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!
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.