AMC’s decision to introduce the Sportabout as the Station Wagon variant of its Hornet range in 1971 proved an inspired choice. The company scored an immediate hit, with the Sportabout accounting for nearly 70% of total Hornet sales in its first year. It remained the most highly-sought vehicle in subsequent years, with 39,593 buyers handing over their cash for one in 1975. Our feature Hornet is one of those vehicles and is a stunning survivor with a genuine 36,000 miles on the clock. Criticizing its condition is challenging, and it would suit an enthusiast seeking a spotless and practical classic. This Sportabout D/L is listed here on Craigslist in Woodbury, Minnesota. The seller set a price of $9,250, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this remarkable survivor.
The original owner ordered this classic in Code H6 Golden Jade, and the car retains that shade with no history of paint restoration. It shines nicely, suggesting the Wagon has been treated respectfully and sheltered from the potential harm Mother Nature can inflict. The faux woodgrain is exceptional, and this is one aspect of the exterior that has received TLC. This type of trim is prone to deterioration, and the seller recently replaced it with new 3M vinyl in the correct color and pattern. Combine those factors with the spotless trim and chrome, and this Sportabout is a guaranteed head-turner. AMC developed a reputation for effective rust prevention strategies during vehicle construction, and the new owner of this Hornet will benefit from that attention to detail. This Wagon is as solid as the day it rolled off the line, with no issues that could cause the buyer sleepless nights. The glass looks flawless, and the new narrow whitewalls complement the steel wheels and perfect original hubcaps.
Opening this Hornet’s doors proves its beauty is more than skin deep. You will struggle to find many unrestored classics from this era with nicer original interiors. This is especially true of family wagons, which tend to lead hard lives. The seller describes the condition as “like new,” and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear, stains, or physical damage. The back seat has been protected since Day One by a clear plastic cover, while an aftermarket mat prevents damage in the cargo area. It is this area that provides the only potential fault. Some plastic pieces appear slightly discolored, which is odd and not consistent with the rest of the interior presentation. It could be an issue with photo quality, or it might be something as innocent as the inconsistent application of detailing spray. It deserves investigation to determine whether the new owner faces the challenge of locating replacement parts. The carpet is spotless, the dash and headliner are excellent, and there are no aftermarket additions. The interior isn’t loaded with factory options, although occupants will welcome the AM radio on long journeys.
Powering this Hornet is the company’s 232ci six producing 100hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque. Combine that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering, and this classic is aimed more at cruising on the open road than tearing up the local drag strip. However, combine its ability to lope along at highway speeds while returning modest fuel consumption, and the Sportabout could be the ideal choice for any cross-country adventures. The seller has recently splashed a significant sum on this Wagon’s drivetrain to ensure the new owner takes delivery of a reliable vehicle. The extensive list includes a new exhaust, suspension parts, and the replacement of almost every component in the braking system. The parts invoices alone total over $2,000, and there were labor costs to add to that figure. They claim it has a genuine 36,000 miles on the clock, and the condition makes the claim plausible. If the new owner fancies flying in for a vacation and driving home behind the wheel of this Hornet, that option is viable.
This 1975 AMC Hornet Sportabout D/L Wagon is the second tidy example we’ve seen recently, although I believe this one is slightly better than the 1974 example that appeared in this August article. That Wagon sold for $8,200, but I think the overall condition of this one justifies the higher price. The bidding was intense on the previous vehicle, and I expect the interest for our feature Wagon to be equally high. It has only been on the market for one day, and I won’t be surprised if it’s gone within a week. You might have to act fast to park it in your garage.
No, it’s not “like new”, as new, it would have rust on the tops of the fenders, and AMCs “rust prevention” the author speaks of, was nothing more than galvanized rocker panels, that while they didn’t rust, didn’t hold paint either, and the rest of the body rusted around them. Many an AMC car, rusted to the gills, with good rockers. I’ve said before, the Hornet was without question, the most successful AMC car, in all its configurations. The Sportabout SHOULD have been the most popular. It had everything a small family needed, and the rear hatch was not seen often, yet, it had to be the “AMC” that held it back. Whether AMC fans want to admit, we never had the numbers the big guys had, and mostly a regional following. In the upper Midwest, there were a lot of these, in part, why one doesn’t see many today. The only salvation was one that happened to make it down south, or one like this, never driven in rain or snow. In Minnesota, there’s no way to escape the salt, so this one simply wasn’t driven. Naturally, I’d have a tough time paying $10gs for one, but they were great cars, capable of anything today, except maybe getting a loan for.
A true sportswagon Howard, like the one Clark Griswald ordered. 👏 but never got.. 😟 🙁
Actually, at this time/era, didn’t they dip in Zeibart? Valve cover has been repainted the wrong era AMC blue.
This design to me was always pleasing to the eye and served the company well becoming the base for the Eagle wagon later on. My college roommate was given the family Sportabout and it served him well. Always did what was asked of it with decent fuel economy. We would share driving to class in his car or my Beetle. I always appreciated riding in his car during the winter months when heat in my Beetle amounted to very little. It’s funny to look back and see what little creature comforts we had in old cars but yet it was okay. Try to find a car without A/C or roll up windows.
AMC was a great car company that built cars for middle America. Good durable but affordable.
I believe the discoloration on the spare tire cover is caused by contact with the spare tire. I looked back at the 1974 Sportabout referenced in this article, the spare tire cover has similar discoloration.
This is the kind of vehicle I long to find. It’s too bad it’s so far away. This is a beauty.
I used to have a 1975 Sportabout, purchased back in the 1990s for $100. Had it for several years but rust finally did it in. Mine had no fake wood but had the bigger six, non-power front disk brakes, and air conditioning. Without air conditioning these cars have essentially zero ventilation with windows closed and of course they lack the old Rambler American’s wonderful vent windows and kick panel vents. (There is a small vent under the dash but it’s pretty much a cruel joke.)
Door hinges are a big problem with these cars because AMC used nylon bushings which would wear out in a few years causing the doors to droop badly. Hopefully those have been repaired on this car.
Aside from the lack of AC the interior of mine was nearly identical to this one. The seats in these cars are atrocious. I installed front seats from a junkyard Concord in mine which made a big difference.
The plastic AMC used on the package tray under the dashboard and the rear side panels were a different type from the rest of the interior. The color difference shows up just a few years from new. Blue and burgundy interiors seem to have the most glaring color change. This car has a mild amount of color difference.
I had one. It would stall after hitting a big bump and would also stall in the middle of the street about 2 minutes after leaving the gas station. Something about fresh gas hitting the carburetor would shut it down and I’d have to restart it, whereupon it would run fine.
There was a problem with the Prestolite electronic ignition used on these cars. The signal from the pickup in the distributor was so weak that if there was any deterioration at all in the connector the car would stall out. Happened to me a few times and reseating the connector got me going again. The factory fix was to cut out the connector and solder the wires. I had no stalling problems after doing this.
I have always liked these wagons being a station wagon nut. Unlike the big clumsy full sized wagon (which I love), the Sportabout was a tight trim car. Beside the AMC logo that I ignore, I think the biggest drawback is the lack of a full rear opening. A tailgate or a hatch, would have made this a much better contender.
Very nice car. Always loved the sportabouts. Had one back in the early 80s that came from the factory with the 304 v8. Added a 4bbl and dual exhaust which made it a bit of a sleeper. Then I dropped a warmed over 401 in it. That surprised alot of people.
This, and a Gremlin were the worst handling cars I’ve ever owned
right engine (i6), right size (“down”), just never understood the nod to fashion (last pillar slants forward) as that closed down more space for carry. These are fine to good. The next 2 models eagle, eagle summit good to great. Turn it up w/the 4 WD, go to the big box shape of the ’80s pre-mini vans (tops to me: summit, honda real time, stanza, MPV, tercel sprinter, was it the ‘colt’?).
That car sure looks like Fawn Beige not Golden Jade
I’d have to fight the urge to put in a 401. Don’t hate on me survivor fans. Didn’t say I would. But I’d want to. Lol
Might be easier to find a 360 ready to go which would in my opinion get the job done just as well.
I had a 1973 Sportabout in late 1970’s to carry my band equipment, my regular car was a Renault LeCar with the large rubber sunroof after I sold my 1971 Gremlin-X. This was a classic station wagon design that in modified forms stayed in production as a Hornet Sportabout, Concord wagon and 4 wheel drive Eagle wagon produced right to when AMC was bought out by Chrysler in 1987. Size names have downgraded (this “compact” by today’s standards is an intermediate). AMC sales probably benefitted by the big 3 discontinuing station wagons on the Maverick, Nova…
I don’t remember a Ford Maverick wagon. (except for the ones made in South America.). Perhaps you are thinking of the Ford Falcon wagon?
I was saying that when Ford switched their compact car name from Falcon to Maverick, they stopped making a station wagon version so that helped AMC’s compact station wagon sales.
I miss AMC! (sob)
Actually, at this time/era, didn’t they dip in Zeibart? Valve cover has been repainted the wrong era AMC blue.
My wife’s 1st car was a 1978 AMC Concord (upgraded Hornet) and had major rust holes on top of both front fenders. Her next car was a 1982 Concord and when it was 10 years, 1992, old the Chrysler trans failed but the car did not have a speck of visible rust anywhere. It was a tough decision to scrap the car rather than have a rebuilt trans as the car still looked like new outside and inside. It had a nuisance AMC problem where the plastic valve on the AMC straight 6’s kept leaking oil. Stupid little problem that was annoying.