Editing AMC Spirit (section)

==Annual changes==
[[File:1979 AMC Spirit liftback light blue NC-r.jpg|thumb|right|Rear view of the new liftback body design]]
[[File:1981 AMC Spirit DL sedan at 2015 AMO meet-1.jpg|thumb|right|The sedan with large quarter window and opening rear glass]]

===1979===
[[File:1979 AMC Spirit GT V8 Russet SL.jpg|thumb|right|1979 AMC Spirit GT]]

As a restyled variant of the previous Gremlin, the Spirit featured distinctly larger rear [[quarter glass|quarter window]]s while retaining the instrument panel introduced on the 1978 Gremlin, with a wood grain overlay on DL and Limited models.

Riding on the same wheelbase as the sedan, the liftback was identical to the sedan from the doors forward and featured a sloping roof (compromising rear headroom) and a [[hatchback]] with a more shallow [[Kammback]] 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&nbsp;... enabling the car's driver to travel over 500 miles between fill ups".<ref>{{cite book|last=Weiers |first=Ronald M. |title=Chilton's more miles per gallon guide |year=1980 |publisher=Chilton Books |isbn=978-0-8019-6907-2 |page=67 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=4KEeAQAAIAAJ&q=AMC+Spirit+drag+racing |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref>

Standard equipment levels and convenience features were increased on the new Spirit compared to the Gremlin.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hotcars.com/a-detailed-look-at-the-amc-spirit/ |title=A Detailed Look At The AMC Spirit |first=Megan |last=McCoig |date=16 March 2022 |website=hotcars.com |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> For example, 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.<ref name="79spiritBrochure">{{cite web|url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1979_AMC/1979-Sprint-Brochure/slides/1979_Spirit-06-07.html |title=1979 AMC Spirit brochure |pages=6–7 |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=23 April 2023}}</ref> The top trim Limited model included leather seats and trim, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, an adjustable steering wheel, dual remote outside mirrors, a full-length center console with armrest, and many more features.<ref name="79spiritBrochure"/>

[[File:1979 AMC Spirit GT V8 Russet IN.jpg|thumb|right|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.<ref name="79spiritBrochure"/> The package also had a rear [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]], and other sporty features that offered AMC to have a competitor in design, style, price, size, and performance to the new-for-1979 [[Ford Fox platform|Fox]]-based [[Ford Mustang (third generation)|Ford Mustang]]. 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 quick ratio steering box.<ref name="driving79"/>

The standard engine on all models except the AMX was a {{convert|121|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#EA831|EA831]] [[inline-four engine|inline-four]] supplied by Audi. Optional were AMC's {{convert|232|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|258|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC Straight-6 engine|inline-sixes]] (the latter standard on the AMX).<ref name=1979brochure>{{cite web |title=1979 AMC Sprint brochure |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1979_AMC/1979-Sprint-Brochure/slides/1979_Spirit-06-07.html |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=7 April 2022 |pages=6–7}}</ref> The {{convert|304|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC V8 engine]] was offered as an option only on the liftback.<ref name=1979brochure/> The 1979 model year would mark a one-year reprieve for [[V8 engine|V8]] availability in the short {{convert|96|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase AMC chassis. The last time this configuration was available was in the 1976 Gremlin. All engines could be mated to either a standard 4-speed [[manual transmission]] or an optional 3-speed [[TorqueFlite]] [[automatic transmission]] with floor shift, depending on trim and options. A 3-speed manual transmission was available as a delete option with the 232 engine.<ref name=1979brochure/>

The four-cylinder engine is the same [[overhead camshaft]] unit carried over from the [[AMC Gremlin|Gremlin]], and was also available on the [[AMC Concord|Concord]]. It used the same cast parts as the [[Porsche 924]] (both made by [[Volkswagen Group|VW/Audi]]), but was assembled in an AMC plant in Indiana to different specifications than that of the Porsche engine. The AMC version was only offered with a 2-barrel [[carburetor]] while the Porsche unit had electronic [[fuel injection]] and a higher [[compression ratio]]. It was available with either a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with special gear ratios or a [[BorgWarner|Borg-Warner]] HR1 4-speed manual.

The AMX model was transferred from the Concord hatchback to the Spirit liftback body for 1979 and came with either the 258 I6 or the 304 V8 engine.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/04/19/spirit-amx-gave-the-amc-musclecar-one-last-decal-gt-hurrah |title=Spirit AMX gave the AMC musclecar one last "decal GT" hurrah |first=Daniel |last=Strohl |date=19 April 2019 |work=Hemmings |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref> The AMX featured a flush blackout grille with an AMX emblem, fiberglass wheel flares, rear [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]], 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 features.<ref name="Hazel">{{cite web |last1=Hazel |first1=Christian |title=The 1979 AMC Spirit AMX May Be the Slowest Specialty Performance Car |url= https://www.motortrend.com/features/1979-amc-spirit-amx-mecum-auction/ |publisher=Motor Trend |date=31 December 2021 |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref>

''Popular Science'' magazine compared the four-cylinder Spirit with the [[Chevrolet Chevette]], [[Dodge Omni 024]], and the imported [[Plymouth Champ#Fourth generation|Plymouth Champ]] describing the Spirit's "generous updating of the chassis and body have kept it fresh-looking."<ref name="tinyhatcbacks">{{cite magazine |last1=Dunne |first1=Jim |last2=Jacobs |first2=Ed |title=Tiny hatchbacks go a long way on a gallon |magazine=Popular Science |date=June 1979 |volume=214 |issue=6 |pages=39–46 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=fAEAAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+Spirit&pg=PA43 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> Despite its imported engine, with its heavy chassis it was "no economy standout&nbsp;... what is special about the Spirit is the luxury finish&nbsp;... with the look of a high-priced car."<ref name="tinyhatcbacks"/> A ''Popular Mechanics'' survey of one-thousand owners after they had driven their cars a total of {{convert|795733|mi|km|0}} 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."<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=YM8DAAAAMBAJ&q=American+Motors+pulls+off+a+styling+coup+at+the+expense+of+rear+seating&pg=PA66 |title=American Motors pulls off a styling coup at the expense of rear seating |first=Michael |last=Lamm |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1979 |pages=66 and 69 |volume=151 |issue=6 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref>

===1980===
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[[File:1980 AMC Spirit exterior trim.jpg|thumb|right|1980 Spirit and AMX trim/striping/two-tone paint/molding availability]]

The 3.8&nbsp;L I6 was dropped from the lineup, as was the 5.0&nbsp;L V8 to meet the {{convert|20|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} average corporate fleet fuel economy standard for the 1980 model year.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=YM8DAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+4wd+near+V8+endangered&pg=PA49 |title=Detroit Listening Post: AMC 4wd near, V8 endangered |first=Gary |last=Witzenburg|page=49 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1979 |volume=151 |issue=6 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> 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."<ref name="pm-10-79">{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Z88DAAAAMBAJ&q=Driving+the+1980+American+Motors+models+Spirit&pg=PA104 |title=Driving the 1980 American Motors models|first=Gary |last=Witzenburg |pages=104, 105, 248 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1979 |volume=152 |issue=4 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> The 4.2&nbsp;L I6 remained most popular, and the only engine available in the AMX model. To comply with the 1980s' much tougher emissions, computer-controlled carburetors were designed for better economy and operation.<ref name="pm-10-79"/> 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 [[Ziebart]] 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 [[Epoxy#Paints and coatings|epoxy-based primer]]. AMC backed up the rust protection program with a five-year "No Rust Thru" component to its comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan".<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=0ssDAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+Ziebart+Factory+Rust+Protection&pg=PA65 |magazine=Ebony |title=American Motors print advertisement |date=April 1980 |volume=35 |issue=6 |page=65 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref>

===1981===
[[File:1981 AMC Spirit liftback in blue with tan interior at Rambler Ranch 2of4.jpg|thumb|1981 AMC Spirit base model]]
[[File:1981 AMC Spirit four.jpg|thumb|right|1981 AMC Spirit base model with optional two-tone and rear spoiler]]
[[File:AMC Spirit DL two-tone liftback NC.jpg|thumb|right|AMC Spirit DL with optional two-tone]]
[[File:1981 AMC Spirit DL sedan at 2017 AMO meet 02of17.jpg|thumb|AMC Spirit sedan with optional stripes]]

The 1981 model year AMC Spirits received a new crosshatch grille with a single crosshair element. New optional "[[Noryl]]" wheel covers were added. The leather-clad Limited models were canceled, leaving the DL as the top-rung model. The AMX model was discontinued, but the liftback was available with the GT appearance package, available on both base and DL trims, with both engines. An optional G.T. rally-tuned suspension for the liftback included special front and rear sway bars, tuned strut rod bushings and rear spring iso-clamp pads, heavy-duty adjustable Gabriel Strider shock absorbers, "hi-control" rear leaf springs, and a faster steering box ratio.<ref name="81brochure">{{cite web |title=1981 AMC Spirit and Concord brochure |url= https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1981-AMC-Spirit-Concord.pdf |website=xr793.com |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> New options included power windows, rear window wiper and washer, power antenna, as well as tricolored "rally" stripes.<ref name="81brochure"/>

A four-speed manual transmission was standard while the optional three-speed automatic now included a lockup [[torque converter]], and [[radial tire]]s were standard fitment across the lineup.<ref name=RT81a>{{cite magazine |magazine=Road and Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 |issue=January–February 1981 |title=1981 Buyer's Guide |editor-first=Tony |editor-last=Hogg |page=79 }}</ref>

The {{convert|258|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} I6 was redesigned and made {{convert|90|lb|kg|0}} lighter, as well as smoother, higher low-end torque, more economical, and requiring less maintenance.<ref name="driving81">{{cite magazine |last=Witzenburg |first=Gary |title=Driving the new AMC models |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=September 1980 |volume=154 |issue=4 |pages=100 and 180 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RtQDAAAAMBAJ&q=Driving+the+new+AMC+models+1981&pg=PA100 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> 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 {{convert|445|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=RtQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA180&dq=the+lightest+in-line+Six+in+the+domestic+industryWitzenburg, Witzenburg (September 1980). p. 180].</ref>

The 1981 AMC EPA fuel economy figures for the 49 states were:
* {{convert|23|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city and {{convert|33|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway for the 4-cylinder 4-speed
* {{convert|20|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city and {{convert|26|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway for the 4-cylinder automatic
* {{convert|19|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city and {{convert|28|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway for the 6-cylinder 4-speed
* {{convert|19|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} city and {{convert|26|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} highway for the 6-cylinder automatic

There were four kinds of wheel treatments this year that included the "Custom Wheel Cover" or standard full wheel discs, "Full Styled" wheel cover made of Noryl which was standard on the Spirit DL, the "Spoke Styled Wheels" which were standard on the Spirit G.T., and the "Turbocast II" aluminum wheels which were optional on all models. Fifteen exterior paint colors were available in 1981. They were Olympic White, Classic Black, Quick Silver Metallic, Steel Gray Metallic, Medium Blue Metallic, Moonlight Blue, Autumn Gold, Sherwood Green Metallic, Cameo Tan, Copper Brown Metallic, Medium Brown Metallic, Dark Brown Metallic, Oriental Red, Vintage Red Metallic, and Deep Maroon Metallic. Interiors were available in "Deluxe Grain" vinyl in black, blue, beige, and nutmeg. "Coventry Check" fabric was available in black, blue, beige, and nutmeg.<ref name="81brochure"/>

American Motors led the way in galvanized steel news for 1981, by applying one-sided and two-sided galvanized materials to all of the exterior body panels on all its models.<ref>{{cite book| title=Ward's automotive yearbook, Volume 43 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=aodTAAAAMAAJ&q=AMC+led+the+way+in+galvanized+steel+news+for+'81,+by+applying+one-side+and+two-+side+galvanized+materials+to+all+of+the+exterior+body+panels+on+its+Spirit,+Concord+and+Eagle+models |page=58 |publisher=Ward's Reports |year=1981 |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref> AMC tied these applications into its warranty program and the Spirit was advertised as "One Tough American Economy car" highlighting its galvanized steel in every exterior body panel.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=XtLjAAAAMAAJ&q=100%25+exterior+body+panels+galvanized+Spirit |title=One Tough American Economy Car (advertisement) |magazine=Newsweek |volume=97 |year=1981 |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref> According to Dale E. Dawkins, AMC's vice-president, "Every square inch of inner surface on exterior body panels is galvanized on our Spirit, Concord, and Eagle models." to support AMC's new "Tough Americans" marketing campaign highlighting the long warranty and rustproofing measures included in their cars.

For the 1981 model year, AMC introduced [[AMC Eagle|Eagle]] models (SX/4 liftback and Kammback sedan) based on both Spirit body styles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Traugott |first1=Jay |title=Weekly Treasure: 1982 AMC Eagle SX/4 |url= https://carbuzz.com/news/weekly-treasure-1982-amc-eagle-sx-4 |publisher=CarBuzz |access-date=26 September 2021 |date=15 November 2020 |quote=In 1981, the AMC Eagle SX/4 arrived, though it was based on the Spirit liftback.}}</ref>

===1982===
[[File:1982 AMC Spirit liftback in Vintage Red metallic at PA meet 1of8.jpg|thumb|1982 AMC Spirit base model]]

Changes to the Spirit for 1982 were mostly mechanical. A new 5-speed manual transmission was offered as an option, thus the "Spirit GT became America's first pony car available with a 5-speed gearbox."<ref>[https://archive.org/details/carsofamericanmo0000cran/page/267 <!-- quote=82 Spirit GT became Americas first pony car available with 5-speed. --> Cranswick, p. 267.]</ref> New low-drag front disc brakes were standard. Together, they allowed the 2.5&nbsp;L Spirit to achieve {{convert|37|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} on the highway, according to the 1982 EPA estimates. For automatic transmission-equipped cars, the [[Chrysler]] sourced three-speed [[TorqueFlite]] ratios were more widely spaced to afford better mileage.

American Motors Company was always a company that took chances in the name of innovation and promoted the 1982 Spirit in an unusual television ad campaign.<ref name="plunge">{{cite web|url= http://jalopnik.com/5689551/1982-amc-spirit-takes-the-plunge |first=Tom |last=Joslin |title=1982 AMC Spirit Takes the Plunge |date= 20 November 2010 |publisher=Jalopnik |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref> Trying to differentiate their cars from the competition, and to make a point that the "Tough Americans" come with Ziebart rustproofing and a five-year rust warranty, the ads show a new Spirit dropped into {{convert|30|ft|m|0}} of saltwater.<ref name="plunge"/>

===1983===
[[File:1983 AMC Spirit GT with 4 liter s.jpg|thumb|right|1983 Spirit GT]]
[[File:1983 AMC Spirit GT (34675305421).jpg|thumb|right|1983 Spirit GT]]

The Spirit sedan was deleted from the line in 1983, along with the 2.5&nbsp;L I4 and the base model liftback. All 1983 Spirits were 4.2&nbsp;L-equipped liftbacks in either DL or new GT trim. The Spirit GT's performance was described as "neck-snapping quickness" compared to the competing sporty cars with 4-cylinder engines.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=xAMEAAAAMBAJ&q=1983+AMC+Spirit&pg=PA31 |magazine=Kiplinger's Personal Finance |date=November 1982 |page=31 |title=Detroit rolls out the '83s |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref>

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 [[United States dollar|US$]]5,995 and US$6,495, respectively. The Spirit GT version was compared to the liftback version of Ford's Mustang.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=aHgpAQAAMAAJ&q="Why+horse+around |title=Ads that put America on wheels |first1=Eric |last1=Dregni|first2=Karl Hagstrom |last2=Miller |publisher=Motorbooks International |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-7603-0137-1}}</ref>

For the 1983 model year, AMC introduced the new [[Renault Alliance]], 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 [[Renault Encore|Encore]] hatchbacks for 1984. In addition, the front-wheel drive [[Renault Fuego]], "a nicely executed sports coupe," was also sold by AMC dealers as an alternative to the Spirit GT.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1984 Renault Fuego TurboRenault's "halo" car|url= http://www.autoweek.com/article/20020712/free/207120701 |first=Eric |last=Tegler |magazine=Autoweek |date=1 June 2002 |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref> The Fuego had distinctive styling, four-passenger room, fuel economy ([[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. EPA]] rated at {{convert|39|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} on the highway), and it received good reviews in the automotive media.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2010/05/01/hmn_feature10.html |title=1982–1985 Renault Fuego |magazine=Hemmings Motor News |date=May 2010|first=David |last=LaChance |access-date=26 March 2013 }}</ref>