gauge cluster, various interior and exterior trim parts, brochures, original manuals and factory microfiche.