AMC Spirit

AMC Spirit
1979 AMC Spirit GT
Overview
ManufacturerAmerican Motors Corporation (AMC)
Also calledVAM Gremlin (Mexico, sedan)[1]
VAM Rally (Mexico, liftback)
Production1978–1983
Model years1979–1983
AssemblyKenosha, Wisconsin, United States
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Mexico City, Mexico (VAM)
DesignerDick Teague
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact
Body style2-door sedan
3-door liftback
LayoutFR layout
PlatformAMC's "junior cars"
RelatedAMC Hornet
AMC Gremlin
AMC Concord
AMC Eagle
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase96 in (2,438 mm)
Length167 in (4,242 mm)
Width72 in (1,829 mm)
Height51 in (1,295 mm)
Curb weight2,521 lb (1,144 kg) base sedan
Chronology
PredecessorAMC Gremlin
SuccessorRenault Alliance/Encore
Renault Fuego (Spirit AMX)

The AMC Spirit is a subcompact car sold by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1979 through 1983. Replacing the AMC Gremlin, the Spirit was available in two different body styles, both of which were two-door hatchbacks – but neither was marketed as such. Instead, AMC offered a restyled Gremlin either as a "Spirit Kammback" or "sedan", while an additional model with a more gently sloping rear was introduced as the "Spirit Liftback" or "coupe". Due to budget constraints, the Spirit shared the Gremlin's platform – its floorpan, powertrains, and many other parts were carried over. AMC also offered a four-wheel drive cross-over version using the Spirit's bodywork, marketed from 1981 through 1983 model years as the AMC Eagle SX/4 and Eagle Kammback (1981-1982 only). Spirits were manufactured by AMC in both Wisconsin and Ontario, as well as under license by V.A.M. in Mexico where they retained the Gremlin name on the restyled models.

Performance versions of the AMC Spirit competed in road racing. In 1979, B.F. Goodrich sponsored a two-car team of Spirit AMXs in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.[2] The AMXs were the first American entries[citation needed] and they finished first and second in their class out of a 120-car[clarification needed] field.[3] Spirits were also privately campaigned in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Champion Spark Plug Challenge and Racing Stock Class events, as well as in drag racing.

  1. ^ "Made in Mexico". Hemmings Classic Car. July 2010. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference hemmies was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference raceforaday was invoked but never defined (see the help page).