AMC released its Hornet range for the 1970 model year, with buyers able to choose from two and four-sedan versions. It introduced a Station Wagon derivative in 1971 called the Sportabout, which proved to be an instant hit. More people handed over their money for a Sportabout than the rest of the Hornet line combined. It remained the range leader until the final production year in 1977 when AMC discontinued the Hornet badge. Our feature Sportabout rolled out of the factory in 1974 and is a tidy survivor with few needs. It has been garage-kept and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Hornet here on eBay in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $5,700, with plenty of time for interested parties to stake their claim.
Shades of Brown and Gold were popular paint colors during the 1970s, with the original owner ordering this Sportabout in Golden Tan Metallic. The listing does not reference restoration work, suggesting the paint might be original. Its condition is particularly noteworthy if that is the case, with no significant flaws or defects. The faux woodgrain is in good order, but it could potentially be a source of angst for the new owner. There is a significant gouge visible in the passenger side front door, and I don’t believe it is the type that will push out. That means panel repairs are on the agenda, and I doubt the woodgrain will survive intact. Replacing the door section is possible, but achieving an acceptable color match may prove impossible. Therefore, the winning bidder should factor replacing the lot into their repair budget. Finding an appropriate kit might prove challenging, but companies that apply vinyl wraps could prove the savior in this case. Otherwise, the Wagon is as straight as an arrow. Hornets weren’t renowned for rust issues, and this classic is no exception. The panels are clean, and the underside shots confirm this Sportabout is as solid as the day it was born. Undoubtedly the fact it has been garage-kept has helped its cause. The trim is in excellent condition for its age, and the glass shows no signs of problems.
The type of life they typically lead often leaves the interiors of classic Station Wagons looking tired and battle-scarred. This Hornet has avoided those issues, with its interior condition one of the highlights. The vinyl and cloth upholstered surfaces are exceptional, with no signs of wear or abuse. The back seat looks like it may never have seen occupants, and the rear cargo area shows no signs of carpet stains or battered plastic. The dash and pad are immaculate, with the same true of the carpet. The Hornet Sportabout might not be the most desirable classic on the planet, but this interior would undoubtedly receive high praise wherever the Wagon went. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and while it isn’t loaded with factory options, the AM radio is a welcome feature.
Sportabout buyers in 1974 could choose from a pair of six-cylinder engines or a V8 to power their new purchase. This Wagon’s original owner selected the middle ground, ordering this Hornet with a 258ci six under the hood. It sends 110hp and 195 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed “Torque-Command” automatic transmission. The power steering will be appreciated in tight confines, making this classic easier to maneuver in such circumstances. The performance of the Sportabout was not significantly better than that offered by similarly sized Wagons. However, it still satisfied potential buyers to the point where 71,413 of them handed over the cash to drive one home. The engine bay presentation of this classic is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, and its looks aren’t deceptive. The seller recently fitted new tires, a new battery and rebuilt the carburetor. They don’t indicate how well it drives, but this YouTube video confirms that it starts at the first turn of the key and that the engine sounds strong. It appears this is a turnkey proposition where the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
Whenever I look at an AMC Hornet, I feel bigger wheels would look right at home on these classics. The bulging fender flares that are an integral part of the vehicle’s design make it possible to fit something relatively wide with little effort. That would prove hard to resist if I found this 1974 Sportabout in my garage, but I probably wouldn’t act on that urge. This Wagon has survived unmolested for nearly five decades, and with AMC little more than a distant memory, I feel it deserves preservation. Recent market results suggest the vehicle should hit the reserve at around $7,500, and the bidding probably won’t go far beyond $9,000. That potentially makes this an affordable option for an enthusiast focused on practicality. If a stylish Station Wagon has been on your radar, bidding on this Hornet might be worth it.
Sturdy, practical transportation, room for the family 🏕 and roof rack for the Christmas 🎄 tree
It could be a decent toy for someone if the reserve isn’t outrageously high. Nice to see one that is in such good shape, although not my cup of tea.
It appears to have been photographed while wet, so I wouldn’t expect the paint and woodgrain to shine like that in person.
Any mid 70s AMC was a problem child. Had a few and had MANY more problems than same era GM products. This is as basic USED CAR as it gets. Should sell a basic price too .. anything over a few grand is way high. Whatever you save buying it. You’re going to spend on repair
John ur such a Debbie downer u never have anything positive to say about any ad on BF.
I had one of these, a ’75 Sportabout, for years. It was very reliable, never had any serious problems with it. Mine had AC and front disc brakes which this one lacks. Unfortunately the tinworm finally got to it – these can and will rust if used on salted winter roads! AMC did not start using factory Ziebart rustproofing until the early 1980s.
The worst problem with the Hornet is the interior – cheap, cheap, cheap is the byword here. Fortunately it looks like this example has upgraded, optional seats that were available. (The base seats were atrocious, torture to sit on.) Nothing much can be done though about the dash design with its array of cheap ill-fitting plastic panels. Also without AC there is virtually no ventilation inside unless you open a window. (They should have kept the Rambler American’s vent windows.)
Price seems high (I paid $100 for my Sportabout in the 1990s), but shiny tires do make a car worth a lot more!
Putting nicer wheels and tires on Granny’s Sportabout isn’t going to permanently alter, or ruin the car. And at $5700? This is all the money for this AMC. I’ll bet the seller is thinking $15k.
Ma bought a year old Ford Fairmont wagon in 1980? Wanted me to go look at it in the winter,by the time we would’ve got there it would be dark and a storm was coming. I said wait. But she went and bought it. When spring came you could see where it used to say Chicago O’Hare taxi on the sides wear they peeled the lettering off…her husband had nearly replaced everything on that heap, and he hated it I found one of these sportabouts with low miles and in Cherry condition, I changed all the fluids, Cap, points rotor plugs and wires. She never had a problem with it for years, they gave me the Fairmont, and I had no problems with it as Dick had pretty much replaced everything on the hated Fairmont…an we went happily on…..
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the 1973-76 AMC Hornet. I think it has the best powertrain for a car of this size. If you want to race at NASCAR or race down the drag strip, a V8 engine would be best. Otherwise, a straight six engine would be best. Given its beautiful original condition, I’d pay around the asking price of $5000 and $7000.