AMC (American Motors) Spirit History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Spirit replaced the Gremlin for 1979 as a smoother, more modern subcompact, but budget limits meant it carried over the Gremlin's floorpan, powertrains, and much of its hardware. It came as a fastback-style liftback coupe and a squared-off 'Kammback' sedan.
A sporty AMX package was offered on the liftback for 1979–1980, with rally-tuned suspension, fender flares, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and special striping. The 1979 Spirit AMX could be ordered with AMC's 304-cubic-inch V8 — the last AMC passenger car to offer a factory-installed V8. A Spirit also famously placed first and second in class at the 1979 Nürburgring 24-hour race on street tires. Production totaled 192,018 before AMC shifted to front-drive Renault-based models.
Body styles
- Liftback coupe
- Sedan (Kammback)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Spirit AMX
Performance liftback with rally-tuned suspension, fender flares, spoiler, and striping; the 1979 car offered AMC's 304 V8 — the last factory V8 in an AMC passenger car.
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