By 1969, the Rambler American, AMC’s compact offering since the 1950s, was aged and tired. So, an all-new replacement arrived in 1970 using the venerable Hornet moniker. Sedans were only offered at first, with a hatchback wagon joining the party in 1971 (called the Sportabout). The seller has a ’74 edition of the Sportabout, and it looks to be a solid daily driver. Located in Springfield, Tennessee, this Copper Metallic people mover is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $5,100, though a reserve is still in play.
While the Sportabout functioned as a station wagon, its execution was a bit different. Instead of using a fold-down rear deck, the Sportabout was a 4-door hatchback with a large “gate” hinged at the top. This design would become popular and helped the station wagon genre morph into sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and/or crossovers. By 1974, the Sportabout was the best-selling Hornet at nearly 40% of production. Say what you will about struggling American Motors, they always tried harder.
The seller apparently has owned this little jewel for about a year, though it spent 15 years in a climate-controlled space before that. The odometer reads 74,000 miles, and the overall condition of the vehicle suggests that it’s spot-on. We’re told it’s “drivable,” but the overall listing indicates more than that. We’re guessing that the 232 cubic-inch I-6 and automatic transmission are original and untouched.
Options on this wagon were limited but included power steering and a radio (no power brakes or air conditioning). The paint has been redone at some point on a rust-free body. The exterior presents quite well, as does the semi-matching interior. The tires are old and need balancing, but a new set of donuts should clear that up. If you’re in the market for a Cars & Coffee entry that we hope won’t break the bank, will this Hornet do the trick?
Very cool. Didn’t know about this model. Nice roof rack 👍
Certainly, the best model of the Hornet line up. This wagon version is actually eye catching for all the right reasons.
The grille with vertical bars and oval parking lights suggests a model year of 1975 or newer.
The grille with vertical bars and oval parking lights suggests a model year of 1975 or newer.
The grille with vertical bars and oval parking lights suggests a model year of 1975 or newer.
Yes, yes it does.
Alright, all ready!
I have 3 sources on the interwebs that say with the grille and vertical bars and oval parking lights this car is a ’75 model. It could be true.
Rex!!!!!!! You made my day. I needed a good laugh. But Ive had that happen to me too.
I used to own a Sportabout, a 1975 model which looked just like this aside from the exterior color. Mine was a bit better equipped with the larger 258 six, front disc brakes, and air conditioning. I installed front seats from a junkyard Concord for much better comfort. (Standard Hornet/Gremlin seats are back-breakers.)
Although this example looks like it has the 1975 grille and lights, if you look closely at the engine I’m not seeing the dreaded Prestolite electronic ignition with its white plastic vacuum advance or the electronic control box that AMC started using in ’75. A 1974 model would still have a GM/Delco breaker-point distributor. (Of course the troublesome Prestolite unit could have been swapped out sometime over the last 50+ years.)
This was one of AMC’s best styling efforts which is a good thing since the basic body shell carried them through the end of the line with the Eagle wagon.
I bet you wish you still had it!
don’t see these much anymore. good color combo
excellent all round (model & this example):
right engine, wagon, (is this w/o)some 4WD?
Only thing I ever objected to was the slant to the rear window. Y not have it squared up back there? More utility (4 more sq feet?) OK, not much – it DOES add the the style. Perfect for my daily ! (reliability issues? back then compared to compatible competition?)
4WD came later with the Eagle variants. By that time, the RWD versions were called Concord, and 4WD were called Eagle.
I would love to have one like my friend had. 258 with a 4 or 5 speed floor shifted car. No roof rack and twin grip rear diff. He lowered his an inch or so and installed wider wheels and tires. He spiced up the engine a little and it was truly a wonderful car to drive and live with. If you look at the roof line/rear side views of this car and one of this Dodge Magnums you see quite a resemblance. My buddies got rear ended and totaled. A very cool looking car.
I had one similar in color, but with a factory 304, automatic, no rust. Not super fast, but fun to drive, and practical. I like this style, but prefect the actual hatchback Hornet.
Lovely looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like the AMC Matador, the Hornet, the Concord and the Eagle AWD.
Sold on 9/9/2025 for a high bid of $7,100.
Steve R