I normally pass up tips that have vertical photos (sigh) and no engine photos, but an AMC Hornet with two doors and a floor-shifted manual transmission sort of makes up for those two cardinal sins. This 1974 AMC Hornet is posted here on craigslist in Federal Way, Washington, and the seller is asking a mere $2,350. Here is the original listing.
For the record, I know that it’s 2023 and people look at ads on their smartphones and quite often – especially for craigslist ads – take photos with their vertically-oriented smartphones. It’ll never change but it’s frustrating for potential buyers to see cut-off partial photos of a horizontal subject: vehicles. Enough of that, I’m belaboring (no pun, on Labor Day) that point, sorry. This does look like a nice project Hornet and that’s all that matters.
I believe this Hornet is Golden Tan Metallic and it’s a perfect 1970s color for this car. I would absolutely restore this one back to bone stock right down to the wheels. I passed up a similar Hornet hatchback in dark green a few years ago for a similar price, and it was a running, driving car, but had some rust on the front fenders. The clincher on that one is that it had the factory hatchback tent option, like this one!
A 1974 AMC brochure says: “Hornet Hatchback – the sporty car with room to travel in.” We don’t get to see the rear cargo area, unfortunately, but the rest of the interior looks pretty nice here, considering that this car has been parked for a decade. SMS Auto Fabrics appears to have almost everything available to restore the interior of this car, not that anyone in their right mind would put a few thousand dollars into restoring a Hornet, or would they? I would, but I’m not in my right mind. The floor-shifted three-speed manual was available on engines up to the 304 V8 only on the hatchback, and an automatic was available.
The base engine was AMC’s 232-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 100 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Options up to a 360 V8 were available. The seller says that this engine will run, which is a good sign after it’s been sitting for 10 years. How would you restore this car, with its original six or maybe something a little peppier?
In AMC Dealer Showrooms these were referred to as “HAIRNETS”
by the sales crew
I ordered a Dodge “Hairnet” still waiting 5 months later.
Was with AMC 69-78. Never heard a Hornet referred to as hairnet.
Nice write up Scotty – I’m with you – about the pictures and about restoring something like this
Thanks and keep up the good work – always enjoy reading your point of view
Had an amx version of this car. Black vinyl interior. Buckets. Floor shift automatic. 6 cyl. Posi rear end. White with black window louvers and amx graphics. Really dug that car. Hated getting rid of it. Like the smooth lines of it.
Yes, it has a very pleasing design. I think I turned my head to look reflexively every time one went by.
I liked the style.
Some people just don’t seem to realize they can turn their danged phones sideways to take proper pictures.
I currently have a 1974 AMC hornet sport about wagon the body was in perfect condition on the exterior and the interior was perfect condition as well the underneath the car was basically non-repairable it was too far gone went to Arizona bought a body from Hidden Valley Auto and swapped bodies it should be done by the end of this month and I just can’t wait to drive it I’ve had AMCs all my life javelin’s Gremlins Pacers all of them and I just enjoy the AMC line I wish more people took advantage of the fact that these were just reasonably well made cars economical at the time but you deserve a place in car history
Intersting how this car was to be a project for a young family member when he bought it from me for a few hundred bucks a few months back. The engine is locked up solid, water in the oil when I drained it. Rust at the lower corners of the doors and quarters, drivers seat is falling apart. 2 good pressure washings got it to look as “good” as it does. This does have the larger 258 as verified by the VIN.
Thanks for the information, Jason!
I had a AMC Spirit 2 door hatchback that looked similar to this car. It was a 6 cylinder 4 speed manual.
Had a 74 wagon for a few years. Strait 6 w/3 on tree. Guy had it in Germany while in the service. Paid $350 Drove 60k plus miles. Replaced a tie rod : a tune up : Pair of tires : Both front doors, from a junk yard. Sold for $300 and buyer drove it away. He did well and I did very well. Would definitely be glad to own another like it.
Hornet like this one, saved my A$$,. Relocated to Toledo, OH, early 80’s , 2 kids in car seats, back to back , new job went down , so did our only car. Bought a 6cyl, 3 on the tree, Hornet like this one, for $500, w 100,000 miles on it. Had to get in on passenger side and side across the bench to driver , the upper drivers door hinge was rusted thru, DONT open that door! & always take off in 2nd , so you didnt have screwdriver the shift linkage apart, again. Except that , the car was bullet proof, all the way home to Cincinnati, & for a year after that too. Not one issue, thank you AMC !!! GLWA !
It’s bullet proof? … let’s try!!!!