The boxy American compact had run its course by 1969, so American Motors geared up to replace it in 1970. The Hornet was born (or reborn, depending on how you look at it, as AMC predecessors had used that nameplate in the 1950s). The seller offers a seemingly nice 1974 edition, which runs, but the carburetor leaks (don’t put off fixing that). No other details are provided, and the car may have crazy low miles. Located in Orlando, Florida, this potentially simple project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,500.
Though not as cash flush as the “Big 3”, American Motors invested $40 million in the development of the 1970s Hornet. The car was on the market for eight years before morphing into the Concord/Eagle. And it provided the basis for the quirky Gremlin, which was poised to do battle with subcompact imports and other new offerings out of Detroit. By 1974, the Hornet was in its fifth year and saw few changes except for bigger bumpers to keep the Feds happy.
The seller is skimpy on both details and photos. Given the low miles, you could surmise this vehicle was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays. Said little old lady may have passed on, and an unknowing heir is left to dispose of the car. The body looks good, and the faded paint may likely respond well to a coat of wax. The interior is tidy and could support the 30,000 miles on the odometer.
We don’t know what lurks below the hood, with a 258 cubic-inch I-6 or 304 V8 being probable. An automatic tranny is also possible. Since the carburetor leaks so the buyer should address that before something catches fire. This Hornet has been on the market for two months, and a revamp of the listing could finally get it moving. Thanks for the tip, Rex Kahrs!
Not a bad deal for an AMC fan. My father bought a new Hornet coupe in ’70 when they first came out. His had a 232 and 3-on-the-tree, it was a good runner. I also had a ’69 American with the small (199?) six and auto. For 250 bucks it got me around town for year, sold it and got my money back. This looks good with no rust, in the Northeast the front fenders got really bad in just a few years. I would believe the mileage based on the condition, inside and out. Can’t tell if it has P.S. or P.B. and I don’t see any A/C, which would be unusual for a Florida car. Maybe Grandma bought it up north and took when she retired to the Sunshine State. For 5 grand this looks like a lot of fun and there ain’t that many to pick from.
That close-up of the instruments… if you told me it was from the 1940s, I would have believed it. They wouldn’t have flipped the 10, 110, and 120 markings in the 1940s, though.
I’ve owned Hornets and they are decent basic cars, mechanically reliable and easy to work on. The biggest letdown is the interior. Gone are the Rambler’s coil-sprung seats in favor of back-breaking torture devices, and the dashboard loudly screams “CHEAP!”. (The later Concord was a huge improvement.)
There’s no clutch pedal so this one will have the “Torque Command” (Chrysler Torqueflite) transmission backing what is most likely a 232 or 258 six-cylinder engine. The carbs on these are pretty simple to rebuild, which should take care of the fuel leak. You can probably bet on non-power drum brakes. Hopefully it has power steering.
Definitely no AC on this car, no dash or parcel shelf vents. There is virtually no ventilation with windows closed. (The old Rambler vent windows and kick panel vents are gone and the tiny under-dash vent is a cruel joke.)
Being a 1974 model this will have a General Motors points-type distributor if still original. Replacement with a GM HEI ignition is a popular upgrade.
An associate bought a HORNET and soon realized he got stung! He soon made a BEA line to trade it. Again he got stung on trade in value 🙄
It better have a/c because it’s pretty darn hot already down here! Hot enough to kill you if not careful
Another site has a ’74 Hornet X up for sale…certainly don’t see many anymore…or even a Gremlin…guess they quietly rusted away or were forgotten in some barn.
I like it! A combo of a 258 and an AMC 4.0 (and a little maching) gets you 4.9 6 cylinder. Up grade the suspension and wheels/tires would get you a very nice daily driver. I have always liked this body style except for the bumpers. Not in the cards this time around, but maybe someday I will play with one of these.
I had a 76 2 door like this, fun reliable and bullet proof engine. Wish I had it back.
I have owned a ’72 Gremlin X with a 258 I6 and a ’73 Gremlin X with a 304 V8. Both of these cars were simple, easy to repair, dependable and near bullet proof except for the clutch, but now I know that I should have gotten a better brand. I was really hard on them and drag raced the V8, they always got me to work or on a long road trip even after racing them. Being a kid I put them through hell and I learned how to work on cars with the Gremlins. These were my first cars and in the beginning I didn’t even know how to change the oil and in the end I could change carbs and intakes to complement the Headmen headers I installed. It looks like some of the Hornets are showing nice prices for restored models.
I had a 74 wagon 6 cyl 3 on tree. Reliable, easy to work on, bought for next nothing drove 60K miles sold it and got most of my money back. Tires, brakes and oil changes all it put me out. I would recommend if you don’t care about frills.
A real sleeper Hornet was the ’71 SC/360…for it wasn’t your typical grandma’s grocery getter either. Saw one at a car show awhile back…and most have never seen one before or even heard of the name American Motors…it was like…is that a Ford???…but many say the same thing about my forgotten ’70 AMX…good luck on the sale.
I heard about those way back then but didn’t know if it existed. I guess that after 5o some years now I know! Thanks!
How hard & expensive would it be to clone a SC/360 from this ’74?
Dont miss the new PBS documentary series The Last Independent Auto Maker. A six part series on American Motors. Check local listings for date and time or watch right now on the PBS app for free. The series is great!
As the son of a former AMC dealership owner, I’m loving this.
Traded for my AMX from Hoyt Motors AMC in Auburn, WA back in 1981…which I still have in the garage.
I’m not sure how legit the ad actually is. I tried contacting this guy multiple times with no response. I live close to where this car is located and wanted to take a look.