The 1979 AMC Concord, a name that may evoke a flicker of recognition for car enthusiasts, was a pivotal model in American Motors Corporation’s (AMC) history. Released at a time when the automotive industry was grappling with the energy crisis and shifting consumer preferences, the Concord embodied AMC’s ambition to compete with the Detroit giants.
It represented a departure from the company’s traditional focus on compact and sporty vehicles, venturing into the mid-size sedan segment, a domain dominated by Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.
The Concord’s arrival coincided with a period of significant upheaval in the American automotive landscape. The 1970s saw a dramatic rise in fuel prices, forcing consumers to prioritize fuel efficiency over horsepower. The Concord’s design reflected this trend, prioritizing practicality and efficiency over ostentatious styling.
It featured a boxy exterior, a spacious interior, and a fuel-efficient engine, characteristics that resonated with the changing demands of the market.
The 1979 AMC Concord: A Turning Point for American Motors
The 1979 AMC Concord, a mid-size sedan, marked a pivotal moment for American Motors Corporation (AMC). It represented a bold attempt to regain relevance in a market dominated by larger, gas-guzzling vehicles. AMC was facing significant challenges, struggling to compete with the Big Three automakers – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.
The 1973 oil crisis had drastically changed consumer preferences, and fuel efficiency became paramount.
The Concord’s Design and Engineering Features
The Concord was designed to address the changing market demands. It featured a smaller, more aerodynamic body, a departure from the bulky styling of previous AMC models. AMC leveraged its expertise in compact car design, drawing on the success of the Gremlin and Pacer.
The Concord’s unibody construction and front-wheel drive system aimed to improve fuel economy and handling. AMC introduced several engine options for the Concord, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.8-liter V6. The Concord also incorporated innovative safety features, including a driver’s side air bag, a feature that was still uncommon in the late 1970s.
The Concord’s Impact on the Automotive Industry
The Concord’s release had a significant impact on the automotive industry. It demonstrated that smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles could be successful in the American market. The Concord’s popularity helped to shift consumer preferences towards smaller cars, influencing the design and development of future vehicles.
The Concord’s success also bolstered AMC’s financial standing, providing the company with much-needed resources to invest in new models and technologies.
Design and Styling: 1979 AMC Concord
The 1979 AMC Concord marked a departure from the boxy designs prevalent in the American automotive landscape at the time. It aimed to appeal to a broader audience with its modern styling and sleek lines, a stark contrast to the more utilitarian designs of its predecessors.
This shift in design philosophy reflected AMC’s ambition to compete head-on with established players in the mid-size car market.
Exterior Design
The 1979 AMC Concord sported a distinctive exterior design that emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and a more contemporary look. The body style featured a fastback roofline, a departure from the traditional boxy sedans of the era. The grille, a prominent design element, was characterized by a horizontal chrome bar that spanned the width of the front end, flanked by rectangular headlights that gave the Concord a distinctive and somewhat aggressive appearance.
The overall design was characterized by clean lines and a more sculpted profile compared to its contemporaries.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1979 AMC Concord aimed for a balance of functionality and comfort. The dashboard, while not overly elaborate, featured a clean layout with easy-to-read gauges. The seating was designed for comfort and provided adequate space for passengers.
The 1979 AMC Concord was a mid-size car that aimed to capture a larger share of the market than its predecessor, the 1972 AMC Hornet. The Concord was larger and more luxurious than the Hornet, and it offered a wider range of engine options.
While the Hornet was a popular choice for its fuel efficiency and affordability, the Concord aimed to attract buyers who wanted a more comfortable and stylish ride. 1972 AMC Hornet was known for its sleek design and sporty handling, while the Concord focused on a more refined and comfortable driving experience.
Both cars played a significant role in the history of AMC, but ultimately, the Concord was unable to achieve the same level of success as the Hornet.
The trim levels offered a range of options, allowing buyers to personalize their Concord’s interior according to their preferences. While the interior design wasn’t groundbreaking, it offered a comfortable and practical driving experience, which was a priority for many buyers at the time.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to its competitors from the same era, such as the Ford Granada and the Chevrolet Malibu, the 1979 AMC Concord stood out with its more contemporary and aerodynamic design. While competitors like the Ford Granada leaned towards a more traditional, boxy design, the Concord’s fastback roofline and sculpted profile offered a more modern and visually appealing alternative.
The interior, though not as luxurious as some of its rivals, provided a comfortable and functional environment for both driver and passengers.
Performance and Handling
The 1979 AMC Concord, despite its focus on affordability and practicality, offered a surprisingly competent driving experience. While not a performance powerhouse, it provided a balance of everyday usability and acceptable handling for its time.
Engine and Transmission Options
The 1979 AMC Concord came equipped with a variety of engine and transmission options, catering to different driving preferences and needs.
- The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 88 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
- A more powerful option was a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, generating 110 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual transmission.
- For those seeking more performance, a 5.0-liter V8 engine was offered, delivering 145 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Performance Capabilities
The 1979 AMC Concord’s performance was adequate for its intended purpose, but not exceptional.
- Acceleration was leisurely, with the four-cylinder engine taking over 12 seconds to reach 60 mph. The six-cylinder engine offered a slightly quicker acceleration, achieving the same speed in around 10 seconds. The V8 engine provided the best acceleration, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8 seconds.
The 1979 AMC Concord, while known for its spacious interior and fuel-efficient engine, struggled to compete with the rising tide of Japanese imports. AMC sought to differentiate itself with the introduction of the 1986 AMC Eagle , a pioneering all-wheel drive vehicle that showcased the company’s innovative spirit.
However, despite this forward-thinking approach, the Concord ultimately failed to capture the public’s imagination and marked the beginning of the end for AMC’s independent existence.
- Top speed was also modest, with the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines topping out at around 95 mph, while the V8 engine could reach around 105 mph.
- Fuel economy was a key selling point for the Concord, with the four-cylinder engine achieving an estimated 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The six-cylinder engine offered slightly lower fuel economy, while the V8 engine delivered the lowest fuel efficiency.
Handling Characteristics
The 1979 AMC Concord’s handling was generally described as comfortable and predictable.
- The car’s suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and a live rear axle with leaf springs, provided a smooth ride on most road surfaces. However, it could feel a bit soft and wallowy when pushed hard in corners.
- The steering was light and responsive at low speeds but lacked precision and feedback at higher speeds. This made the Concord less engaging for spirited driving.
- The car’s overall handling was considered safe and predictable, making it a good choice for daily commuting and highway driving.
Features and Options
The 1979 AMC Concord offered a range of standard and optional features, catering to a diverse range of customer needs and preferences. The model’s success was partly attributed to its versatile options, allowing buyers to personalize their Concord to match their individual requirements.
Standard Features and Options
The 1979 AMC Concord came equipped with a comprehensive set of standard features, ensuring a comfortable and functional driving experience. These included power steering, front disc brakes, a vinyl roof, and a radio. Optional features included air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and a rear window defroster.
The availability of these options allowed buyers to customize their Concord according to their needs and budget.
Trim Levels and Features
The 1979 AMC Concord was available in three trim levels: the base model, the DL, and the top-of-the-line, the Luxury Edition. Each trim level offered a distinct set of features, catering to different customer preferences and price points.
The 1979 AMC Concord, despite its somewhat bland styling, offered a compelling alternative to the Detroit Big Three. While it lacked the performance of its earlier sibling, the 1970 AMC Rebel , it boasted fuel efficiency and practicality that appealed to a growing segment of American car buyers.
However, the Concord’s success was ultimately overshadowed by AMC’s financial struggles, leading to its absorption by Chrysler in 1988.
Base Model
The base model Concord was the most affordable option, offering a basic yet functional set of features. It came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a three-speed automatic transmission, vinyl upholstery, and a simple AM radio. While basic, the base model Concord provided a reliable and fuel-efficient option for budget-conscious buyers.
DL
The DL trim level offered a more luxurious experience compared to the base model. It came equipped with a larger 3.8-liter V6 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a more advanced AM/FM radio. The DL trim also included power steering, front disc brakes, and a vinyl roof as standard features.
Luxury Edition
The Luxury Edition was the top-of-the-line trim level, offering the most luxurious and feature-rich experience. It included a 3.8-liter V6 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a premium AM/FM radio with a cassette player. Additional features included power windows, cruise control, and a rear window defroster.
The Luxury Edition also boasted a more refined interior with woodgrain accents and plush carpeting.
Model Comparison
The following table summarizes the key features and specifications of the different 1979 AMC Concord models:
| Model | Engine | Transmission | Upholstery | Radio | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 3-speed automatic | Vinyl | AM | Power steering, front disc brakes, vinyl roof |
| DL | 3.8-liter V6 | 4-speed automatic | Cloth | AM/FM | Power steering, front disc brakes, vinyl roof, power windows, cruise control |
| Luxury Edition | 3.8-liter V6 | 4-speed automatic | Cloth | AM/FM with cassette player | Power steering, front disc brakes, vinyl roof, power windows, cruise control, rear window defroster |
Reception and Legacy
The 1979 AMC Concord was met with a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its fuel efficiency and spacious interior, others criticized its bland styling and lackluster performance. However, its impact on the automotive industry was significant, marking a turning point for American Motors Corporation and setting the stage for the company’s future success.
Sales Performance and Market Share
The 1979 AMC Concord was a commercial success for American Motors Corporation. In its first year of production, the Concord sold over 200,000 units, making it the best-selling AMC model of all time. Its sales performance contributed significantly to AMC’s overall market share, which increased from 3.5% in 1978 to 4.5% in 1979.
The Concord’s success was attributed to its fuel efficiency, which was particularly appealing to consumers in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
The 1979 AMC Concord had a lasting impact on the automotive industry. It demonstrated that American car manufacturers could produce fuel-efficient vehicles that were also spacious and comfortable. This success helped to pave the way for the development of other fuel-efficient models, such as the Ford Taurus and the Chevrolet Lumina.
Moreover, the Concord’s success helped to revitalize American Motors Corporation, which had been struggling financially in the 1970s.
Legacy as a Model
The 1979 AMC Concord is remembered as a turning point for American Motors Corporation. It was a commercial success that helped to revitalize the company and set the stage for its future success. The Concord’s legacy as a model is also significant, as it demonstrated that American car manufacturers could produce fuel-efficient vehicles that were also spacious and comfortable.
Cultural Impact
The 1979 AMC Concord, despite its commercial success, did not leave a lasting cultural imprint like some of its contemporaries. While it wasn’t a defining car of the era, it did reflect the changing social and economic landscape of the late 1970s, and it played a small role in the American automotive narrative.
The 1979 AMC Concord’s Place in Popular Media
The 1979 AMC Concord made limited appearances in popular media. It was not a car often chosen for film or television, likely due to its relatively generic design and lack of a distinctive personality. While some may argue that its presence in these mediums was minimal, it did appear in a few notable films and television shows.
- The 1979 AMC Concord appeared in the 1981 film “Stripes,” starring Bill Murray. It was featured as a military vehicle, reflecting the car’s practicality and affordability. This scene, while brief, helped to showcase the Concord’s utility and its ability to blend into the background of a military setting.
- The car also made a cameo in the 1983 film “Trading Places,” starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. It was used as a taxi, highlighting its everyday usability and its role in urban environments.
The 1979 AMC Concord’s Association with Notable Individuals
While the 1979 AMC Concord wasn’t particularly associated with any high-profile individuals, it did play a role in the lives of everyday Americans. It was marketed as a reliable and affordable family car, appealing to a broad range of buyers.
The 1979 AMC Concord and the Social and Economic Trends of Its Time
The 1979 AMC Concord was launched during a period of significant social and economic upheaval in the United States. The energy crisis of the 1970s had led to a surge in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, and the Concord, with its smaller engine and more aerodynamic design, was positioned to capitalize on this trend.
- The car’s affordability was also a key factor in its success. As inflation soared and economic uncertainty grew, many Americans were looking for value-oriented vehicles, and the Concord offered a compelling alternative to more expensive imports.
- The 1979 AMC Concord’s design reflected the changing tastes of the American public. The era of large, gas-guzzling cars was coming to an end, and consumers were embracing smaller, more efficient vehicles. The Concord’s compact size and conservative styling were a reflection of this shift.
Final Thoughts
While the 1979 AMC Concord may not have achieved the commercial success of its Detroit counterparts, it played a significant role in AMC’s struggle for survival. It showcased the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and offered a compelling alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
Though overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries, the Concord’s legacy as a testament to AMC’s ingenuity and resilience endures, reminding us of the company’s contributions to the American automotive landscape.