I’ve always loved these funky AMC Matadors. Credit the distinctive styling and the fact that they’re rarely seen on the road or at shows. Barn Finds reader chevy spotted a 1977 model here on craigslist for $5,500, and the seller says it could be used for daily driver duty as-is. However, it may not be as original as he says: if various websites are correct, the Barcelona edition Matadors were only sold in one paint scheme for ’77, which was known as Golden Ginger Metallic with Sand Tan. This car has likely been repainted, so you may want to ask why if this is on your list to buy. The passenger side appears to have some primer spread in front of the rear wheel well, so determining if the body has any rust issues would be Job #1 for me. The all-important vinyl roof and rear opera windows are present, however, as is the unique badging on the glove box door. Given the number of cars with covers draped over them in the background, maybe the seller would let this one go cheap to free up some space.
I always liked these cars, (although, I never actually drove one) but am a big fan of AMC, growing up in MIlwaukee. Truth be known, this style Matador was a colossal failure for AMC. ( they lost $27.5 million in 1975 alone) It was supposed to be a contender in auto races, but was unsuccessful, with only a few of wins. BTW, I believe, Pete Malloy ( of Adam-12) drove a Matador Barcelona for his personal car in the later episodes ( but in a later yet episode, it appeared to be just a “regular” Matador). Certainly, not many around, and the price is right for a definite future collectible.
http://adam12code3.com/MALLOY_TAnAMC.jpg
As much as I love funky old cars, I’ve considered this Matador design the lowest of the low. My father would joke how this is what a car would look like if the president of the company had a son who graduated from design school and pop let sonny design a car. Little did we know how close to reality that joke was…
If I -HAD- to have one, I’d want the Oleg Cassini version, cause if you’re going to drive an ugly, er, UNIQUE design, why not dress it up with batshit crazy colors & upholstery? ^_^
Personally though, give me a 1977 Chrysler Cordoba, thanks!
Not a bad price for it until I looked at the pictures, 5500 is much for the condition.
Not worth if. No market for it.
My favorite interior design feature is the faux wood grain ON the gauges. Stay classy, Kenosha.
What in the world (literally, not figuratively!) does this have to do with Barcelona?
This is actually near me–Gulfport’s only about an hour away. But no, not in a million years. This car brings back a lot of memories. One of my best high-school friends was bought a ’74 (the first year of the bodystyle) by his dad after he wrecked his first car. It was a punishment. My friend proceeded to try and kill it. He never succeeded, but he tried very, very hard, including driving it full speed through a plum orchard, and deliberately sideswiping a utility pole. The passenger side of the split bench collapsed, so you rode lying down or propped yourself up your elbows. The instrument cluster fell backwards into the dashboard, so whatever was going on under the hood or in the gas tank was a complete mystery. He finally abandoned what was left of it, the 304 V8 leaking oil but still running, in another friend’s yard. Good times!
i’ve got a 78 here in the uk