American Motors would often play musical chairs with nameplates to keep customers interested. The Classic was replaced by the Febel in 1967, which was replaced by the Matador in 1971, which moved up to replace the Ambassador in 1975. The mid-size Matador of 1971-74 was popular with police departments and even played cop cars on TV (for example, Adam-12). This 1973 Matador wagon is a low-mileage survivor that has received some upgrades in the past couple of years. Originally from New Jersey, this AMC is now a Florida car (Palm Coast) and is available here on craigslist for $11,500. Another great tip from Rocco B.!
The original Matador was a heavily facelifted Rebel. Things changed little going into 1973 other than the car sprouted larger bumpers fore and art to meet growing DOT safety requirements (as did all of Detroit did). The ’73 Matador came in one trim level, so things like a V8 engine, power accessories, and even faux woodgrain paneling like on this one were all optional equipment. While an inline-6 was standard, you could move to either a 304 or 360 cubic-inch V8 (we’re not sure which one is in the seller’s wagon). As a side note, the Matador would find a bit of success in NASCAR, winning a few races.
The seller’s transport is one of 11,643 Matador wagons built in 1973. So, they weren’t rare when new, but when was the last one you saw after 50 years? Most of the car’s 58,000 miles were put on before 1982 when it went into storage until 2022. That’s when the seller acquired it and moved it to the Sunshine State. To get it going again, he/she had to rebuild the carburetor, flush out the fuel system, and replace the fuel pump. After a tune-up and new brakes, it runs great and currently serves as a daily driver.
The body, paint, and woodgrain all look fine (there’s a little surface rust on the roof). The interior is okay, though the blue carpeting could stand to be replaced. The car sports new AMC wheels (I can’t pick out the vintage) and wheels along with new exhaust, so the seller says it’s ready to be driven anywhere you want to go. All the windows have been tinted dark, too. I’ve always had a soft spot for “Ramblers” (as one was my first car), so I hope this one finds a new, loving home.
Looking at the driver’s carpet, I ha e a hard time believing that mileage.
May have been in Howards possession at one point 👉 🤔
How so?
Always liked the looks of these….and when Adam 12 changed over to them….
Non-original style woodgrain, the original was higher up the fenders and doors and had a sweep to its’ lower edge. Very distinctive, very not this.
If it’s modern wrap it’s an easy peel and can be treated as a non-woodgrain car, but I have no idea how hard it’d be to source the original-style moldings.
It looks like a winner to me ! Nobody gets exactly what they ask so with some negotiating you have a sweet cruiser wagon with a/c! I always liked the looks of this family of cars from AMC
Looks great but that is definitely a vinyl wrap not original and the rusty
Valve covers dirty headrests and nasty carpet makes JOM point well taking but still an unusual find that looks great
I too have a soft spot for AMC Rambler
I wouldn’t even look at it in the junkyard, , Not totally against station wagons. I actually drove a wood grain 78 Pontiac with a 400, and posi as a kid, there’s just so much better out there so invest your time and energy in. This is a beater.
Those are not AMC wheels,they appear to be 5 slot Pro-Line wheels,they look awesome though.
Definitely NOT what the seller is claiming. Woodgrain is a modern wrap, and the border molding is a part of that wrap instead of being separate. Drivers side front fender looks deformed in the wheel arch and at the lower rear section of the fender it seems to be pushed in at the wheel arch. I am willing to bet there is more bondo than steel under that cheap paint job. Also, New Jersey is a state known for cars rusting, and believe it or not, Florida cars rust as well because of the high humidity and the salt in the air.
Agreed. Bring a magnet with this one. At least it still has the decent looking front end on it, rather than the 1975 era single headlight back with protruding wide grill design that only appealed to buttoned down angry middle manager types with a pack of Carltons in their white shirt pocket and usually named Larry.
These are super rare. Seeing as most mid-seventies AMC’s rotted away to nothing within 5-6 years.
“The Classic replaced by the “Febel”? The author makes such few mistakes, and again with the Adam-12/AMC reference,,I swear, if it wasn’t for that show, we’d have no respect, no respect at all, I tells ya'( adjusting tie, wiping forehead) To be clear, the wagons in Adam-12 were for Sgt. MacDonald and used as a command post. I don’t recall him ever using an AMC wagon, he always drove a Plymouth. Contrary to that show, many Wisconsin communities used AMCs, but away from the midwest, I never saw one. I’d say, just from my observations growing up, the wagon was by far, the most popular AMC. Most AMC workers were family folks, and wagons worked for a variety of families, most all with some connection to AMC. They were great cars, this era, probably the zenith of the marque. Again, not sure where these sellers are getting those numbers from, this is a $5grand, if that, car all day long.
I remember an Adam-12 Christmas feature where someone at the station pulled up in a ’74 Ambassador woodgrain wagon.
Febel=FamilyRebel…lol
All those photos and not one that shows the complete car. Can’t the seller step back a few feet when taking photographs?
Right? I don’t get why they wouldn’t take all the pictures they can and post everything they possibly can. I like to be able to see the grille, the engine, as much as possible of the interior of the car.
I wonder what the odds are for finding seals for the tailgate? And how is the floor under that soaking wet rear carpet?
Quincy M.E. I think he drove a black one without the wood.
The only thing I like about this car is the very cool looking headliner.
Lovely looking car. I’ve always been interested in the AMC Matador. My favourite body styles for the car are the 4 door sedan and the station wagon. Assuming the car is in beautiful condition, everything on the car works as they should, I’d be willing to pay between $10,000 and $13,000 for the car.
Those are Vision Shift wheels with AMC center cap decals. Look great on this wagon
Have you ever listened to the new AMC squad car on Adam-12 as author mentioned? Not the Sgt’s wagon but Reed and Malloy’s car. Ran terrible sounded like bad valves.