1980 SX/4 Prototype

[mpfi eagle]

I found the prototype SX/4 I discussed in the past in a salvage yard today.  This is a prototype used by AMC as a pre-production test mule for SX/4 and Kammback models.  This car was purchased with the help of my grandfather's AMC dealership for a local engineer set on buiding electric cars.  It originated from the r&d department at the Kenosha plant.  I remember this car when it was brand new, it had the low range shift lever installed in the floor from the factory.  Having the chance to crawl around the car today, I noted several interesting things.  The car has a 13 digit vin number clearly identifying it as a 1980 model, the emissions label also states 1980 specs.  The interior is from a 1979 Spirit with vinyl rear and cloth seats in the front.  Drivers and passenger outside rearview mirrors are black, remote and the clam shell design '80 and down.  The body was painted after being assembled, it is primer then painted after the fact. This is evidenced in several spots where the paint is bare in places normally painted. 1980 vintage 258 with metal valve cover and married intake/exhaust manifolds. The car is a bit rough, been sitting since 1995 but still salvageable by some standards. I have 'eyes' all over the area and one of my sources spotted an Eagle and told me about it.  Because I always look at potential Eagle projects, this was no different, I checked it out. Lost track of this car for 20 years.  Didn't take long to figure out what it was.  Small world! Quite an interesting piece of AMC history!

[Draekon]

Is there any saving it from the yard?  It would be sad losing such a unique piece of eagle history.

[mpfi eagle]

It can be saved.  It's a liitle rough but not a spatula case. For the historical significance, it is saveable. Big project however.  Some issues underneath but not major.

[shanebo]

That would be a great project!...Ive seen some garden variety eagles get brought back....this one would certainly be worth the effort.

[amc78concord]

Oh yes, this car needs to be saved!!!  Keep us posted please

[Whuntmore]

x5 on saving it, and post some pictures asaFp.

Ya know, regardless of what car company a prototype comes from (why some people crap on AMC is beyond me) it should NEVER reach this stage of a car's 'life'.  Never.

especially if the prototype was put into production. 

[txjeeptx]

Wasn't the actual prototype car a V8? I recall seeing pictures of the undercarriage somewhere. I recall it having a strange looking front axle/differential - not the D30 of the production cars.

[rollguy]

x5 on saving it

X 100 (I am sure we can get at least that many votes)

[IowaEagle]

That car needs to be saved, at the least photographed.    Yes, the original test bed cars sent to Great Britain for the 4WD mods were Hornet V8 models after conversion they came back to the States for testing.  I am guessing they were scrapped as Roy Lunn was not totally satisfied with the results but they did provide him with a base line for the final incarnation.

[txjeeptx]

Sent to Great Britain for conversion? Did they receive some work/parts from a Jensen?

[IowaEagle]

G.K.N. Ltd and FF Development.  A $34,000 conversion contract with AMC providing the two test Hornets.  Converted in Dec. 1976 and January 1977.  First tested in Great Britain and then sent back to the US for further testing.  The first actual conversion, a joint AMC and AMC Jeep project was the first attempt.  That car, a Hornet, was only tested for a few thousand miles.

[carguy87]

I vote to save it, or tell us where it's currently located and how much they want for it so someone else can save it

[eaglefreek]

G.K.N. Ltd and FF Development.  A $34,000 conversion contract with AMC providing the two test Hornets.  Converted in Dec. 1976 and January 1977.  First tested in Great Britain and then sent back to the US for further testing.  The first actual conversion, a joint AMC and AMC Jeep project was the first attempt.  That car, a Hornet, was only tested for a few thousand miles.

Any info on what drivetrain components were used?

[Hawk258]

Bump for update! PLEASE!? Someone tell me you save it!

[captspillane]

I also want an update. I'll drive and buy it myself if need be. I would go to great lengths to own the first SX4 made. I'll restore it if you don't have the means.

[captspillane]

The most important question to answer is about the low range shift lever. As I understand it, the AMC engineers specifically shaped the Eagle floor plan to be compatible with an existing low range lever used in full size Jeeps. I want to know which lever was used and where in the floor plan it was attached. Its awesome to confirm that the Eagle was designed to have it and it would be even more awesome to figure out exactly how they intended it to work. Any pictures you have of the lever would be precious.

[eaglefreek]

The most important question to answer is about the low range shift lever. As I understand it, the AMC engineers specifically shaped the Eagle floor plan to be compatible with an existing low range lever used in full size Jeeps. I want to know which lever was used and where in the floor plan it was attached. Its awesome to confirm that the Eagle was designed to have it and it would be even more awesome to figure out exactly how they intended it to work. Any pictures you have of the lever would be precious.

The NP208 and NP219 were the only two cases available at that time that use the lever on the side of the transmission tunnel. I would guess the NP219 since it is a fulltime case.

[mudkicker715]

The most important question to answer is about the low range shift lever. As I understand it, the AMC engineers specifically shaped the Eagle floor plan to be compatible with an existing low range lever used in full size Jeeps. I want to know which lever was used and where in the floor plan it was attached. Its awesome to confirm that the Eagle was designed to have it and it would be even more awesome to figure out exactly how they intended it to work. Any pictures you have of the lever would be precious.

The NP208 and NP219 were the only two cases available at that time that use the lever on the side of the transmission tunnel. I would guess the NP219 since it is a fulltime case.

Also for sure a 229.

[eaglefreek]

The most important question to answer is about the low range shift lever. As I understand it, the AMC engineers specifically shaped the Eagle floor plan to be compatible with an existing low range lever used in full size Jeeps. I want to know which lever was used and where in the floor plan it was attached. Its awesome to confirm that the Eagle was designed to have it and it would be even more awesome to figure out exactly how they intended it to work. Any pictures you have of the lever would be precious.

The NP208 and NP219 were the only two cases available at that time that use the lever on the side of the transmission tunnel. I would guess the NP219 since it is a fulltime case.

Also for sure a 229.

But the 229 wasn't available in 1980, so that is why I didn't list it.

[Pat]

Just saw this, I'll add my vote to those who feel it should be saved. that's rarer than rare. How many prototypes ever get missed being crushed by the factory?

[mars2878]

Still waiting on pics & location

[JustinS]

Has anyone heard the fate of this rare bird?  Please someone tell me it's been saved. 

[IowaEagle]

Yes!  We need to know!

[Whuntmore]

Yes, I'm looking forward to hearing about what's happened...

[Steve F]

Hi mpfi eagle,
I just got around to reading your post about finding the 1980 SX/4 Prototype. After reading everyone's comments I also agree that this should be saved, if possible.  Have you gone back to try and save it?  Were you ever able to get prictures to post?