American Motors was known for several one-hit-wonders in the muscle car market. They were all only built for a single model year and in relatively small numbers. That group included the 1969 SC/Rambler (based on the American), the 1970 Machine (based on the Rebel), and the 1971 SC/360 (based on the Hornet). The seller’s auto is one of the latter, and it was a drag car back in the 1970s. It has since been restored/modified mechanically, but it’s sort of rough cosmetically. Located in Marion, Ohio, this AMC barnstormer is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $27,000. Our thanks to “JDC” for the performance tip!
The compact Hornet replaced the American in 1970 (which had been the last AMC car to carry the Rambler emblem). On the heels of the Machine, AMC developed the Hornet SC/360 that it only sold in 1971 with only 784 copies to see the light of day. Its claim to fame was a 360 cubic inch V8 in a light package. A 2-barrel was standard, but if you went with the Go Package for less than $200, you also got a 4-barrel (which was the case with this example). Horsepower in that configuration was rated at 285, similar to that of a Chevy Nova SS 350.
This car is one of just 304 examples to have the Go Pack/4-speed manual transmission combo. Making it even more scarce is that the seller says only two of them were produced with Canary Yellow paint and a green interior. Things under the hood have been redone, with the 360 out in favor of a 343 V8 that is beefier than a stock unit. Said engine only has 1,500 miles on it, and the build was clearly done to create more speed.
Except for the carpeting, the interior is the one the car left the factory with. The front seats aren’t perfect, but the rear bench hardly looks used. The vehicle was involved in drag racing in the Carolinas during its first decade, and those stickers remain out of posterity. The body is a bit rusty in places (replacement quarters are provided) and the yellow paint has run its course, but the decals still call out it being an SC/360. If you’re looking for a rare muscle car, this one would be one of the rarest.
One of my favorite cars of all time this great AMC model.
https://youtu.be/y6dJZFRk7Jg?si=PuXOC0EEAsSO1lAP
Great link Stan. The AMC 360 is a great running engine. Definitely quick in something light like this Hornet with a 4 speed. Bet it surprised quite a few Camaros and Mustangs at a red light back in the day. Nice write up Russ, I enjoyed it.
Cool, cool, COOL!!! As rare as common sense, but not at the time. The SC/360 was the last gasp at a performance car for AMC. While Javelin was probably the most outspoken( thanks in part to the ads) AMC never had any real luck. The SC/Rambler with it’s corny graphics, and the Machine, had little effect and it’s as if Dick Teague wanted one last car to celebrate the end of an era, this was it. He was’t too far off, with 0-60 times in 6.4 sec. and 1/4 mile in mid 14s out of the box, it indeed caught the attention of many Nova and Mustang drivers. Mopar, not so much, but it was one of the last muscle cars to be offered. The “rarity” can be disputed, as even with so few made, it’s not like anyone cared anyways. Now today? Boy howdy, this is the most sought after AMC car, and we( AMC lovers) showed them,,,it just took a while. Great find!
With the “upgrade” to the smaller engine, it’s now 1 of 1.
SC 343. Hard pass.
What a cool car back in the mid 70s had a friend who had one of these. That car left a lot of Chevy’s and Fords shaking their heads after getting beat by that car. This one would look great after body work and paint but $27,000 just to much after said repairs and paint.
27k? So it has a race engine and a four speed, it’s still and always will be a Hornet. And one that needs to be restored. I just can’t see the draw in these cars especially for that price. If the engineers at AMC were wondering why sales of similar year Fords and Chevy’s didn’t match, this is one of the reasons. I’d much rather have a Nova or Maverick in a similar setup.
Another case of the decimal point being put in the wrong place.
I will always blame the TV auctions for making cars unobtainable for average people.
The 360 in the Matador (2dr) was a gogetter . Learned to carry a chisel,hammer,antifreeze and a gallon of water . Changed every freeze plug except the two close to the fire wall. It reminded me of the Adam-12 police car except mine was a two door.
The 360 in the Matador (2dr) was a gogetter . Learned to carry a chisel,hammer,antifreeze and a gallon of water . Changed every freeze plug except the two close to the fire wall. It reminded me of the Adam-12 police car except mine was a two door.
Always thought the steering wheel needed to be flipped around.
Me too. We had an Ambassador with that steering wheel but blue and what I always thought was a teapot as an emblem. Think it’s upside down in the pic.
Very cool car but still rough and with the wrong engine. Price is definitely fishing.
My mom had a ’71 Hornet SST 2-door hardtop in this exact color combo, only with the 258 six. Surprisingly quick little car, though nothing like this.
7K more like it
There are some cool videos out there of the all stock muscle car drags and there are several SC/360s one in particular is putting the hammer on a GS 455 Buick. In three races no dice for the mighty Buick.
Although i like AMCs I am not sure what to think of this car. It hinges on one of 700. The Vin must have a P in the vin. Can’t fake a SC/360. Then there is the condition. I would expect for nearly $30K something much better. I think the seller is riding the wave of popularity of the new found value of American Motors. Many long time collectors from 30-40 years or more can’t believe how valuable they have become or so it seems.
I would pay more for a better one.
The seller is throwing out the fishing line and hoping to catch a bite from a unsuspecting and uninformed buyer. Rare, you bet ya, but not a $27k car. The 360 in the name SC/360 is gone! That’s a big deal to me, now you need to source a period correct 360. Next, the body work is going to run some $$$. I really like this car but no way I’m dropping that kind of money on this car. But watch, someone will.
Looking at the ad in detail normally I find some saving grace. Don’t get caught up in the hype. Yes it is an SC/360 but rare doesn’t always equate to value and condition, condition, condition. It isn’t a gullwing Mercedes and will never be.
I would expect a minimum at least a simple windshield wiper motor for my nearly $30K. Wrong engine. With 360 engines a dime a dozen, WTF putting a 343 and calling it an upgrade? The haphazardly spray painted engine bay is not appealing. Alot can be said installing a motor and spraying Rustoleum after the fact. He could also help the buyer along with his conscience and throw in some extras like a box of OEM carpet.
In 1987/88 Chrysler the great company it once was destroyed everything 1979 and down after purchasing AMC. Hobbyists had no warning and no ability to save anything from the landfill. It was a tax write off for Cryco. Which leads up to the next issue. It’s now 2026.
The amount of rust is extensive. A full on restoration is on tap. No such thing as “patch panels” why would you want them? A full set of NOS quarters doors and fenders are needed. They are out there but here is the issue. You need to be connected. The AMC community is tight. If you are a flipper your checkbook won’t necessarily help you.
Lots of red flags. Do your diligence. Know your seller. How long has he had it? Is he a flipper? Do some research and it isn’t hard. Click on the seller’s id and look at previous items listed for sale. Is there a pattern? Will that rare air cleaner tub from this Hornet end up being posted for sale soon after you negotiate a deal? What about the other missing items? Makes me wonder and you should too.
Take your $30K and spend on a presentable two seat AMX driver. Don’t buy a major project. Time is money. Hint. It will always be an AMX.
Only if it comes with the trophies.
lot of rust, a lot of money too. sure, does sound angry when its running. it’s neat but really needs a lot of work. needs to lose those goofy headlights.
driven by a little old lady to church and drag races. primo condition.
I love the car, hate the rust!
Lots of coin for a non original Hornet 360…