American Motors Corporation (AMC) might not be around anymore, but cars like this 1979 AMC Spirit AMX prove the passion behind the brand never really faded. Today, the subcompact Spirit isn’t as widely known as its Javelin or Rebel Machine siblings, but this custom-built AMX, currently up for grabs on BringATrailer.com, aims to change that conversation entirely. Someone took AMC’s lightest performance offering of 1979 and injected it with classic V8 muscle—exactly what the AMX badge deserved.
The Spirit replaced the Gremlin for the 1979 model year and slotted into the growing sporty-compact scene. AMC sold just over 52,000 Spirits that first year, and only 3,657 were AMX variants. Those cars originally came standard with the reliable 4.2-liter (258 cubic-inch) I6, while an optional 5.0-liter (304 cubic-inch) AMC V8 delivered a bit of extra punch. But the factory never imagined something like this: a full-size 6.6-liter (401 cubic-inch) AMC V8 under the hood—one of the most respected powerplants the company ever built. Paired with a beefed-up TH400 3-speed automatic reportedly rebuilt by J.W. Performance Transmissions, this hatchback is packing serious heat.
Visually, this AMX leans into the bold late-70s performance look—front air dam, flared fenders, and a rear spoiler set the tone. It left the factory in Olympic White but has since been resprayed in a sharp shade of blue, accented with retro multi-color striping. The black-finished US Mags 15-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and upgraded sway bars give it an aggressive stance and improved handling. Power-assisted front disc brakes help rein things in when the big AMC V8 gets feisty.
Inside, the cabin blends original Spirit styling with some driver-focused upgrades. Gray-patterned cloth seats and blue interior trim keep the vibe vintage, while a Cheetah SCS reverse-pattern shifter gives a clue that the transmission isn’t stock. A set of center-console-mounted digital auxiliary gauges, air conditioning, tinted windows, remote trunk release, and a Panasonic CD stereo add comfort and usability. The odometer shows 83k miles, though only a handful have been added by the selling dealer since it arrived from North Carolina late last year.
Mechanically, the headline is all about that 401, an engine AMC fans know for its torque and durability. The battery has been moved to the trunk for better balance, and the drivetrain sends power straight to the rear wheels the old-school way.
If you’re looking for a weirdly wonderful slice of American performance history—something different from the typical F-Body or Fox Body builds—this car checks all the boxes. It’s lightweight, unique, and packing a legitimate big-cube V8 burble that most folks won’t expect from an AMX of this generation.
Bidding for this custom 1979 AMC Spirit AMX wraps up Monday, December 8th, at 3:05 p.m. EDT on BringATrailer.com. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to grab a rare AMC project already built for fun, now might be the time to make a move.
Custom 401-Powered 1979 AMC Spirit AMX Image Gallery:
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