AMC Spirit

1979 AMC Spirit GT

As a restyled variant of the previous Gremlin, the Spirit featured distinctly larger rear quarter windows 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 A-pillar 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 ... enabling the car's driver to travel over 500 miles between fill ups".[7]

Standard equipment levels and convenience features were increased on the new Spirit compared to the Gremlin.[8] 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.[9] 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.[9]

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.[9] The package also had a rear spoiler, and other sporty features that offered AMC to have a competitor in design, style, price, size, and performance to the new-for-1979 Fox-based 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.[4]

The standard engine on all models except the AMX was a 121 cu in (2.0 L) EA831 inline-four supplied by Audi. Optional were AMC's 232 cu in (3.8 L) and 258 cu in (4.2 L) inline-sixes (the latter standard on the AMX).[10] The 304 cu in (5.0 L) AMC V8 engine was offered as an option only on the liftback.[10] The 1979 model year would mark a one-year reprieve for V8 availability in the short 96 in (2,438 mm) 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.[10]

The four-cylinder engine is the same overhead camshaft unit carried over from the Gremlin, and was also available on the Concord. It used the same cast parts as the Porsche 924 (both made by 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 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.[11] The AMX featured a flush blackout grille with an AMX emblem, fiberglass wheel flares, rear 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.[12]

Popular Science magazine compared the four-cylinder Spirit with the Chevrolet Chevette, Dodge Omni 024, and the imported Plymouth Champ describing the Spirit's "generous updating of the chassis and body have kept it fresh-looking."[13] Despite its imported engine, with its heavy chassis it was "no economy standout ... what is special about the Spirit is the luxury finish ... with the look of a high-priced car."[13] A Popular Mechanics survey of one-thousand owners after they had driven their cars a total of 795,733 miles (1,280,608 km) 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."[14]

1980 Spirit and AMX trim/striping/two-tone paint/molding availability

The 3.8 L I6 was dropped from the lineup, as was the 5.0 L V8 to meet the 20 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg_‑imp) average corporate fleet fuel economy standard for the 1980 model year.[15] 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."[16] The 4.2 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.[16] 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-based primer. AMC backed up the rust protection program with a five-year "No Rust Thru" component to its comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan".[17]

1981 AMC Spirit base model

1981 AMC Spirit base model with optional two-tone and rear spoiler

AMC Spirit DL with optional two-tone

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.[18] New options included power windows, rear window wiper and washer, power antenna, as well as tricolored "rally" stripes.[18]

A four-speed manual transmission was standard while the optional three-speed automatic now included a lockup torque converter, and radial tires were standard fitment across the lineup.[19]

The 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 was redesigned and made 90 pounds (41 kg) lighter, as well as smoother, higher low-end torque, more economical, and requiring less maintenance.[20] 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 445 lb (202 kg).[21]

The 1981 AMC EPA fuel economy figures for the 49 states were:

• 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp) city and 33 mpg_‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg_‑imp) highway for the 4-cylinder 4-speed
• 20 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg_‑imp) city and 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp) highway for the 4-cylinder automatic
• 19 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg_‑imp) city and 28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) highway for the 6-cylinder 4-speed
• 19 mpg_‑US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg_‑imp) city and 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp) 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.[18]

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.[22] 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.[23] 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 Eagle models (SX/4 liftback and Kammback sedan) based on both Spirit body styles.[24]

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."[25] New low-drag front disc brakes were standard. Together, they allowed the 2.5 L Spirit to achieve 37 mpg_‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_‑imp) 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.[26] 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 30 feet (9 m) of saltwater.[26]

1983 Spirit GT

1983 Spirit GT

The Spirit sedan was deleted from the line in 1983, along with the 2.5 L I4 and the base model liftback. All 1983 Spirits were 4.2 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.[27]

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 US$5,995 and US$6,495, respectively. The Spirit GT version was compared to the liftback version of Ford's Mustang.[28]

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 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.[29] The Fuego had distinctive styling, four-passenger room, fuel economy (U.S. EPA rated at 39 mpg_‑US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg_‑imp) on the highway), and it received good reviews in the automotive media.[30]

Nurburgring race car at 2017 AMO meet

In October 1979, the B.F. Goodrich tire company sponsored a pair of AMXs in the annual FIA Group One 24-hour race (for mildly modified production cars) held at Germany's legendary Nürburgring track.[2] The 1979 304 cu in (5.0 L) V8-powered Spirit AMX was already homologated for European FIA Group One Touring Car races.[41]

The cars were the first-ever American entries in this grueling race (the Nürburgring is a 14.1-mile (22.7 km) circuit with 176 turns). They would compete against smaller-engined, but more agile competitors from BMW, Ford, Opel, VW, Renault, and Audi.[41]

Drivers Amos Johnson and his partner Dennis Shaw were the team principals in the North Carolina-based "Team Highball." Supporting drivers were factory Mazda driver Jim Downing (who would later co-develop the HANS device), actor James Brolin, Lyn St. James, and automotive journalist Gary Witzenburg. Two street-stock cars (both with AMC 5.0 L V8 and four-speed transmission) were supplied to "Team Highball" for Group One race modifications less than three weeks before a transport ship would sail to Europe.[3]

With almost no prior driving time on the racecourse, and with the race practice cut short by fog, the team qualified the cars in 20th and 21st overall. The #1 Johnson/Shaw/Brolin car was given the faster set-up, with the objective of winning the race.[2]

In the race, the #1 car suffered broken front shock absorbers and a slipping clutch, and the engine burned oil. Witzenburg reported the brakes and both front shocks "all but gone" in #2 – pumping the brakes dragged the front spoiler, but had little effect on speed. Moreover, since the AMXs were "rather crude" compared with the smaller, lighter cars they were racing against, they lost time in the turns. Nevertheless, Witzenburg said the cars "ran great," especially on the straights where they reached about 140 mph (230 km/h).[3]

After driving almost 2,000 miles (3,219 km), they finished first and second in class, 25th and 43rd overall out of a field of 120.[3] They were also the fastest entrants using street tires - BFG T/A radials, and had no tire failures.[42]

The preparation of the cars and the team's experience of the race itself were covered by a period documentary film, The Ultimate Challenge.[43]

The #1 AMX Nürburgring race car "served as a showcar for a few months after the race, then went into storage for about 25 years" and has only about 4,000 miles (6,400 km) on its odometer.[44][45] The #2 race car returned to the racing circuit for several years, but has been located and reunited with the original drivers after over 25 years.[46][47][48]

AMC Spirits also campaigned in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Champion Spark Plug Challenge and Racing Stock Class events. With only limited support from AMC, mainly with some technical help, AMC Spirits were prepared by "Team Highball" and driven by Amos Johnson and Dennis Shaw.

Several AMC Spirits were entered in the 1979 World Challenge for Endurance Drivers. A Spirit was driven by Joe Varde and Dave Cowart in the 6 Hours of Talladega finishing the race in third place (an AMC Concord finished first, an AMC Gremlin was second, and an AMC Pacer was fourth) out of starting field of 49 cars.[49] Five other AMC Spirits were also racing on 1 April 1979.[49] On 1 June 1979, an AMC Spirit driven by Dennis Shaw and Don Whittington won the 6-Hour Champion Spark Plug Challenge at the Daytona International Speedway covering 151 laps and a distance of 933.162 km (579.840 mi) averaging 155.101 km/h (96.375 mph).[49] AMC Spirits also finished in 5, 6, 11, 29, 37, and 42 places out of a total 62 starting cars.[49]

The 1980 World Challenge for Endurance Drivers began with an AMC Spirit driven by Keith Swope and Mauricio DeNarvaez finishing in fourth place at Daytona's 6-Hour Champion Spark Plug Challenge on 29 June 1980.[50] Eleven other Spirits placed out of the 72 cars that started in the race.[50] A team consisting of Lou Statzer, Amos Johnson, and Dennis Shaw ran a Spirit AMX 84 laps in the GTX class at the 28th Annual Coca-Cola 12 Hours of Sebring on 22 March 1980.[50][51]

1981 AMX Turbo PPG pace car

Turbo-charged and fuel-injected AMC I6

Two AMC AMX Pace cars were prepared to serve as four official safety cars each year in the PPG IndyCar World Series for the 1980 and 1981 auto-racing seasons. The objective was to create one pace car for each of the four major American car companies based on the existing production models of that time.[52]

Both used the Spirit liftback body with the first one shown by PPG Industries featuring a white/red/blue/black painted production 1979 Spirit AMX with covered headlamps and integrated and smoothed front bumper and air dam unit.[53][54] The current status of this car is unknown.[53]

The 1981 car was a highly modified fastback constructed by Autodynamics of Troy, Michigan under contract from PPG Industries. Designed by Dick Teague, AMC's Vice President of Automotive Design, the body has a more aerodynamic efficient, fiberglass shell with smooth bumpers. A unique ram air induction system was designed into the rear quarter panel while the rear featured an integrated spoiler with a high center fuel fill.[55] The interior was modified to include new front racing bucket seats along with a special roll bar and cage.[56][57]

The turbo-charged and fuel-injected 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 was built by Turbo-Systems Inc. to produce 450 bhp (336 kW). The car is equipped with Goodyear Eagle GT low profile 245x50x16 tires on 16x8-inch "Gotti" aluminum alloy wheels.[58] The car made its debut as the official pace car for the Milwaukee 150 on 7 June 1981, for the 14 race series.[52]

This was the final chapter in AMC's AMX racing story and the car went to AMC's Vice President of Design, Richard Teague.[55] It has since been maintained by collectors with the AMX Turbo regularly appearing at automobile shows.[32][59][56]

The VAM-based Spirit sedan was available in the same model configuration as the AMC Gremlin in the first half of the 1970s, including the equivalent sporty model still called the Gremlin X, which in Mexico was a higher trim level instead of an optional package. The U.S. versions such as the sedan-based Spirit DL and Spirit Limited models were not available, as also were not the previous generation's AMC Gremlin GT and AMC Gremlin Custom models. The four-cylinder engine and column-mounted shifters, plus several accessories were also not offered.

1979 VAM Gremlin X in Mexico City 2015 (missing side decals)

Both VAM versions incorporated manual front disk brakes, front sway bar, floor-mounted three-speed manual transmissions, a 3.31:1 rear differential gear ratio, and the 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 engine with a Carter YF one-barrel carburetor, 266-degree camshaft and 8.0:1 compression ratio rated at 121 hp (90 kW; 123 PS) at 3900 rpm.[84] Both versions were equipped with a 140 km/h / 90 mph speedometer, individual fold-down front seats, three-point seat belts, parcel shelf, front and rear ashtrays, cigarette lighter, locking glove-box, padded sun visors, carpeting, round dome light, inside hood release, rear spoiler, AM radio, and antenna. The Gremlin X model included a Hurst linkage for the manual transmission, power steering, bumper guards, wheel trim rings, narrow longer volcano hubcaps, blacked-out side glass and door window frames, wider 70X14 radial tires, front fender "4.2 Litros" decals, a sports grille designed by VAM, tinted windshield, AMC's three-arm spoked sports steering wheel with a VAM logo on the horn button, light group (lighter, glove box, courtesy, and hood), bright molding package (rocker panels, wheel lips, and drip rails), digital tachometer and retractable three-point seatbelts instead of the non-retractable fixed units. Door panels were the same in both versions except that the X had lower carpet inserts and map pouches. The roof rack that was standard on the base model was optional on the X version. The heater was optional on the base Gremlin with manual transmission and standard for the base automatic and all X versions. The base Gremlin had few options, while the Gremlin X offered a greater list. The base model offered bumper guards, power steering, a light group, a bright molding package, a tinted windshield, a sports steering wheel, and wheel trim rings. The X versions could be ordered with air conditioning, reading dome light, AM/FM radio, rear defogger, and sunroof. Options shared by both versions were limited to a TorqueFlite A904 three-speed automatic transmission, power brakes, passenger's side remote mirror, and dual remote-controlled mirrors.[85]

1980 VAM Gremlin in Mexico, similar to the Spirit Sedan marketed in the U.S.

The 1980 models now included a locking gas cap, and fold-down high-back individual seats with adjustable headrests, as well as the heater was made standard even on the base model with manual transmission. New features were a split rear seatback, a 180 km/h / 110 mph speedometer, new seat patterns, a seven-blade flexible fan for the 258 six, new steering wheel designs for each trim level, and a new VAM grille design shared between the two versions. The X model included a new side decal design and blacked-out hubcaps. The optional equipment list for the Gremlin X included a new AM/FM stereo radio, an electric antenna, and intermittent wipers.[85]

For the 1981 model year, the Spirit sedan-based VAM Gremlin saw the greatest changes since 1979. Both versions obtained a 55-amp alternator, coolant recovery tank, and fan shroud regardless of trim level or the presence of the air conditioning system, as well as a new shared grille design with vertical bars and a single horizontal one in the bottom plus a shared new seat pattern design. For the first time, door panels completely covered all previously exposed metal parts. International symbols appeared in the instrument cluster warning lights and the light beam switch was integrated into the steering column marker light lever. The Gremlin X received numerous updates. All chromed items were deleted other than the front end and rear license plate light housings while the rear spoiler was moved to the options list. Both bumpers changed to blacked-out units. Side decals were almost gone, with only a small "Gremlin X" one at the bottom corner of each C-pillar. A new leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with six simulated hex socket bolts on the horn button was used. A four-speed manual transmission with Hurst linkage and a 3.07:1 rear axle gear ratio became standard. Cars with automatic transmission retained the 3.31:1 rear gear ratio. The optional equipment list included eight-spoke sports-style steel wheels using the same volcano hubcaps as the standard wheels.[85]

The downturn of the Mexican economy early in 1982 and a government decree banning the importation of "luxury" automotive accessories hit the country's auto industry. The 1982 VAM Gremlin returned as a consolidated model. Both trim levels incorporated amber front parking lights and the AMC square pattern grille design that was used in U.S. domestic Eagle models. The base model incorporated chromed headlight bezels with blacked-out internal areas while the X model was completely blacked-out as also were the hood trim molding and grille. The 258 cu in (4.2 L) I6 was upgraded for the first time since 1976, receiving a higher 8.5:1 compression ratio and net output of 117 hp (87 kW; 119 PS) at 4000 rpm.[84] The A904 automatic transmission was replaced by the A998 with wider gear ratios for the year. The base model was similar to the prior year except for the new side trim and front-end design. The X model saw the return of side decals in the form of four thin stripes starting at the base of the B-pillar trim molding and running all the way to the front edge of the fenders near the marker lights. A new silver "GX" decal appeared between the rear window and the right-side tail light. The sports steering wheel was replaced by the base design. The model was restricted to a three-speed automatic transmission with the addition of the AMX/GT's console-type shifter boot and the rear differential changed to a 3.07:1 ratio as used the year before with the now-unavailable four-speed manual.[85]

Early in 1983, VAM was taken over by Renault from the Mexican government and a reduced VAM passenger car line appeared for the year. This was to use up the existing inventory and to fulfill the previous agreements with sourcing companies as well as to deliver existing individual customer orders. The VAM Gremlin was carried over for 1983, becoming the last-ever AMC Spirit sedan model produced. This body style lasted one full year after AMC's dropped its equivalent from the U.S. lineup. The 1983 Gremlin was restricted to the base model with a three-speed manual transmission. It was the same as the prior year with the exception of incorporating dual remote mirrors and bumper guards as standard equipment. At a dealership level, virtually all previous accessories were still available as either individual options or packages including those of the X model. A change to the 1983 Gremlin was to the engine's head design. It incorporated smaller spark plugs and thus allowing an improved intake port configuration. The engine now featured a plastic valve cover.[85]

VAM Spirit liftback in Mexico

The VAM-based Spirit liftback became VAM's top-of-the-line performance product, the Rally AMX being focused to replace the previous Concord AMX-based American Rally AMX models and the Rally GT as the replacement of the limited edition Concord two-door sedan-based American 06/S. The top-performance VAM Spirit liftback was the GT rather than the AMX model. Rather than offering a range of models by AMC, the VAM versions were performance and premium models. Due to accessories and focus, the VAM Rally AMX is relatively similar to an AMC Spirit DL with a GT package and most performance options.

The Rally-based Spirit liftbacks were available in two sports versions, the standard "Rally AMX" and the high-performance "Rally GT" in their first year. Both versions came standard with a Transmission Technologies Corporation (Tremec) 176-F four-speed manual transmission with Hurst linkage, power brakes with front discs and rear drums, power steering, front and rear sway bars, heavy-duty shock absorbers and springs, seven-bladed flexible cooling fan, tinted windshield, leather-wrapped three-arm sports steering wheel, tachometer, a center console with armrest and "Rallye" gauges plus rear ashtray, reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests, split-back rear seat, three-point retractable seatbelts, woodgrain panels on the dashboard, full light group (hood, courtesy, ashtray, glove box) except reading dome light, blacked-out dual remote-controlled mirrors and VAM-designed aluminum grille with a central "Rally" emblem. The Rally AMX had the standard 132 hp (98 kW; 134 PS) 282 cu in (4.6 L) I6 using a 3.07:1 rear axle gear ratio, while the Rally GT came with the high-performance 172 hp (128 kW; 174 PS) version of this VAM engine and a 3.31:1 rear gear ratio.[84] The heavy-duty cooling system consisting of a fan shroud and coolant recovery tank was optional on the AMX and standard on the GT, some units of this version came with a clutch fan instead of the regular belt-type. The Rally AMX was the "base model" of the line and the Rally GT was closer to the European tradition of performance cars with its analog tachometer (instead of the AMX's digital tach), while convenience items such as air conditioning or automatic transmission were not available. The GT model also included a rear spoiler with an electric liftgate lock release and eight-spoke steel wheels (which were optional on the AMX). The AMX came with VAM's own design five-spoke wheels with trim rings and blacked-out volcano hubcaps. The marketing effort by VAM's sales department had most GT units be equipped from the factory with all the options originally intended to be an extra cost, such as the rear defroster, reading dome light, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM stereo radio, aside from the already mentioned steel wheels and rear spoiler. These items were all optional on the AMX.

The Rally AMX featured three-tone body side decals from the top of the front fenders to the rear corners of the side glass, a design based on AMC's 1979–1980 AMX graphics. VAM's 1977 decal design for the word "Rally" was used as background for AMC's "AMX" decal design. Both designs were one on top of the other to create a "Rally AMX" logo located on the lower front corner of each door. The Rally AMX also included a "4.6 Litros" sticker on both front fender sides. The Rally GT was more subdued, featuring only a gold-colored "American GT" emblem below the rear side glass and a large "4.6 / X" decal on the right corner of the rear spoiler. Due to a last-minute mistake or misunderstanding in VAM's management, the Rally GT was actually called "American GT" this year. The GT does not have a "Rally" emblem on its grille, which is the same design as the one used by the AMX. This also meant an "American" emblem on the glove box door instead of the "Rally" one. Early in the year, customer preference made VAM discontinue the side decals on the AMX, leaving only the superposed "Rally" and "AMX" designs and the "4.6 Litros" fender decal.[85]

The 1981 model year represented a radical upgrade for VAM's top performance line. An all-new "rally" emblem design in all-lowercase letters and computer-like typography appeared on both front fenders. The Rally AMX obtained a new "waved" stripe design located on the front edge of the hood and fenders with an integrated "AMX" on the right front corner. It was very discreet compared to the last year's decals while the "AMX over Rally" and "4.6 Litros" stickers were removed. The Rally GT has small "GT" stickers for the front of the hood bulge and "GT 4.6/X" stickers for the right corner of the rear spoiler. The previous year's "American GT" side decals and "GT" central rear spoiler emblem were deleted. Both versions shared all-new impressive Recardo-type reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests, all-new door panels in vinyl with cloth and carpet inserts, but they no longer had map pouches, AMC's barred grille design used in the Eagle models made in aluminum instead of plastic, international symbols on the instrument cluster warning lights, the high beams switch integrated to the steering column, a new leather-wrapped sports steering wheel design with six fake Allen bolts on the horn button forming a hexagon, AM/FM stereo radio with four speakers as standard equipment and higher quality dashboard woodgrain panels. Mechanically, the coolant recovery tank and fan shroud became present. The optional equipment list was vastly improved; the set of power door locks and windows that debuted the year before in the American (Concord) line became available in the Rally. The GT had the electric antenna while the AMX included the rear spoiler with electric trunk release, both as standard equipment. The optional equipment list for the Rally AMX included air conditioning, automatic transmission, intermittent wipers, reading dome light, rear defroster, sports steel wheels, electric antenna, power door locks, and power windows; the list of the Rally GT was restricted to the electric locks and windows only while the rest of the accessories were standard except for the unavailable automatic transmission and air conditioning.[85]

New for 1981 was the introduction of a third trim level within the VAM's Rally line, the company's first high-end luxury sporty model called Rally SST. This version carried the same mechanicals as the Rally AMX except that it came equipped from the factory with a three-speed automatic transmission. The car featured bright trim on the rocker panels, wheel lips, drip rails, B-pillar molding plus door and side glass bases. The moldings for the windshield and rear glass were also bright instead of blacked out while both bumpers were chromed. The lower portions of the sides, doors, and front fenders carried wide moldings with a horizontal six-stripe pattern. The in-house five-spoke wheels held AMC's "Noryl" wheel cover design. Finally, chromed squared mirrors with inside controls were fitted to the doors. The Rally SST is the closest VAM counterpart to the AMC Spirits in terms of appearance and the Mexican equivalent of the U.S. AMC Spirit Limited model. To enhance the luxury appointments of the line, a fender-mounted electric antenna was made standard equipment so the AMX's sporty roof-mounted diagonal design would not be present. The rear spoiler was not available. Among its unique characteristics, the Rally SST included side armrest safety reflectors and a sun visor with a lighted vanity mirror from the factory, which were unavailable in the AMXs and GTs. The interior of the Rally SST was the same as the one of the GTs and AMXs with the only exceptions of the center console having an open compartment in place of the auxiliary gauges and the quartz electric digital clock instead of both tachometer types. Despite the luxury focus, the sporty aspects were retained in the form of the individual reclining Recaro-type bucket seats, a center console with armrest and rear ashtray, floor-mounted transmission, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, and the full suspension package with rear sway bar.[85]

VAM originally intended the Rally SST to include as standard equipment only the same accessories as the 1981 Rally GT and the optional equipment list of the 1981 Rally AMX except for its own share of exclusive and not available accessories. However, the same story as the 1980 Rally GT repeated itself for the 1981 Rally SST. The need to stress differences between not just the three-version Rally line but also the new Spirit-based Lerma model forced VAM to act any way it could. Once again, the company's sales department determined that virtually all Rally SST units included all optional convenience accessories available in the Rally line from the factory. The final list of equipment for the Rally SST consisted of a tinted windshield, intermittent wipers, rear defroster, electric antenna, a full light group including a reading dome light, AM-FM stereo radio, quartz clock, a center console with a compartment, armrest, and a rear ashtray, lighted vanity mirror, side armrest safety reflectors, cigarette lighter, front ashtray, locking glove box, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, inside hood release, air conditioning, parcel shelf, power door locks, power windows, power trunk release, dual remote-controlled mirrors, reclining bucket seats, retractable seatbelts, and removable trunk cover.[85]

Despite the Rally's outstanding performance on both the street and in the market, it was affected by a series of unexpected problems. Internally, VAM suffered problems with customers confusing the Rally SST and the three-door Lerma models. Moreover, the Lerma's high price and relatively plain looks for a high-end luxury model (intended to become VAM's new flagship since the departure of the Matador-based Classic line) meant low sales that turned out to be below VAM's expectations for the year. VAM gave priority to the Lerma and the high-trim American (Concord) models for luxury compared to the Rally line. The Lerma for 1982 was changed from being a single version to two different versions to create a price difference. The final flagship of the company was available as the semi-equipped Lerma 610 and the fully equipped Lerma 620, both in three and five doors. Externally, a set of misguided moves from the Mexican government took their toll on the whole auto industry. First, the legal exemption of up to 500 automobile engines without emission certification was revoked, affecting directly the high-performance 4.6/X engine of the Rally GT models. This was followed by a decree banning the importation of automotive luxury accessories that affected the whole auto industry. The only way for the automakers to keep on offering those accessories was to have them either produced or sourced locally, some found a replacement while others did not. In the VAM Rally's case, the list of accessories that were lost included the bullet-shaped sports remote mirrors, power door locks, power windows, electric trunk release, rear spoiler, analog tachometer, rear defroster, the Quartz digital clock, and the center console with armrest and rear ashtray.[85]

VAM's decision to focus all efforts on the new two-version Lerma model plus the loss of luxury accessories meant the discontinuation of Rally SST for 1982. The loss of the exemption of 500 units of automobile engines without emission certification forced the retirement of the Rally GT. The only model left for 1982 was the Rally AMX, with substantial differences from the previous two years. The taillight surrounding areas plus the headlight bezels and front hood molding were completely blacked out, the last two parts also having a horizontal red stripe passing from edge to edge. An all-new grille design with a horizontal bar at the same height of the bezels' division between the parking lights and headlights and a vertical bar at the very center; behind these was a set of smaller narrower horizontal lines. Both bumpers for the year were those of the AMC Eagle SX/4 Sport, being blacked out and equipped with thick nerfing strips with central bright moldings and longer more aerodynamic bumper end caps with their respective bright molding. Unlike the previous two years, no decals or stickers of any kind were used. The standard wheel designs for the year were the eight-spoke steel units with blacked-out volcano hubcaps. Due to the impossibility of having the bullet-type door mirrors reproduced, the model switched to a sporty design that was used in the 1978 through 1980 models. However, the remote controls for these mirrors while still available were moved to the options list. The Recaro-type seats received new patterns with a smaller bucket shape to allow an easier in and out of the car on the driver's side (due to the lack of a tilt steering column). The door panels were the same units as in 1981 except for the change in the fabric portion from plain to a pattern of vertical stripes and the removal of a fake chrome molding in place of a woodgrain unit. The six-bolt sports steering wheel was replaced by a leather-wrapped three-arm Nardi unit. VAM managed to find a local company to reproduce the center console, but it was reduced to the shifter and gauges portions, deleting the armrest with the rear ashtray. Although a reduction in conveniences, two new options arrived for the year in the form of the AM/FM stereo tape player radio and the rear wiper and washer. The car received two changes in the mid-year, the first being a new wooden sports steering wheel and the second a new set of ten-round-spoked steel wheels. The only mechanical changes for the year were wider gear ratios for the A998 automatic transmission and in the mid-year, a new engine head design with rounded internal intake ports and smaller spark plug outlets, still retaining the metal valve cover of the previous years. A different head gasket was used to bring the compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 8.5:1.[85]

The Rally GT and the Rally SST did not disappear completely this year; this can be described that they were downgraded from being trim levels to optional packages that were offered by several VAM dealerships. A Rally SST equivalent was created including most of the still available optional items including automatic transmission, air conditioning, rear wiper and washer, reading dome light, intermittent wipers, lighted vanity mirror on passenger's side sun visor, and built-in side armrest safety reflectors. The only options that were separate at all times were the new tape player, electric antenna, and mirror controls. This set of components was called "paquete de lujo" by VAM's dealerships and the units carrying it had no particular name or designation. On the other side of the coin, there was a second optional package for Rally AMXs with a manual transmission that included all mechanical components of the Rally GT 4.6 / X engine (302-degree camshaft, headers, Holley 2300 two-barrel carburetor, counterweight-modified high-acceleration Prestolite electronic distributor, and 3.31:1 rear differential gears) except for the ported head. Unlike the luxury package, units equipped with the performance one did get a special name that was either Rally ZX or Rally TX, depending on the dealership that sold the unit.[85]

The collapse of the Mexican economy in 1982 hit VAM along with the local auto industry. In February 1983, the Mexican government sold its share of VAM to Renault.[86] The new owner was focused more on the Jeep vehicles along with VAM's dealer network and production facilities. Renault reduced production of VAM's passenger car line so it would not compete with its own products.[87] The remaining 1983 VAM cars existed mostly to use up the highest possible amount of existing inventories, to fulfill the previous agreements with sourcing companies as well as delivering the existing individual customer orders. The 1983 Rally AMX is almost an exact copy of the 1982 model, specifically the second half of the model year production. The only differences between both are the presence of a rear ashtray design shared with the Gremlin and American (due to the loss of the console-mounted rear ashtray), a locally produced instrument cluster replacing the imported unit, and the chromed squared door mirrors originally used on the Rally SST (minus the still optional controls). Both optional packages of 1982 were still available this year.[85]

VAM Lerma 620 two-door liftback

A unique to Mexico was the vehicle called the VAM Lerma that was based on the Concord's sedan chassis and incorporated the Spirit's rear liftback body parts and unique rear quarter panels.[88][89]

The VAM Spirit-based Rally model is a favorite version of the marque as well as also one of the most collectible. Other sought versions include the 1980–1981 Rally GTs, followed by the one-year Rally SST, and the lower volume 1982–1983 AMX, mainly units with any of the two optional packages. The 1983 model was the final chapter of the "VAM Rally" an original Mexican performance model that began in the 1969 Rambler American two-door sedan. The most similar AMC car to the 1980–1983 VAM Rally is the 1983 Spirit GT, except for the Rally SST which found its equivalent in the Spirit Limited. The Spirit coupe base model, the Spirit-based AMX, and the Eagle SX/4 were not available in Mexico.[85]

The VAM Gremlin is also one of the favorite models of the marque among Mexican enthusiasts. The X models are the most collectible with a special demand for the 1981 models because it was the only four-speed variant and the 1982 models with an upgraded engine and because this was the final year of production. The Spirit sedan-based VAM Gremlins have higher popularity among VAM fans than the original Gremlin models.