AMC was known for its quirky but lovable styling that adorned many of its offerings, and the Matador was no exception, especially in its 2-door models from the second generation of production. Although the coupes had mostly different sheet metal from the sedans, 1974 also saw a significant restyle for the 4-door model, including a protruding front end that remained until production ended in 1978. However, the car still presented well overall, and this 1976 AMC Matador seems like a reasonably solid example even 50 years later. This one is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and can be spotted here on Facebook Marketplace. The seller has listed the price at $6,000, and we’d like to thank reader PRA4SNW for the excellent AMC tip here!
This one’s said to be a true barn find, which was parked in 1999 and sat untouched until just recently. The seller states that before his acquisition, the Matador had been a one-owner vehicle, and although the specific details end there, it certainly appears to have been treated with care over the years. There’s no word on whether some or all of the paint is original, but the exterior has been cleaned up and presents well overall, and the sheet metal is listed as being 99% rust-free.
Several engines were available for the Matador in ’76, and fortunately, this one is equipped with the second-largest V8. Under the hood here is a 360, and it appears the close-up engine photo was taken shortly after the car was removed from the barn. Another photo from the bay shows an upper radiator hose in place, and some other mechanical maintenance and repairs are also said to have been performed, including a carburetor rebuild, a new gas tank, and new brakes.
The seller doesn’t mention anything specific about the interior, but it appears to have been thoroughly cleaned and is in nice shape overall. 87,000 is the stated mileage, and from the looks of the front seat, I’m thinking that’s more than likely original and accurate. Though this one has some positives to consider, I’m not sure how many buyers are actively seeking a 1976 AMC Matador sedan, and in 5 weeks, there hasn’t been a taker at the $6k asking price. All things considered, what’s a reasonable amount to contemplate offering here?
$4.5K if it includes the socket wrench…dropped mine somewhere…
What a side profile. That center section is out there
The high spec alloy wheels with blackwalls kind of give it an export vibe. Very forward looking for the kind of people who bought Big Ramblers in the ’70s.
I don’t think those wheels are alloy. I have a similar set on my 67 Marlin picked up used in the late 70s. I do like their looks, but the center section is a somewhat flexible material molded into a standard steel wheel. They have held up well. I believe they were used on many models including Pacers.
Seller has a duplicate ad, the other one is at $8k.
Not quite sure why, but, this is one of the very few 4 door, bench seat, auto on the column car that i would actually consider owning and driving.
The nose job on these is truly hideous! I know AMC had to come up with battering-ram bumpers but surely that schnozz wasn’t necessary. If they were trying to make this look like a bigger car to sell against the mammoth barges from the Big 3 I don’t think anyone was fooled.
These were great cars and the “shnozz” grill was really nothing unusual for the time. It mimicked many European cars, Pontiac GP or Mercury , and I thought a nice styling touch. It’s a wonderful find, and after 5 weeks, sadly, the interest just isn’t there. Very typical of an older person who bought it new, and used sparingly, in true old person fashion, but I just don’t see any interest today. These were simply the best cars to come out of MilwauKenosha, but falls on deaf ears today. To many, it was still a Rambler. By 1976, Adam-12 was done,( May 20, 1975) and the Matador faded pretty quick after that.
I think the snout should’ve had a “center-defined”, faux-Mercedes, chrome Brougham neoclassic grille to at least make it look a bit intentional instead of trying to drape a ’68 Camaro grille across it like they did.
I’d offer nothing. AMC really missed the mark with that front treatment. Horrific. Plus the engine looks very suspect.
Lovely looking car. I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved the 1974-78 AMC Matador. My favourites are the 4 door sedan and wagon models.
U-G-L-Y and it ain’t got no alibi
It’s been said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Some may find it hideous to look at, while others may find it beautiful to look at. I actually find it beautiful to look at.
no curb appeal.
What exactly does that mean “No curb appeal”?
I’m not aware of when AMC ceased manufacturing their own cop cars but in ’71-’73 if these were equipped w/AMC’s 401….they were indeed some REAL motor scooters! The Los Angeles County Sheriff & the LAPD made huge purchases of these when so-equipped!
Does it run? No info re roadworthiness.
Nice looking car.
AMC had a design department in name only! In a decade with lots of ugly cars, this one is a standout.
I always thought that front end looked great on the Ambassador with 4 headlights, but didnt look good on the Matador with 2 headlights. The Ambassador had a much nicer looking grille in 74. They should have kept that on the Matador when the Ambassador was discontinued.
I actually like both cars. I understand that the Matador sedan was used as police cars. My favourite cars have always been police cars.
1974 was the last year for a 401 in an AMC passenger car. Some 1975s are thought to have 401 engines, but only in Gubbermint issue cars.
My parents had either a 1974 or a 1975 AMC Matador 2 door. My mother hated the car. She said it was unreliable to own. She said that it wouldn’t make it up hills without having to *floor* the accelerator. What the hell do I know? I was barely 4 yrs. old at the time, nowhere near old enough to drive a car, let alone own a car. Looking back on it, I’m sure the car was fine. It just needed maintenance to keep the car running and driving.