AMC spirit

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AMC
AMC Spirit DL two-tone liftback NC.jpg
Spirit
Production period: 1978-1983
Class : Compact class
Body versions : Combi coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 2.0-5.0 liters
(60-93 kW)
Length: 4237-4387 mm
Width: 1825 mm
Height: 1311 mm
Wheelbase : 2440 mm
Empty weight : 1128-1401 kg
Previous model AMC Gremlin
successor Renault Alliance

The AMC Spirit was a small car class with rear-wheel drive built by the American automobile manufacturer AMC from summer 1978 to mid-1983.

The Spirit was the successor to the AMC Gremlin , on whose technology it was based.

history

For the 1979 model year, AMC modernized the Gremlin and Hornet models. The Gremlin was now called Spirit, the Hornet was renamed Concord. The Spirit was offered in two body versions: on the one hand as a three-door hatchback sedan, the rear of which was similar to that of the Gremlin, but had a much narrower C-pillar, and on the other hand as a three-door hatchback coupé under the name Liftback . The hatchback is also known in the USA under the name Kammback . The front end came, as before from the Hornet, from the AMC Concord and was slightly modified.

The program included the versions Basis, Spirit DL and Spirit Limited. Run as a separate series, but based on the Spirit Liftback, the AMC AMX played the role of the sports model and attracted attention with its eye-catching flared fenders, spoilers and decorative strips. For less extroverted customers, AMC had a GT package ready for the liftback, which differed from the usual spirit mainly through the use of matt black paint for various body details.

The Spirit models were powered by a two-liter four-cylinder engine (VW EA 831, from the Audi 100), the production tools of which AMC had acquired from Volkswagen , or in-line six-cylinder engines with a displacement of 3.8 and 4.2 liters; in Liftback and AMX there was also a five-liter V8 for an extra charge.

In the 1980 model year, a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder unit purchased from Pontiac replaced the two-liter unit, and the V8 was also omitted without replacement.

In 1981 the Spirit received a modified radiator grille, differently shaped hubcaps and standard side trim. The basic model's equipment has been expanded to include front disc brakes, 185 mm tires, carpets and rear bumper horns. The Limited and AMX equipment variant was omitted, the GT package was still available.

In 1982 there was a five-speed gearbox for the first time at an extra charge.

In 1983 only the Liftback in the DL and GT versions was available, and exclusively with the 4.2 liter. For its final year, the Spirit experienced a few small improvements; Radio and 195 tires were now standard. Last year, AMC only built just under 3500 Spirit.

A total of around 176,000 copies were made of the Spirit, including an estimated 5000 AMX.

Engines

Over the years the Spirit has been offered with the following engines:

  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line engine, 81 hp (60 kW)
  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder in-line engine, 83 hp (61 kW)
  • 3.8-liter six-cylinder in-line engine, 91 hp (67 kW)
  • 4.2-liter six-cylinder in-line engine, 112 hp (82 kW)
  • 5.0 liter V8 engine, 127 hp (93 kW)

swell

  • James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . Krause Publications, Iola 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0

Web links

Commons : AMC Spirit  - collection of images, videos and audio files