Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Rust-Free Daily-Driver: 1974 AMC Hornet As nice as a vintage vehicle may be, I wonder if many of us would use it as a daily driver after being spoiled by easy-to-drive and reliable vehicles over the last couple of decades. I like to think that a good percentage of people would use this 1974 AMC Hornet sedan as a daily driver. Maybe a weekend car, but one to jump in and drive two or three states away without giving it another thought, I don’t know. Are you one of those people? As I’ve said many times, the words “rust-free” are about as good as it gets for me in the vehicle world. Having grown up in the road salt-heavy upper-Midwest and lived with depressing rusty vehicles my entire life, there’s something comforting about a vehicle that has no rust, one that may keep running like new but has to be retired due to rust. This Hornet appears to be one of those cars. It’s wearing its original Copper Metallic paint and has the original interior, too. That isn’t to say that the body on this Hornet doesn’t have its share of dings and dents, and some of those won’t be magically removed by a paintless dent repair specialist, sadly. Still, give me rust-free every time. The seller only included two exterior photos and, yes, no engine photos. It is a craigslist ad, so I don’t really expect any less, or any more… The interior looks solid but the driver’s seat fabric needs help, as do a few other areas. SMS Auto Fabrics has samples of the “Nassau” fabric, but whether they have enough to redo the front seat is another question. From what I hear, a “chrome marker” will work wonders on worn dash trim as shown in the photo above, have any of you had good luck with that? I’m not sure what the two holes are for by the headlight and wiper knobs? Anyone? The pedal pads are missing and it appears to have carpet remnants for floor mats, not to mention a deteriorating steering wheel cover, but as a daily driver with 126,600 miles and no rust, you can’t expect perfection everywhere. AMC made the Hornet from 1969 for the 1970 model year until the end of the 1977 model year. It replaced the American and next up would be the tweaked, more-luxurious Hornet that we knew as the Concord. The back seat looks perfect and I sure would like to see an engine photo. It’s AMC’s 232-cu.in. OHV inline-six, which would have been rated at around 100 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s backed by a column-shifted three-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels and this one has power steering, a new battery, a new windshield, new tires, and more. It’s posted here on Craigslist in Scottsburg, OR and the seller is asking $2,800. Would any of you daily drive this Hornet?
Ad is still up. Now down to 1900 dollars and in Oregon. It's a quadraport. Suspect the "three on the tree" is keeping any prospective buyer away. That car will be tough to sell. Hornets are a tough sell. And there is next to nothing in terms of aftermarket support, meaning replacement body parts. Meaning lenses, bezels, trims, etc. No support. Personally had a '70 hornet coupe fifteen years ago. Dragged it out of a local yard that is now gone. Orange, first year, coupe body. Got the title. Six cylinder auto. Four new blackwalls. should have got it running but never had the time. Dragged it all the way up to the AMC nationals in 2010. Figured a NM clean bodied car there would pull at least 2500 due to it's body and originality, not to mention coupe status. Dumped it at tail end of meet, for 800, due to the fact nearly all loose AMC parts, that were on the tow rig, sold at their swap for close to 1200. Everything was cheaper then, meaning expenses, and stuff actually sold, nowadays such a trip would have been a massive waste. Should have kept the thing. Lesson learned, off beat cars don't ring the register.
It's a big bumpered car. Meaning 73 up. If it was a small bumpered car, and a coupe he would have gotten his original asking price. Although given my experience, maybe not.
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Nicest One Left? 1984 AMC Eagle 4X4 In the 1980s, the AMC Eagle was the only passenger car that was equipped with four-wheel drive. Because AMC had acquired Jeep years before, it enabled them to combine Jeep utility with the ease and comfort of the Concord compact automobile. From 1980 through 1988, American Motors produced the Eagle, though in its last year, it was under the watchful eye of Chrysler who had acquired AMC, the last of the U.S. independents. Multiple body styles were offered, including a station wagon like the one here. By 1984, the inline-4 was all but retired and examples like this one came with AMC’s 258 cubic inch inline-6, a dependable powerplant. And, this was the first year that the Eagle could be shifted from 2WD to 4WD “on the fly” while the vehicle was in motion rather than standing still. Also, Eagle production had shifted to Canada so AMC’s Wisconsin production facilities could be dedicated to building the Renault Alliance and Encore. The seller’s nice Eagle is one of just over 21,000 built in 1984 (including the sedan, the total was more than 25,000 units). This one has had just two prior owners and has only 65,000 miles on the odometer. The listing reads like a dealer ad, though we’re told the vehicle is being offered by a private party. This is a well-equipped survivor with factory air conditioning that’s said to blow cold. If you keep your foot out of the accelerator, you could squeeze up to 30 mpg out of a gallon of gasoline. When not in use, this vehicle has stayed indoors for much of its life. There seems to be no rust and the paint is tidy. This “crossover” (a term not used in the 1980s) can be found in Fruita, Colorado, and is available here on eBay. The current bid is $9,300 with no reserve in sight. The seller says there’s a “Buy It Now” price but that function isn’t activated in eBay, so you could linger to the end of the auction before placing a bid for perhaps below whatever that figure is.
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: True Barn Find: 1975 AMC Matador The second-generation Matador by American Motors (1974 to 1978) was a full-size automobile. And the styling of the 2-door coupe was a lot different than that of the sedan or wagon. Some consider the styling “quirky” but that seems to be an AMC trait (remember the 1970s Gremlin or Pacer?). This 1975 couple was in a barn for more than 30 years. It was brought out, cleaned up, and made to run until the engine gave up the ghost on compression. So, now it’s an “opportunity” for its next owner to work on further. AMC Matadors replaced the Rebel in 1971 as a mid-size. When the next rework came in 1974, the company decided to move the car up a notch in size – just in time for the first gasoline shortage caused by a rout with OPEC. The Matador was not a huge seller by Detroit standards, but AMC managed to build 60,000 of them in 1975, the second year of the car which was little changed from the year before. Perhaps the shining moment for the automobile was its prominent product placement in the 1974 James Bond flick, The Man with the Golden Gun, where it was driven by the villain and later turned into an airplane. We’re told this was a one-owner car that originated in Washington State. It was driven to San Diego, California where it was parked in a barn for more than three decades and forgotten until recently. The seller rescued it, had it registered in his/her name (making it a two-owner car?), and treated it to some soap and water along with mechanical attention. The mileage is said to be under 8,000, but most would say it’s more like 108,000. Part of the Matador’s mechanical reawakening included cleaning out the fuel system, giving it a tune-up, and adding a new battery and a fresh set of tires. After all that, the compression on the 360 cubic inch V8 engine failed, and the car no longer starts. The next owner will have to sort out that issue and keep the effort going. The red paint seems okay, there appears to be a white vinyl top, and the saddle interior is more than capable from what we can see. If you’re into American Motors cars and don’t mind a good challenge, perhaps this Matador is it. When was the last time you saw one of these vehicles on the road? From La Mesa, California, this barn find project is available here on Craigslist for $8,500. Maybe you could be the next James Bond?
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: 36k Original Miles: 1985 AMC Eagle Limited Bold claims about originality and mileage are nothing new to us at Barn Finds, and such claims must sometimes be treated with a grain of salt. However, it appears that isn’t the case with this 1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon, because the seller holds service invoices and other documentation dating back to Day One that seems to support their contention that the 36,000 miles showing on the odometer is a genuine reading. It is a beautifully preserved classic that appears to need nothing but a new home. AMC released the Eagle in 1980, breaking new ground with a model that was a compact four-wheel drive passenger car. Such abilities were traditionally the preserve of Pickups and SUVs, but AMC set a trend that would bring similar vehicles from companies like Subaru and Toyota to the market. The original owner ordered this Eagle Limited Wagon in 1985, selecting Autumn Brown Metallic paint to compliment the faux woodgrain. The condition is hard to fault, with the paint appearing almost perfect, and no evidence of deterioration on the prone woodgrain surfaces. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. AMC focused heavily on corrosion prevention, and the first owner’s decision to have this Wagon undercoated has helped its cause. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. Interestingly, the first owner retained the original factory wire hubcaps, rather than ticking the box for the attractive alloy wheels. It may not seem odd in isolation, but considering how they loaded the interior, it is a curious decision. The 1985 Eagle Limited Wagon received Honey leather trim as a standard feature, to which the first owner added air conditioning, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, and the range-topping AM/FM radio/cassette player with four speakers. The Eagle is consistent, with the interior as spotless as the exterior. There are no signs of the wear or damage that often plagues family Wagons. The carpet is excellent, but the rear cargo area could be a highlight. It looks to have never carried a load or loose objects which further supports the mileage claim. AMC chose a “one size fits all” approach to the engine powering the 1985 Eagle Limited Wagon. Buyers received the 258ci six, producing 115hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque. A manual transmission was available, but most buyers selected the three-speed automatic. The dash-mounted “Select Drive” switch allowed the driver to toggle between two and four-wheel drive on the fly, which was welcomed by many. Buyers could also order their new purchase with power steering, but I’m unsure whether this Wagon has that feature. The seller supplies no engine photos but does provide plenty of positive news. The Eagle is in excellent mechanical health and has a genuine 36,000 miles on its odometer. They hold Service Records and other documentation dating back to Day One, including the original window Sticker. Potential buyers should consider the Eagle a turnkey proposition. The seller listed this 1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon here on Facebook Marketplace in DeWitt, Michigan. The seller’s price of $14,500 is above the market average, but with the odometer reading and condition as factors, it isn’t unprecedented. Will they find a buyer? The Eagle has only been on the market for just over a day, and the price means they are unlikely to be inundated with inquiries. However, I do believe it will sell, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone paid the full price. Do you agree?
Recent article om BarnFinds dot com: Stored 20+ Years: 1967 AMC Marlin 343 V8 With just over 2,500 1967 AMC Marlins made, they’re by far the rarest of this three-year model. And some would argue, the most refined and desirable. This example has been hidden away for the last 20+ years, according to the seller. Sadly, that also means that it hasn’t been started or driven in over two decades so there will be work to do for the next owner. The photos aren’t the best as it’s parked in a narrow storage unit as you can see, but the seller has done a pretty nice job in showing as much of it as they can on both the exterior and interior. I wish we could see more of the front clip as that’s really where the bulk of the design was tweaked for its final year in 1967. An interesting fun fact is that the first-year Marlins were named the Rambler Marlin, but in 1966 and 1967, they were AMC Marlins. It’s hard to tell what condition the exterior is in but you can see faded paint and a few dings here and there. Originally slated to be a Mustang-sized car, the Tarpon concept was enlarged and it dipped into the intermediate-size car realm. Some may say that the design suffered a bit in that transition, at least in the unusual sloping rear half. I always wondered what a hatchback version would have looked like or if it would have made any difference in sales. It’s hard to tell what condition the interior is in but overall, it looks good to me. This Marlin reportedly has over 114,000 miles on it, which works out to around 3,100 miles a year for the approximately 37 years this car was in use. The seller says it was first registered in California and hasn’t been driven in ice or snow, so that’s great news. The back seat looks as close to new as can be. The engine is an AMC 343-cu.in. OHV V8 with 280 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, and it pushes that power through a Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission with a column selector. A four-speed manual would have been available as well. This one hasn’t run in two decades but it looks clean and this car has AC, a nice feature. The seller has it listed here on eBay in the great city of Cincinnati, Ohio. There is no reserve and the current bid price is $5,700, this could be a great deal if it doesn’t go over $10,000. Any thoughts on this Marlin? Sold for US $9,200.00
1965 Rambler Marlin $15,999 About this vehicle: Driven 97,000 miles Automatic transmission Exterior colour: Green Interior colour: Green Fuel type: Petrol Click screenshot below to view the listing on Facebook Marketplace
Recent article on BarnFinds dot com: Last Of The Line: Rust-Free 1974 AMC Javelin AMX The other night, I was watching an episode of Adam-12. Officers Reed and Molloy were in a helicopter, chasing a perpetrator in a yellow ’73 Javelin with black stripes. From a few thousand feet in the air, it looked like a pretty sporty car. It turns out, it doesn’t look too bad from down here, either. Many of you are certainly aware that 1974 was the last year of AMC’s foray into the world of pony cars. A mere 27,000-odd Javelins were sold that year, and under 5,000 of them were AMXs like our featured car. When ordering the AMX, a buyer got the 304 V8 as standard equipment, although the 360 and 401 were optional. This car has the standard engine, but the seller says that it’s been upgraded with a Holley carb, Edelbrock intake, headers, a dual-point distributor, and a Detroit Locker (!). The original parts will come with the car in case the new buyer’s hot-rodding proclivities don’t match the seller’s. When shopping for a collector car, almost everyone looks for the most solid body they can afford, because rust repair is expensive and frustrating. This picture of the trunk floor and rear wheelwell clearly show a car that has been high and dry since new. All pony cars were susceptible to rust, so finding one this clean is uncommon. The interior also looks original, with the AMX’s engine-turned dashboard looking appropriately sporty. The seller mentions that there is a tear in the driver’s seat. The steering wheel doesn’t match AMXs I’ve seen, so I’d guess it’s from the aftermarket. If you were hoping for a four speed behind the 304, you’ll be disappointed: This one has the automatic. The back seat looks as if it’s hardly been sat in, and the carpet resembles a 1970s living room just enough to be original. The seller says that the odometer reads 54,121 miles, but doesn’t claim that it’s accurate. Given the clean presentation of the car, there’s certainly a chance that it’s true. According to the ad, the car has a new radiator, brakes, tires, and tune up. If you’re looking for a perfect example of an AMX, the seller tempers expectations a bit by saying that the paint job is older and has some shrinking and cracking. It sure looks good in pictures, so if you’re willing to drive a 10-footer, or if you want to relive your favorite ’70s cop shows in person, this could be your dream Javelin. The car is currently for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $ 18,500 Edit: SOLD!
Article on BarnFinds dot com: Sienna Orange Survivor: 1974 AMC Gremlin X Is there a better color for a 1974 AMC Gremlin X than Sienna Orange? I think not. Even with 59,000 miles, this is the nicest Gremlin that I’ve seen and the seller has provided some of the best all-around photos that I’ve seen in a long time, well done! AMC offered one of the first “Buyer Protection Plans” but I don’t know if the former owner of this Gremlin ever had to use it. Grand slam on the photos, seller. Dusk shots are a very nice touch. I’m making too much out of the photos, but there are so many horrible ads that when we run across one like this it’s like winning the lottery. AMC made the Gremlin from 1970 through 1978 for the U.S. market and as most folks know, they only came with two doors. That normally isn’t an issue for most Barn Finds readers. The person listing this Gremlin X for sale is helping to sell it “to help settle the estate of a classic car lover.” That’s always such a sad story and one that most of us have had to deal with in our lives, and maybe are thinking about our own collection of vehicles and general “stuff” and what a loved one or someone else is going to have to go through to unload all of our toys. Uuuff.. that’s too heavy for a sweet, orange Gremlin, sorry. Hey, how about that luggage rack?! My heart sank when I saw that this car has a Chrysler-sourced three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. I was really hoping for a three-speed manual, the only manual available for this engine. The interior, as expected, looks almost like new everywhere you look. The seats, both front and back, look just about perfect as does the cool “engine-turned” dash face, the rear cargo area, and everything else inside. The only thing missing are the underside photos and this car looks so nice that I’m not worried about rust. In fact, the seller says it’s ” straight-as-an-arrow” and has a “rust and ding-free body.” The engine is as clean as everything else and is an AMC 258-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 110 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque when new. The seller says it starts, shifts, runs, stops, and does everything else very well and this gem can be found here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio There is no reserve and the current bid is $9,600, but there are two days left to go and this car is nice enough to bring another few thousand. No, really. Hagerty is at $13,800 for a #2 excellent-condition Gremlin with a 232-six and this one has a 258 so it’s probably a bit above that. Have any of you owned a Gremlin? For some reason the auction ended with zero bids? US $200.00 0 bids Condition: Used Ended: Sep 27, 2024
