surviving cars "look like the 'early man' version of a cuv, sort of a missing link of the car world." as used cars, the amc eagles were "not intended for heavy-duty boulder bashing" and established a reputation as unique 4-wheel-drive passenger cars "with proven amc bodyshells and running gear". amc eagles are collected for purposes of nostalgia, status, pleasure, investment as well as function. they also have the distinction of being "a historically significant car."