Party Like It's 1981: AMC Eagle Kammback

kamm
Recipe for one AMC Eagle Kammback: Take the aerodynamic theories of Wunibald Kamm, and then throw them out the window.

<i>A better image of the amazing Kammback. Source: amceaglenest.com</i>
A better image of the amazing Kammback. Source: amceaglenest.com

Then design a compact AWD hatch based on the AMC Spirit (based itself on the Gremlin), with an angular rear end designed entirely for packaging reasons and not aerodynamics, and slap the “Kammback” moniker haphazardly onto it. Stuff in the venerable 258 CID inline six, manhandle a Jeep-derived AWD system into the chassis, then crank up the ride height (just a smidge!). Finish off with a garnish of fine American Motors quality and a dash of proto-crossover body moulding. Voila! C’est magnifique! (Damn! Jumped forward in time for a second – the bodacious Renault-AMC connection wouldn’t bear fruit until 1983’s wicked Alliance.) Well, pony up a very reasonable -sounding $6800 and get yerself down to Florida if you want to enjoy what the Kamm is cookin’, if you get my drift.
Just so it’s crystal clear for any militant AMC fans out there currently sharpening your pitchforks, I have MAD love for this here fine AMC vehicle. Think of the post in terms of as hitting on someone you like by teasing them a little bit. I didn’t want any readers here to think that a haphazard application of a “Kammback” badge was a barrier to infatuation. Or, in the words of that great American, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, “I kid because I love.”
Carsforsale.com
Thanks to Alex Nunez for the tip!

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  1. Age_of_Aerostar Avatar

    I'd love to drive, or even go for a ride in one of these cars, or even a Pacer/Gremlin.
    If that was closer, and it wasn't being too much of an ass, I'd have to go look at it and take it for a testdrive!

  2. Deartháir Avatar
    Deartháir

    It's an older, better looking Subaru Impreza!

    1. Mike_the_Dog Avatar

      I know that you mean no harm by that statement, so I shall not take you to task for it. This time.

    2. Alff Avatar

      It's an older, slower, much crappier and better looking Subaru Impreza. -FTFY____

  3. Social comments and analytics for this post…
    This post was mentioned on Twitter by TheHooniverse: From the Hooniverse:: Party Like It’s 1981: AMC Eagle Kammback http://bit.ly/teHGK

  4. blueplate Avatar

    This post hits me right between the eyes. American car not built in Detroit — check. Proto-ur-four-wheel-drive — check. Weird bodystyle — check. Bodystyle derivative I've never seen or even heard of before — check. Fringe — check and checkmate!

    1. Han_Solex Avatar

      We aim to please, sir.

  5. citroen67 Avatar

    There is one of those sitting in a local junkyard…it sits right next to another Eagle wagon…which sits next to a first year Gremlin X which is sitting next to a Pacer.
    Next time I go there I will snap some pics.
    AMC shooting brake pr0n FTW!

    1. Han_Solex Avatar

      Whaaaa ….? Pics or it didn't happen!!!

      1. citroen67 Avatar

        I currently have a couple of spy pics of the Pacer and the Gremlin X on my old cell phone, but I have to figure out how to get them from the phone to my computer…damn Bluetooth is NOT my friend. As soon as I get them I will post for sure.

    2. Deartháir Avatar
      Deartháir

      GO. GO NOW.

      1. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

        agreed. Must be on Dearthair's desk by 8 am!

    3. Mike_the_Dog Avatar

      You must provide the name and location of this junkyard. I have need of a parts supply.

      1. citroen67 Avatar

        W&W Auto Parts 1756 N M-18 Roscommon, MI

    4. citroen67 Avatar

      I have pics from my travel back to the junkyard today…but I need assistance with posting them because the HTML is different here then over at [REDACTED]. If someone would be so kind to let me know the way, I will post the pics and give a little details to go along with them.

  6. Tanshanomi Avatar

    I thought I was the ONLY person on the PLANET who had love for the Eagle Kammback. The SX4 was more agressive looking, but I like this exactly for that reason — it's rarer and plainer and yet totally more awesome.

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  8. LTDScott Avatar

    No longer for sale apparently…
    These are just so weird that I have to have love for them. On a semi-related note, on my 2 week road trip last month I saw both a mid-'70s Hornet based AMX, and a '79-'80 Spirit based AMX. I had never seen either in the flesh before.

    1. Tanshanomi Avatar

      They migrate in November. Like deer.

  9. BGW, Capt (Ret.) Avatar

    Only tangentially related but… There's a local AMC nut here who does lots of restoration jobs. He's currently got a pretty nice '71 Ambassador for sale for $850…as long as you sign a contract agreeing not to part it out. Otherwise it's $2500. I'm certainly with him in Spirit (ha!), but I'd love to get a look at this "contract."
    AMC love is a unique love indeed.

  10. forex robot Avatar

    Nice post & nice blog. I love both.

  11. News2All Avatar

    dispenses employ a fantastic web-site decent Gives thank you for the hard work to support people

  12. pamalu Avatar
    pamalu

    This AMC Kammback, as pictured has just 70,000 miles on it. 258 engine, AT and it is for sale. The photo was taken in Portland, Oregon. Runs like new.

  13. DClan Avatar
    DClan

    I have always had a love for AMC , Studebaker, Rambler, and Jeep. I have owned 2 Eagle wagons which unfortunately succumbed to northeastern rust. Owning that little Kammback would be awesome, mainly because I have never seen one in person.