AMC Eagle SX4/AMX: The First Crossover?

Before there was a EVO or WRX or even Quattro, there was the AMC Eagle SX4 and AMX. AMC had been building cars with all-wheel drive for some time before making sport versions of these coupes based on the Spirit.  The SX4 initially used a GM 4 cylinder but eventually was offered with a AMC built 4 and later inline six. Some versions of the car were geared more towards crossover SUV status (a category AMC created). Others like the SX4 were tuned more for performance with permanent and later switchable all -wheel drive.

The Spirit AMX used a similar body style as the SX4, but in a rear wheel drive configuration. There were decent performance cars, even by today’s standards. These cars were offered in various forms from the late 70’s to early 80’s. After Chrysler bought AMC in 1987 it turned AMC into it’s new performance Eagle brand.  The SX4 was gone, but  it’s spirit lived on as the inspiration behind the AWD turbo Eagle Talon/Mitsubishi Eclipse twins.