- Seller: Alan M (Contact)
- Location: Meyersdale, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 85,921 Shown
- Chassis #: A7A057E195506
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 232 cui Inline-6
- Transmission: Automatic
This 1977 American Motors Hornet is a rear-wheel-drive sedan powered by a 232ci inline-six paired with a three-speed TorqueFlite 904 automatic transmission. Finished in Golden Ginger Metallic, the car is said to retain approximately 80% of its original paint and shows 85,921 miles. The seller reports that the car was driven regularly until 2017 and has since been stored in a dry environment. It is now offered with a clean title in the seller’s name in Pennsylvania.
The 232ci inline-six was factory rated at approximately 110 horsepower and is equipped with a carburetor. The seller states that the car was recently recommissioned by draining and refilling the fuel system, after which it started easily following carburetor priming and idled independently within a short period. A brief test drive reportedly confirmed proper transmission operation. A video is provided showing the engine running, and the seller notes an idle noise that has reportedly been present for some time. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TorqueFlite 904 automatic transmission. The car is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drums without power assist. The seller notes that the braking system functions as intended, but provides the kind of braking performance you might expect from a nearly 50-year-old car.
The exterior is finished in Golden Ginger Metallic (paint code 7M) and is described as largely original. Approximately 80% of the paint is said to be factory-original, with the right front fender having been replaced and refinished. The body shows dents, blemishes, and other imperfections consistent with age and use. The seller highlights the presence of an “unleaded fuel only” decal on the trunk lid as an indicator of original paint. Additional exterior wear includes cracked window wipes and weatherstripping.
The seller made sure to provide photos of the undercarriage, which appears to be in decent condition. The car rides on older tires with good tread, though the seller recommends replacement due to age. They also report that the suspension components, including bushings and shocks, are likely original and are showing their age, so plan on servicing the suspension in the near future.
Inside, things are showing some wear. The seller describes the interior as the weakest area, which isn’t surprising given AMC’s economy-car roots and nearly five decades of use. The photos show visible wear to the seats, trim, and materials, so this is an area the next owner may want to work depending on their goals.
It’s not flashy, but it’s honest and that’s part of the appeal. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic cruiser, a budget-friendly project, or just something different from the usual muscle car fare, this AMC could fit the bill.
Bid On This Auction
Jon Aksamit bid $627.00 2026-05-05 20:53:28
Doig bid $527.00 2026-05-04 21:35:10
Is that a Ross Perot bumper sticker????
It certainly is!
If only.
America might not be where it is.
“The people get the government they deserve”..Joseph de Maistre
When I met my ex-wife, late 70s, her old man was an elevator inspector for the state of Wis., and he had a govt. issued Hornet just like this. AMC was used for all kinds of government and municipal duties, and he put a TON of miles on it. He then got a Concord as a replacement, and drove that for years. Looking at this car makes more and more sense everyday. Collectible? Not hardly, but with cars costing $50grand for a nightmare, this is a viable alternative to that madness, and you might just get a thumbs up to boot. Great cars, don’t dawdle on this one.
Exactly Howard.
“ .. with cars costing $50grand for a nightmare, this is a viable alternative to that madness …”
love the snow tires
Back when I was young and stupid, I double dated with my GF and her cousin + BF. Cousin’s dad had agreed to pick us up in his Hornet. Cousin’s BF got some vodka. The first time any of us ever got drunk and we were polluted. When we get picked up, we get into the 1 day old car and i’m desperately hoping I don’t puke. I got dropped off first and found out the next day that GF projectile vomited all over her uncle’s back seat soon after. First ride ever in a brand new car too.
My step dad bought this same car new for my mom 1977 same color only it was a wagon. Being 17 at the time i could not understand why anyone would bye such a plain and slow car. Now that i am older i would love to have that same car it did what a car is suppose to do while racking up well over a 100,000 miles without ever having to do nothing more then changing the oil, breaks and tires. Both my mom and my step dad are gone but would not be surprised if that Hornet is still on the road somewhere.
Good as a beater. Noticed that the plug on the catalytic convertor is missing. Tried that on my 1976 Camaro, looking to unleash some more ponies from the 350. All it did was unleash a sputtering noise. Had to end up cutting it off and welding in a pipe. That seemed to work although the 76 Camaro had a ridiculous one into two muffler. Aahh, the 70’s.
OOPS> Meant to say two into one into two muffler.
Bizarre day in Virginia: Had a Hornet about this year and loved it. One day I was humming down a county blacktop road near town and came to a steep downhill grade and at the bottom it swooped right back up. Looked like fun so down I went, too fast as it turned out. Right at the bottom a loud KABAM happened and the car got squirrely. I didn’t notice a man hole with a very raised cover sticking up. At the top of the next hill I pulled over and got out to inspect the car and discovered a large pool of oil leaking out. The tied rod had caught the lip of the cover and not only punched a hole in the oil pan but distorted the entire front suspension,unibody and all. I walked down the hill to the bottom and saw that the cover was all scarred up. At the car again a neighbor came out and told me that it had been struck many times and had actually caused more than one motorcycle accident. I called the County and complained and wanted the Hornet replaced. Of course they told me to stick it. So I lost that little car that I really liked. :-( Terry J
Dang, it’s sad when a good car comes to an end for reasons having nothing to do with the car or driver.
Lovely looking car. I was way too young at the time to drive a car, but I remember cars like this AMC Hornet. I had a teacher in elementary who drove an AMC Hornet.
Sleeper territory. Swap in a 360 v-8 and start singing ‘ain’t we got fun!’
Love a plain ol’ machine.
About that 232..AMC used that engine in a lot of offerings at least as far back as 1966, I owned a ’66 American wagon with that motor. It was completely trouble free in the time I owned it, and the engine is the grandfather to the famous 4.0 six used in Jeeps for many years. In this Hornet, I would expect that mill to be the least of anything to worry about. Likewise the gear box, as these were Chrysler sourced, when Chrysler hadn’t yet forgotten how to build a good automatic.
Good point Terrry on the 6-inline. Maybe this Hornet doesn’t need a v-8 to be fun. But a 4 spd would certainly help, even in a 4dr. A friend had one of those 4.0’s in his jeep with a 5 spd and often wondered how it would do in a sedan.