1979 AMC Spirit GT Overview Manufacturer (AMC) Production 1979–1983 AssemblyBody and chassis 2-door 3-door AMC's 'junior cars' Related Powertrain 122 cu in (2.0 L) / 151 cu in (2.5 L) 232 cu in (3.8 L) 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 282 cu in (4.6 L) I6 (Mexico) 304 cu in (5.0 L) 3-speed 4-speed 5-speed manual Dimensions 96 in (2,438 mm) Length 167 in (4,242 mm) Width 72 in (1,829 mm) Height 51 in (1,295 mm) 2,521 lb (1,144 kg) base sedan Chronology Predecessor Successor The AMC Spirit was a marketed by (AMC) from 1979 to 1983 as a replacement for the. The Spirit shared the Gremlin's and was offered in two variations, each with two doors — marketed as sedan and. Manufactured by AMC in Wisconsin and Ontario, as well as under license in, the Spirit was also marketed from 1981 to 1983 as the SX/4 with. Performance versions of the AMC Spirit competed in road racing.

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The tire company sponsored a two-car team of Spirit AMXs in the race track. The AMXs were the first American entries and they finished first and second in their class out of a 120-car field in this grueling 14.1 mile (22.7 km), 176 turn. AMC Spirits were also privately campaigned in (IMSA) Champion Spark Plug Challenge and Racing Stock Class events, as well as in drag racing. 1979 Spirit DL liftback The new AMC Spirit was largely a restyled that had been manufactured from 1970 to 1978. Many engineering and equipment upgrades introduced on the 1978 were now transferred to the sub-compact Spirit. The suspension system was revised with 'soft-ride' mountings for the coil springs over A-arms in the front and the rear live-axle with leaf springs to improve ride and handling.

Attention was also focused on sound-deadening, corrosion protection, and other engineering features included among others, lightweight aluminum bumpers, lock-up automatic transmission converter, and higher-compression six-cylinder camshaft and pistons for economy, performance, and emissions. The body received new styling and a model was added to the previous two-door sedan. 's 'more-conventional' design of the new liftback coupe 'had a particularly graceful superstructure for such a short car'.

A road test by Popular Science described the transition as AMC having the 'cleverest engineers in Detroit' cementing their reputation of 'getting $200 worth of looks for $100'. 1979 AMC Spirit GT As a restyled variant of the Gremlin, the Spirit featured distinctly larger rear while retaining the instrument panel introduced on the 1978, with a wood grain overlay on DL and Limited models. Riding the same wheelbase as the sedan, the liftback was identical to the sedan from the forward and featured a sloping roof (compromising rear headroom) and a with a more shallow tail. The rear license plate hid the fuel filler cap.

The Spirit offered a generous cruising range with its 'fuel tank capacity of 21 gallons and probable fuel mileage of 25 mpg or more. Enabling the car's driver to travel over 500 miles between fill ups'.

Standard equipment levels and convenience features were increased on the new Spirit compared to previous AMC Gremlins. The DL models featured upgraded trim inside and out, including color-keyed wheel covers, custom bucket seats in corduroy fabric or 'sport' vinyl upholstery, wood accents on the dashboard, steering wheel, and floor gearshift knob, and fluorescent-display digital clock. The Limited model included leather seats and trim, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, adjustable steering wheel, dual remote outside mirrors, full length center console with armrest, and many more features. Standard interior with GT package included center console 'Rallye' gauges The GT package was available on the Spirit liftback and included among other features, blacked out exterior trim, radial tires with styled wheels, black leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and console, tachometer and 'Rallye' gauges, as well as a special 'deep-tone' exhaust system.

The package also had a rear, and other sporty features that offered AMC to have a competitor in design, style, price, size, and performance to the new-for-1979 -based. A separate GT 'rally-tuned' suspension option included tuned front and rear sway bars, 'Hi-Control' rear leaf springs with 'iso-clamp' pads, special strut rod bushings, adjustable Gabriel 'Strider' shock absorbers, as well as heavy-duty brakes and a quick ratio steering box. The standard engine on both models was AMC's 3.8 L, with the 2.5 L, and 4.2 L optional, while the 5.0 L was offered as an option only on the liftback. The 1979 model year would mark a (one-year) reprisal for 5.0 L availability in the short 96 in (2,438 mm) wheelbase AMC chassis. The last time the two were available together was in the 1976 Gremlin. The four, sixes, and V8 could be mated to either a standard 4-speed manual transmission or an optional 3-speed automatic transmission with floor shift, depending on trim and options. A 3-speed was only available as a delete option on the sixes.

The AMX model was transferred from the Concord hatchback to the Spirit liftback body for 1979 and came with either the 4.2 L I6 or 5.0 L V8. The AMX featured a flush blackout grille with an AMX emblem, fiberglass wheel flares, rear, ER60x14 white-letter tires on 14x7-inch 'Turbocast II' aluminum wheels, blackout trim, 'GT rally-tuned' suspension, floor shift transmission, an optional hood decal, and other sporty touches. Popular Science magazine compared the four-cylinder Spirit with the, and the imported describing the Spirit's 'generous updating of the chassis and body have kept it fresh-looking.'

Although its imported engine and heavy chassis it was 'no economy standout. What is special about the Spirit is the luxury finish. With the look of a high-priced car.' A Popular Mechanics survey of one-thousand owners after they had driven their cars a total of 795,733 miles (1,280,608 km) gave their Spirits 'a strong vote of confidence as a basically fine automobile - good-looking, great handling, economical, smooth-riding, and quite comfortable for two people.' 1980 Spirit and AMX trim/striping/two-tone paint/molding availability The 3.8 L I6 was dropped from the lineup, as was the 5.0 L V8 to meet the 20 mpg ‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg ‑imp) average corporate fleet fuel economy standard for the 1980 model year. The VW-based I4 was replaced with a Pontiac-built 2.5-liter I4 that was 'better suited to the cars' size and weight specs.' The 4.2 L I6 remained most popular, and the only engine available in the AMX model.

To deal with 1980's much tougher emissions, computer-controlled carburetors were designed for better economy and operation. No major exterior changes were seen, except on the AMX, as its grille emblem moved to the center. All AMCs, including the Spirit, received a new rust-proofing process called Factory Rust Protection. This included aluminized trim screws, plastic inner fender liners, galvanized steel in every exterior body panel, and a deep-dip (up to the window line) bath in. AMC backed up the rust protection program with a 5-year 'No Rust Thru' component to its comprehensive 'Buyer Protection Plan'. AMC Spirit DL with optional two-tone The 1981 model year AMC Spirits received a new crosshatch grille with a single crosshair element.

New optional ' wheelcovers were added. The leather-clad Limited models were canceled, leaving the DL as the top-rung model.

The liftback still featured a GT package, available on both base and DL trims, with both engines. New options included power windows, rear window wiper and washer, power antenna, as well as tricolored 'rally' stripes. The AMX version did not return for 1981. The optional three-speed automatic now included a lockup, and were standard fitment across the lineup. The 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 was redesigned and made 90 pounds (41 kg) lighter, as well as smoother, higher low-end torque, more economical, and requiring less maintenance. The numerous engineering improvements and the substitution of aluminum for iron and steel made the venerable AMC engine 'the lightest in-line Six in the domestic industry', at 445 lb (202 kg). 1983 Spirit GT The Spirit sedan was deleted from the line in 1983, along with the 2.5 L I4 and the base model liftback.

All 1983 Spirits were 4.2 L-equipped liftbacks in either DL or new GT trim. The Spirit GT's performance was described 'neck-snapping quickness' compared to competing sporty cars with 4-cylinder engines. The GT package became its own model separate from the DL for the Spirit's last year. Advertisements stressed the higher level of standard equipment in both Spirit DL and Spirit GT, which sold for 5,995 and US$6,495, respectively. The Spirit GT version was compared to the liftback version of Ford's Mustang. For 1983, AMC introduced the new, which was a much more modern, space-efficient, fuel-efficient, front-wheel-drive subcompact car than the rear-drive Spirit, with its 14-year-old platform. The Spirit was canceled as AMC released the Alliance-based hatchbacks for 1984.

In addition, the front-wheel drive, 'a nicely executed sports coupe,' was also sold by AMC dealers as an alternative to the Spirit GT. The Fuego had distinctive styling, four passenger room, fuel economy ( rated at 39 mpg ‑US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg ‑imp) on the highway), and it received good reviews in the automotive media. Spirit AMX.

Turbo-charged and fuel injected AMC I6 An AMX Turbo Pace car was built to be one of four official in the PPG World Series for the 1981 auto-racing season. There were two design proposals, both using the Spirit liftback body and designed by, AMC's Vice President of Automotive Design. One car was shown by PPG Industries featuring a white/red/blue/black painted production 1979 Spirit AMX with covered headlamps and integrated and smoothed front bumper and air dam unit. The highly modified car was constructed by Autodynamics of under contract from. The and 258 cu in (4.2 L) was built by Turbo-Systems Inc.

To produce 450 bhp (340 kW). The car is equipped with Goodyear Eagle GT low profile 245x50x16 tires on 16x8-inch 'Gotti' aluminum alloy wheels. This was the final chapter in AMC's story, but the car survives remaining as original and complete from its duties as a pace car. It is owned by a private collector in Florida and the AMX Turbo regularly appears at automobile shows. Performance Building on the AMC Gremlin's ease with which they could be modified for higher street performance, as well as their inherent inexpensiveness and strength, AMC Spirits were used in.

According to Hot Rod magazine, 'these little cars are very cool, and while they're not traditional muscle cars, they're plenty strong in terms of performance.' Using mostly AMC hardware, the AMC Spirit can perform exceptionally well as a street car and in multiple racing arenas (including quarter-mile e.t. Of 12.8 at 110 mph (180 km/h)), with the finished vehicle costing only about $10,000. Some owners of Spirits have been converted with the 360 cu in (5.9 L) and run the quarter-mile drag strip on an 11.88 dial. AMC Spirits in the Factory Street class have run e.t. Of 10.62 at 126.27 mph.

Some owners of Spirits have also heavily modified their cars for pro-class drag racing using AMC engines. Other engines have also been substituted. Stirling experimental engines. 1979 VAM Gremlin X in Mexico City 2015 (missing side decals) Both VAM versions incorporated manual front disk brakes, front sway bar, floor-mounted three-speed manual transmissions, a 3.31:1 rear differential gear ratio, and the 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 engine with a Carter YF one-barrel carburetor, 266 degree camshaft and 8.0:1 compression ratio rated at 121 hp (90 kW; 123 PS) at 3900 rpm. Both versions were equipped with a 140 km/h / 90 mph speedometer, individual fold-down front seats, three-point seat belts, parcel shelf, front and rear ashtrays, cigarette lighter, locking glove-box, padded sun visors, carpeting, round dome light, inside hood release, rear spoiler, AM radio and antenna.

1980 VAM Gremlin in Mexico, similar to the Spirit Sedan marketed in the U.S. The 1980 models gained a higher appointment of safety in the form of a locking gas cap, fold-down high-back individual seats with adjustable headrests, and the heater was made standard even on the most economical versions. New features included a split rear seat back, a 180 km/h / 110 mph speedometer, new seat patterns, a seven-blade flexible fan for the 258 six, new steering wheel designs for each trim level, and a new VAM grille design shared between the two versions. The X model included a new side decal design and blacked out hubcaps.

The optional equipment list for the Gremlin X included a new AM FM stereo radio, electric antenna, and intermittent wipers. 1981 For 1981, the Spirit sedan-based VAM Gremlin saw the greatest changes since 1979. Both versions obtained a 55-amp alternator, coolant recovery tank and fan shroud regardless of trim level or the presence of the air conditioning system, as well as a new shared grille design with vertical bars and a single horizontal one in the bottom plus a shared new seat pattern design. For the first time, door panels completely covered all previously exposed metal parts. International symbols appeared in the instrument cluster warning lights and the light beam switch was integrated to the steering column marker light lever. The Gremlin X received numerous updates.

All chromed items were deleted other than the front end and rear licence plate light housings while the rear spoiler passed on to the option list. Both bumpers changed to blacked out units. Side decals were almost gone, with only a small 'Gremlin X' one at the bottom corner of each C-pillar. A new leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with six simulated hex socket bolts on the horn button was used.

A four speed manual transmission with Hurst linkage and a 3.07:1 rear gear ratio became standard. Units with automatic transmission retained the 3.31:1 rear gear ratio of all previous years. The optional equipment list now included eight-spoke sports-style steel wheels using the same volcano hubcaps as the standard wheels. 1982 The downturn of the Mexican economy early in 1982 and a government decree banning the importation of 'luxury' automotive accessories hit the country's auto industry.

The 1982 VAM Gremlin returned as a slightly consolidated model. Both trim levels incorporated amber front parking lights and the AMC square pattern grille design that was used in U.S. Domestic Eagle models.

The base model incorporated chromed headlight bezels with blacked out internal areas while the X model were completely blacked out as also was the hood trim molding. The 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 was upgraded for the first time since 1976, receiving a higher 8.5:1 compression ratio and net output of 117 hp (87 kW; 119 PS) at 4000 rpm. This was achieved through a new head design that incorporated smaller spark plug outlets and a plastic valve cover.

The A904 model automatic transmission was replaced in favor of the A998 model with wider gear ratios. The base model was similar to the prior year's except for new side trim and front end design. The X model saw the return of side decals the form of four thin stripes starting at the base of the B-pillar trim molding running all the way to the front edge of the fenders near the marker lights. A new silver 'GX' decal appeared between the rear window and the right side tail light. For some reason, the sports steering wheel was replaced by the base design. The model was restricted to a three-speed automatic transmission with the novelty of the AMX/GT's console-type shifter boot and the rear differential changed to a 3.07:1 ratio as used the year before with the now-unavailable four-speed manual. 1983 Early in 1983 VAM was taken over by Renault from the Mexican government and a fairly reduced VAM passenger car line appeared for the year, mainly to use up the highest possible amount of existing inventories and to fulfil the previous agreements with sourcing companies as well as delivering the existing individual customer orders.

The VAM Gremlin was carried over for 1983, becoming the last-ever AMC Spirit sedan model produced. This body style lasted one full year after AMC's dropped its equivalent from the U.S. At a factory level, the 1983 Gremlin was restricted to the base model with three-speed manual transmission only. It was practically the same as in the prior year with the only exception of incorporating dual remote mirrors and bumper guards as standard equipment. However, at a dealership level virtually all previous accessories were still available as either individual options or packages including those of the X model. Liftback The VAM-based Spirit liftback became VAM's top-of-the-line performance product, the Rally AMX being focused to replace the previous Concord AMX-based American Rally AMX models and the Rally GT as the replacement of the limited edition Concord two-door sedan-based American 06/S.

Unlike under AMC, in Mexico the top performance Spirit liftback was the GT instead of the AMX. The AMC Spirit liftback was available in a wide array of market segments for almost any buyer; an economy Spirit base model, a luxury Spirit DL or Limited and a performance Spirit GT or AMX. This didn't happen under VAM, only the performance models were available and partially the luxury ones. Due to accessories and focus, the VAM Rally AMX is relatively similar to an AMC Spirit DL with GT package and most performance options. 1980 The Rally-based Spirit liftbacks were available in two sports versions, the standard 'Rally AMX' and the high performance 'Rally GT' in their first year. This section possibly contains.

Please by the claims made and adding. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (September 2017) The 1981 model year represented a radical upgrade for VAM's top performance line. An all-new 'rally' emblem design in all-lower case letters and computer-like typography appeared on both front fenders. The Rally AMX obtained a new 'waved' stripe design located on the front edge of the hood and fenders with an integrated 'AMX' leyend on the right front corner.

It was very discreet compared to the last year's decals while the 'AMX over Rally' and '4.6 Litros' stickers were removed. The Rally GT got also discreet 'GT' stickers for the front of the hood bulge and 'GT 4.6/X' stickers for the right corner of the rear spoiler. The previous year's 'American GT' side decals and 'GT' central rear spoiler emblem were deleted. Main article: A unique to Mexico was the vehicle called the, which was based on the Concord's 4-door chassis with the Spirit's front and rear liftback body parts and unique rear quarter panels.

VAM collectibility The VAM Spirit-based Rally model is one of the most sought after and grand favorite models of the marque, and also one of the most collectible. The most important versions are the 1980–1981 Rally GTs, followed next by the one-year Rally SST and lower volume 1982–1983 AMX, mainly units with any of the two optional packages. The 1983 model was the final chapter of the 'VAM Rally' original Mexican performance model that began in the 1969 Rambler American two door sedan. The most accurately similar AMC car to the 1980–1983 VAM Rally is the 1983 Spirit GT, except for the Rally SST which found its equivalent in the Spirit Limited. The Spirit coupe base model, the Spirit-based AMX and the Eagle SX/4 were not available in Mexico. The VAM Gremlin is also one of the favorite models of the marque among Mexican enthusiasts. The X models are the most collectible and sought after, with a special mention for the 1981 model as it was the only four-speed variant as well as the 1982 models with upgraded engine and their condition of final-chapter last-year units.

Spirit sedan-based VAM Gremlins have a higher popularity among VAM fans than the original Gremlin models. Dodge Spirit The Spirit name was used by, which took over AMC in 1987, for a four-door sedan called the from 1989 to 1995.

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at the Internet Movie Cars Database.

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