1979 AMC Spirit AMX on Bring a Trailer Has Trans Am Envy

The 1979 AMC Spirit AMX, a performance-oriented variant of the AMC Spirit, was listed for sale on Bring a Trailer this week. This specific model, finished in "Electric Blue" over a blue interior, represents American Motors' attempt to capture the muscle car market segment dominated by vehicles like the Pontiac Trans Am during the late 1970s. The AMX package for the Spirit included a 304 cubic inch V8 engine, a 4-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed automatic transmission, aiming to deliver a sportier driving experience. This particular example features a "Big Bad" decal on the hood and "AMX" badging, further emphasizing its performance aspirations. The car also includes period-correct "honeycomb" wheels and a rear spoiler, common styling cues for performance cars of that era. Bring a Trailer's listing highlights the vehicle's condition and originality, providing details on its mechanical specifications and cosmetic features for potential buyers. The AMC Spirit AMX was a niche offering, competing with other compact performance cars and aiming to provide an affordable performance option.