Image of 1979 American Motors Spirit, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

1979 American Motors Spirit: A Compact Maverick

The year 1979 marked the debut of the American Motors Spirit, a vehicle that encapsulated the resilience of a company striving to make its mark in an industry dominated by giants. Born from the remnants of the AMC Gremlin, the Spirit was American Motors Corporation's answer to the growing demand for compact and economical cars. It was a time when fuel efficiency began to take center stage, and AMC, often seen as the underdog, introduced the Spirit with hopes of capturing a niche in the market. Notably, the Spirit AMX variant made a splash by offering sports car enthusiasts an affordable yet spirited option.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1979 AMC Spirit was a harmonious blend of practicality and modest flair. Its design was straightforward yet sporty, with a hatchback silhouette that provided both style and utility. The interior was no frills but comfortable, with materials that were durable if not luxurious. Technologically, it featured innovations like electronic ignition and an available five-speed manual transmission, which were quite advanced for its time. Color options ranged from classic neutrals to more vibrant hues, with shades like Firecracker Red and Sunshine Yellow catching buyers' eyes. The Spirit was offered in various body styles including a two-door sedan and liftback, but it was the liftback that became emblematic of this model's identity.

Historical Significance

The AMC Spirit stood out for its attempt to offer something for everyone – economy for the budget-conscious, practicality for small families, and performance in the guise of the AMX variant. It was this versatility that allowed it to carve out a unique place in automotive history. The Spirit also represented one of AMC's final efforts to remain competitive before eventually being absorbed by larger corporations.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the standard Spirits were modest but reliable. However, the AMX version boasted a 0-60 mph sprint in just over 10 seconds – impressive for its class at that time. Handling was generally considered competent, with drivers appreciating its nimbleness on city streets while noting some limitations during high-speed maneuvers or on less forgiving terrains. The driving experience was characterized by a sense of connection with the road, thanks in part to its straightforward mechanical nature.

Ownership Experience

The AMC Spirit served various roles from daily commuting to weekend car shows. Its maintenance was relatively straightforward, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts. Reliability was typical of the era; while not without quirks, it could be kept roadworthy with regular care.

Fun Facts

A fun tidbit about the Spirit is its AMX variant which featured bold graphics and body cladding that gave it a distinctive look on the road. While not known for breaking records or widespread celebrity ownerships, it did have its share of loyal fans who appreciated its blend of economy and performance. Criticisms often centered around its unrefined nature compared to some competitors.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1979 AMC Spirit can be somewhat challenging as production numbers weren't as high as those of major manufacturers. It's estimated that tens of thousands were produced across all variants. In terms of value range, well-preserved Spirits or restored AMX models can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on condition and originality. The market has shown some appreciation for these models due to their increasing rarity and nostalgia factor.

Conclusion

The 1979 American Motors Spirit represents an era when compact cars began gaining traction in America. It stands as a testament to AMC's determination to provide diverse offerings within its lineup. Though overshadowed by larger automakers at times, vehicles like the Spirit help us appreciate the breadth of innovation and choice that existed in this dynamic period of automotive history.

1979 American Motors Spirit Molded door seals. For 2-door sedan-LM 31-CMolded door seals. For 2-door sedan. Proper clips correctly positioned. 148 in. (375.9 cm) L. Pair. R&L.

1979 American Motors Spirit Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each