Compact wagons were prolific in the 1970s – a happy circumstance back then, and a body style we miss now. The Sportabout competed with the VW Squareback, as well as entries from Toyota, Peugeot, Mazda, and Volvo. Most of its peers wheezed along with small engines, while AMC’s wagon received either an inline six or a V8. The AMC was also considerably less expensive than its competition. And any car from the Malaise Era that retains chrome bumpers catches my eye, so this 1977 Hornet wagon got the nod; we have Rocco B to thank for bringing it to our attention. Find it here on craigslist, in decent driver conditon, advertised for $12,900. It’s located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This example is equipped with a 115 hp, 258 cu. in. in-line six-cylinder backed by an automatic transmission. This combination was a couple of notches above the base model, though still shy of the top-shelf V8. The underside is clean, but we’d need more views to judge how well it’s been treated. The seller notes that the tires and master cylinder are new, the engine has traveled only 40,000 miles, and the car has no rust. It was repainted some years ago – which is probably when it lost its front bumper over-riders.
The interior is shy of showroom new, as the carpet color has faded, the sill plates are scratched, and the front seat upholstery is grimy, but I’m not complaining! These issues allow buyers to improve a car dramatically without spending an arm and a leg. The rear seats provide a good guide to how the fronts should look, and the trunk is nearly pristine. Even the rubber seals are new. The seller notes that the air conditioning compressor needs a charge. This Sportabout boasts power steering and power-assisted brakes with discs up front.
AMC tried hard to anticipate buyers, and frequently, its entries compared favorably to competitors. But the die was cast when the company was formed from a merger of weaker players, way back in 1954. Moments of brilliance were not enough to beat back the onslaught of the Big Three, with their superior finances and flexible approach to product development. Today, cars from “orphan” makers often sell at steep discounts versus their counterparts from Ford, GM, and Chrysler, offering an opportunity to slip into the vintage car world on the cheap. Would you want to show up this summer in this spiffy Sportabout?
16 pictures, and not one of the engine. Looks like a new car, but I don’t know about $13,000. Especially with a straight six, although having A/C is nice.
Working ac would be better.
I,d offer 10,000.00 no more , but with working AC , ,maybe 11 thou , must admit I love it.
A reality check for sure. This Hornet by today’s standards would be considered a gas-guzzling over-sized behemoth! Recalling when these were new, they were only one step up from the Gremlin. My, how times change!
They do sorta remind me of a Gremlin on steroids. I had the 258 straight 6 in my 1978 CJ5 and found it to be pretty much bulletproof. If the motor hasn’t been completely ignored this might be a good deal on a semi classic which you likely wouldn’t see on the road.
Precursor to the Eagle I assume. Would need to be a later 4×4 for me to pay that much.
Would be a decent pop up camper or small boat tow vehicle with that torquey 258, canoe on roof, kids and dog in back.
My uncle had one of these as a work car. At the time, I thought ‘meh’ now I think ‘me want one’.
I miss AMC.
That would be a great fishing car, although a 4×4 Eagle would be even better. Holds lot of tackle and the tinted glass would keep prying eyes away from my stuff.
To me these were the universal compact car. Sportier than a typical wagon but more versatile than a sedan. Overall it appears solid and complete. The grime up front might just be indigo from a blue jean wearer.
Nice wagon, ready for the road. But way pricy, especially without working ac. Not that I’d need or want ac, but it should be working at that price.
AC aside, and at a reasonable price, this looks like a great piece with lots of potential to take it to whatever level one would want.
cool wagon but 13k with broken a/c. needs to adjust the price for that repair. no engine pics either.
Mirror on the dash ?
It always amazes me that someone wouldn’t fix small items like this before trying to sell a car. It’s much like failing to vacuum or failing to recharge the AC (unless of course it needs repaired, not recharged).
At the time, not so much. But today? I would feel very cool showing up in this. A body style so much more practical than today’s cookie cutter “crossovers”, especially from a passengers standpoint.
I owned a 1975 Sportabout equipped much like this one though not in nearly as nice condition. (I’ve also owned Eagle wagons which had the same body.)
When these came out in 1971 there was no domestic competition, no other compact wagons, until Chrysler came out with the Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen in 1976.
1977 was the last year for the Hornet name, the next year this would be a Concord – same body and drivetrain but with trim changes, upgraded interior, and suspension tweaks for a higher quality feel. The last iteration of this body of course was the 1980-1988 4WD Eagle wagon.
The price of this example is eye-watering, and for that kind of money I would expect not to have to deal with “air conditioning compressor needs a charge” or the rear view mirror resting on the dashboard. One might even expect an engine compartment photo or two at that asking price. Also that window tint looks like it will get you pulled over in a lot of states.
I was like this design. It was one of the best that dick tea ever did. I remember this came out in 1970 and the wagon the very next year. They were all plain Jane’s, but if you were going to have one, the SST model was the one to have. On the wagon, you get wood grain sides, which truly sets the vehicle off. For the money this person is asking, I would never consider this vehicle. It looks like someone has repainted it and cleaned it up, but it still has more work to go. I would definitely prefer to own the SST model.
I have a soft spot for the Hornet wagon, as it was the car I learned to drive in all those years ago… My mom’s car thru the early/mid 70s… but 13 grand?…
This car and others for this price have to sell i’m guessing within the same state or one over.It’s expensive now to ship cars.or fly in and attempt to drive it home.2 year ago i paid almost 2 k to have my Mustang shipped,3 years ago my son paid $ 1,800 to ship his.
So that’s why I see so many Transport Trailers on the Highway. I wonder how much the Insurance is.
So that’s why I see so many Transport Trailers on the Highway. I wonder how much the Insurance is.
I learned to drive in my Mom’s 74 Hornet4 dr in a copper color. This is in fantastic shape since ours was rusting by 1980. I can’t believe they have the same grill too. Our seats were a checkerboard tan and cream,I think. I also put it in a ditch that bent up the doors on one side.
Can The Seller Present Photo’s Of The Engine Compartment? More Photo’s Of The Under Carriage. Photos Of The Right Side. Not sure if it’s the angle. Or A Shadow. Maybe Better Photos Of The Top Of The Rear Seat Would Be Appreciated
Contact the seller. That’s not something BarnFinds is going to do for you.
Love Sportabouts. But for this kind of money, the car shouldn’t just be nice. It should be pristine. Talk about lazy…..charge the AC….fix the mirror…..clean the interior. And get rid of the window tint.
How does seller know “A/C needs recharge”? Surely he didn’t take it to an A/C shop, was told it just need a recharge, and said “I’m not willing to pay for that, thank you very much!” More likely it either just doesn’t blow cold and he’s too lazy/broke to get it recharged, or he took it somewhere and was told that it needs compressor or other expensive component. Freon doesn’t evaporate or wear out, and if it’s leaking it will continue to leak until leak is fixed.
How does seller know “A/C needs recharge”? Surely he didn’t take it to an A/C shop, was told it just need a recharge, and said “I’m not willing to pay for that, thank you very much!” More likely it either just doesn’t blow cold and he’s to lazy/broke to get it recharged, or he took it somewhere and was told that it needs compressor or other expensive component. Freon doesn’t evaporate or wear out, and if it’s leaking it will continue to leak until leak is fixed.
Oops, sorry America!!
If I had a dollar for every car I’ve looked at where the seller said “the AC just needs a recharge”, I’d probably have enough to actually fix what the real problem was in one of them… …it’s never “just a recharge”…
Well, it’s not exactly a fib. Once you fix the problem it will also need a recharge. They could instead say that the system is inop and leave it at that.
Same with “Just needs a tuneup,” And everyone’s favorite, “Ran when parked!”
Dad bought a 79 concord sport wagon in 1980 and drove it till it dropped about 11 years latter. And we all abused it. Dang good car. Lots of road trips in her. His was the 6. Don’t tell Dad but I prefer the hornet front clip.
AMC’s 258 six cylinder was one of the best indestructible engines ever made (as long as it was serviced regularly). The only problem was the gas mileage could have been better. I miss my Pacer.
Crude 1970s emission controls knocked the heck out of those engines. When this series of AMC sixes debuted in 1966 in Ramblers (first as the 232) they were quite powerful and economical for the time.
A Gucci edition sold on the BaT for $26,000, so this price aint too bad comparatively. It’s two hours away from me too….hmmm…
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the AMC Hornet. This is my favourite year for the Hornet. If only this was closer to where I live. Oh well. I hope whoever buys it enjoys it and take care of it while also enjoying it. 🙂
A/C refrigerant is not just a cooling agent. It’s also a lubricant to keep hoses, seals, gaskets etc. pliable and flexible. When the refrigerant leaks out the lubricant dries up and soon so do the seals, etc. Depending how long the system has been inoperative it may need a compressor, complete leak test, evacuation and only then, a recharge. You may also find leaks in the condenser or evaporator which will add to the expense. AircConditioning work is labor intensive and parts can be expensive. Budget at least $1500 and be happy if it’s any less.
Estimate for a new compressor for my 2010 Focus was 4 grand. I just sweat and complain. Use my wife’s new car as much as I can this time if year.
New compressor for a 2010 Sonata last week cost $866 installed, including new idler pulley and serpentine belt.
That $1500 is right on the money for an older car – that’s what I paid to fix the AC in an Alfa Alfetta about a year ago.
I feel lucky here in the northeast having grown up with open windows. Even in this current heat I’d rather not use the ac. Call me odd but I’ve got the windows open and the shoulder of the belt behind me.
I suppose on the hiway I might use the ac to cut down on wind noise …
I’m the same at home, no ac unless it’s the mid 90’s & above. And I’ll still turn it off if/when the evening temps drop.
94 s124 merc needs the evaporator replaced which means every bit of the dashboard has to come out to access it. Not on my watch. 2012 fiat’s ac works like a charm but I don’t use it, unless a passenger objects. Fortunately I’m usually driving solo.
I should say I couldn’t survive without a well placed fan or 2. My trick is to keep air moving over me, whether driving or at home.
These were great cars and this model became the AMC Eagle which was so far ahead of its time with an actual 4X4 drive in a station wagon, sedan and 2dr hatchback models but it was too late.
I was surprised that Chrysler didn’t continue the line when they bought AMC