Quirky Coupe: 1972 AMC Matador

matador

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In 1972, the future was still bright for AMC. They had a compact that had been produced very inexpensively (Gremlin), a sporty car (Javelin/AMX), a mid-sized sedan and wagon (Hornet), and the full-size Matador/Ambassador. This “sporty” version of the Matador compared very favorably with offerings from the big three and this is a beautiful example of AMC’s slightly quirky coupe. It’s listed for sale here on eBay where bidding is just over $3,000 but it hasn’t met reserve yet. The car has 98,000 miles and has been repainted, but other than that is said to be very original. The interior is resplendent in brown vinyl, brown patterned fabric and, of course, very plush (shag?) brown carpeting. Underhood, the 304 V-8 is very clean and tidy. The ad states no rust and the car looks the part. Is your idea of a classic yellow with brown? If so, your car is waiting for you in T0rrington, Connecticut!

Comments

  1. Grr

    One of the ugliest color combinations ever.

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    • RC Paulsen

      AMC was ahead of their time when it came to hiring people with disabilities in the 1970s, so they had colorblind people choosing their paint schemes. This particular combination looks like a turd floating in a bowl of yellow water.

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  2. Rhett

    I’ve seen this car in person – it is in beautiful shape and very unique.

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  3. Jason

    Hot Dog!

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  4. jim s

    at $5200 with reserve, which i hope is not much higher, still not met. this might make another nice driver. great find.

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  5. krash

    Wow!!!

    AMC was way ahead of the curve…

    Laptops in 1972?!

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  6. JW454

    With a set of normal sized aftermarket wheels and tires and a rumbly exhaust this would make a nice cruiser. This is never going to be a super high dollar car and the wheels and exhaust could be changed back at any time so, why not.

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  7. PaulieB

    AM/FM radio wasn’t standard in most lower priced cars, even mid-size models back in 1972.. and the standard AC is also a plus. Plush non-shag carpeting.. Yeah the color combo is a little funky but hey.. that’s what passed for normal back then. I’d pick it up if i had the money..and the room!

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  8. redwagon

    “so that’s a matador!” if you remember the ad campaign from back in the day.

    this looks like a repaint to me. beware of kenosha kancer

    the 2nd generation 2 door coupe is much less boxy. the difference between that and the 4 door and wagon is radically different. as a child i remember being very confused that 2 things so different could be the same model.

    actually the wagons look pretty good with the boxy styling. the 4 door – not so much.

    Like 0
    • Rob

      Seems like one of the characters on Adam 12 had one just like this the first year AMC supplied cars to the show. The funny thing was that the script had it breaking down after a week of ownership which seems like a strange product promotion tactic.

      Like 2

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