- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Middletown, Connecticut
- Mileage: 73,000 Shown
- Chassis #: A8A167N316413
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 360 cui V8 2-BBL
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
Some collector cars attract attention because everyone knows exactly what they are. Others are interesting precisely because nobody remembers the last time they saw one. This 1978 AMC Matador Barcelona Edition falls firmly into the second category. With its 360 cui V8, reclining velveteen seats, two-tone Sand Tan finish, padded landau roof, and unapologetically enormous proportions, it may be one of the most entertaining ways to arrive at a cruise night without parking beside three identical cars. Located in Middletown, Connecticut, this Matador shows 73,000 miles, carries a clean title, and is offered as a Barn Finds Classified for $10,500.
The current owner is a collector of “orphan” makes, with cars from marques including Nash, Kaiser, Packard, Studebaker, and DeLorean passing through the collection. He purchased this Matador roughly three or four years ago because he had never owned one of AMC’s big coupes and wanted to experience it. Now it is time for someone else to take a turn.
The Barcelona was the upscale Matador offering, and the interior may be the single best reason to want one. The seller describes its reclining Velveteen Crush seats as being about as large and comfortable as Grandma’s sofa. Special embroidered inserts, unique door panels, and a Barcelona-specific headliner helped distinguish these cars from lesser Matadors.
Equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, plush carpeting, power steering, and power brakes with front discs and rear drums. Under the hood is AMC’s 360 cubic-inch two-barrel V8, backed by a three-speed automatic transmission and 2.87:1 gearing intended to make the big coupe a relaxed highway cruiser.
The Sand Tan exterior wears the model’s padded vinyl landau roof, contrasting paint, and striping. The seller notes evidence of paint touch-up, so this isn’t being represented as an untouched survivor. The photos nevertheless show a complete and very presentable example of a car that has nearly disappeared from everyday roads.
When the Matador entered the collection, it reportedly needed little mechanical work. The fluids were changed, a fuel filter was replaced, new tires were installed, and other safety-related items were checked. The 360 starts easily, idles smoothly, and produces what the seller describes as a pleasant low rumble. One known engine-related issue: a slight exhaust manifold gasket leak on the right side.
On the road, the seller compares the experience to a yacht leaving the dock. The Matador floats along while its driver looks across an expansive hood from what may be the closest thing AMC ever installed to a La-Z-Boy. Most of the electrical equipment works, including the horn, lights, turn signals, AM/FM radio, gauges, wipers, and blower fan. The air conditioning and cruise control are currently inoperative. The seller suspects the cruise issue may be vacuum-related, while the A/C will require attention.
The body and underside are described as rust-free apart from minor surface corrosion on suspension components. There is, however, an unusual rust hole through the right side of the rear bumper. The dashboard is uncracked but slightly warped after a previous owner installed a protective carpet cover over it.
This AMC doesn’t need to become a concours restoration to be enjoyable. Repair the exhaust leak, give the car a serious cleaning and polish, and it can be driven while the next owner gradually tackles the A/C, cruise control, and rear bumper. The Matador Barcelona may never command the attention of a Hemi ’Cuda or LS6 Chevelle, but that is also why it is interesting. At $10,500, it offers V8 power, outrageous 1970s luxury, and near-guaranteed exclusivity at the next local car show. If you want your classic to start conversations before you even open the hood, this big AMC may be the answer.
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