American Motors resurrected the Hornet nameplate in 1970 as the replacement for the Rambler American venerable compact. It was more stylish than its predecessor and continued through 1977, after which it would morph into the Concord and then the Eagle 4X4. The seller’s 1975 example emerged from long-term storage, but it doesn’t run and needs cleaning up. Located in Lodi, California, this six-cylinder project is priced as “cheap wheels” for $1,900 here on craigslist. Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder Jack M.!
Design and execution was a big and expensive project ($40 million) for a smaller automaker like AMC. However, the investment paid off as it would sell well (by AMC standards) and served as the basis for the Gremlin, which would compete against the subcompacts, though it barely was one. The 1970-77 Hornet was a single-generation car and saw sales of 86,000 units in 1975, with one out of every seven being a 2-door sedan like the seller’s forgotten machine.
The seller’s car was well-equipped back in its heyday, with either a 232 or 258 cubic inch inline-6 paired with an automatic transmission. Air conditioning, power steering, and cruise control were among the options that the original buyer sprung for in the mid-1970s. But who knows how long it has been since this AMC last ran or what it will take to set things straight again at 57,000 known miles.
Fortunately, it looks as though this candidate has escaped catching the rust bug, and perhaps a good detailing would make it passable in the looks department. However, the interior is not quite as nice, and the upholstery will need to be redone as a daily driver. This might be a fun car to fix up, but you’ll likely only get a bill of sale when you hand over the cash.
Oy,,,well, I DID get all bent out of shape on the $18,000 Sportabout, I suppose this is reality for ya’, and what reality buys today. If it’s any consolation, this will be ground up and will be a new ______ in no time,,This car served someone well for who knows how many times that odometer been ’round. Since from a place with no rust, this car was capable of hundreds of thousands of miles and it shows.
Just like granny left it! A time capsule for sure.
I think this is a nice looking survivor. The interior has a couple issues, but might be brought back. I watch these guys online clean cars and they bring back cars that haven’t been touched in years. The vehicles look great when they’re through. I think this might be a candidate. I always liked the Hornet. Dick Teague did a great job designing these. I liked all the body styles. The SST what’s my favorite version. I hope someone buys this and brings it back to life. It looks well worth it. AMC should have invested money into a second generation Hornet instead of Matador coupes and Pacers. Had it done so, it might be here today.
without the title it’s just parts if you need it.
Sell off what parts you can cut it up into 3-4 sections and scrap it
Had one. What a good little car it was. :-) Terry J
You could drop a hot steamy load on the hood and this thing would look no worse. Hows that for an ornament?!!