1970 AMC Hornet

The AMC Hornet was produced from 1970 through 1977. It served as a replacement for the Rambler American and marked the end of the Rambler marque in both Canada and America. It was a compact automobile built as a sedan, wagon, and hatchback coupe. Its styling was new, but based on the AMC Vixen and Cavalier Concept - both of 1965 and designed by Richard A. Teague. It did not share any major body components with other AMC models, although it did use some of the Rambler American's chassis and drivetrain.

Introduced in 1970, it was the first of a line of new models that AMC would introduce over the next three years. With the Hornet, AMC signaled the return to its roots as a 'niche' manufacturer of small, compact automobiles. The company had done well with the small, economical family car in the past, and the Hornet was met with similar success. Its wheelbase platform measured a mere 108 inches and was initially powered by a choice of two straight-six engines or a 304 cubic-inch V8. At first, body styles included either a two-door or four-door notchback sedan. A year later, the four-door station wagon version, called the 'Sportabout', joined the lineup.

The AMC Hornet replaced the Rambler American and its name was in honor of the prior AMC family member - the Hudson Hornet - which had been very successful, both in sales and on the track, during the early 1950s. While the Hudson Hornet had been revolutionary, the AMC Hornet was conventional. It had familiar styling that was in-keeping with the Hudson family, with rounded body contours, and the Javelin's long hood and short rear deck. Standard equipment included 6.45x14 Blackwall tires, a 128 horsepower, 199 CID six-cylinder engine, front armrests, and ashtrays. Prices began at just under $2,000 for the two-door sedan.

Two trim levels were available, a base or SST trim level. The Hornet was an economical vehicle that was both comfortable and modern. Like most other AMC models, a three-speed manual was standard. A shift-command automatic was available as optional equipment.

The AMC Hornet had a base price of nearly $2,000 for the 2-door sedan, which proved to be the most body style with 43,610 examples produced. Both the 4-door and 2-door SST models shared nearly identical sales figures of roughly 19,750 each.

The Hornet SST added a rear armrest, custom steering wheel, cigarette lighter, glovebox light, package tray, front foam seat cushions, colored carpets, and rubber trunk mat. A larger 232 CID six could also be found under the hood.

The name 'Hornet' originated from the merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Company in 1954. Hudson introduced the first Hudson Hornet in 1951. A stock car racing team was formed around the name 'Fabulous Hudson Hornet' and it soon became famous for its wins and stock-car title sweeps between 1951 and 1954. American Motors, the resulting corporation formed by the merger of Nash Motors and Hudson, continued to produce Nash-based Hornets, which were sold under the Hudson marque from 1955 to 1957. When AMC was acquired by Chrysler in 1987, the 'Hornet' nameplate when with them.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2015