1973 AMC Hornet

The AMC (American Motors Corporation) Hornet was produced from 1970 through 1977. Bodystyles included a sedan, a hatchback coupe, and a wagon. It served as a replacement for the compact Rambler American and was based on the AMC Cavalier and Vixen show cars. It was given an all-new design sharing no major body components, but with some of the Rambler American's drivetrain and chassis. It was the first in a line of new models that AMC would introduce over the following three years and it would become one of AMCs most popular and best-selling vehicles.

The 1973 AMC Hornet was a 2- and 4-door sedan, hatchback, and station wagon. The most popular body style was the station wagon with 44,719 examples sold. The 4-door sedan accounted for 25,452 while the hatchback found 40,110 willing buyers. The hatchback was a new body style for 1973 and had a top-hinged and fully counter-balanced third 'door' with a fold-down rear seat. An optional hinged floor concealed a temporary use 'space-save' spare tire. An optional dealer accessory converted the open hatchback area into a tent camper complete with mosquito net windows.

The SST designation was long offered on Hornet. The hatchback could be purchased with a Levis bucket seat interior trim option that was made of spun nylon fabric to conform to flammability standards. It was durable and resistant to stains. Additionally, there were copper Levis rivets, traditional contrasting stitching, and the Levi's tab on both the front seatbacks, plus unique door panels with Levis trim with removable map pockets. 'Levi's' decals could be found on the front fenders.

The overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displaced 232 cubic inches and offered 100 (SAE) net horsepower. A 258 CID six offered 110 (SAE) net horsepower, and there were two V8s, the base 304 CID or the 175 horsepower 360 CID.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2019