Post by sc397 on Jan 17, 2013 19:29:30 GMT -8
In 1973 my third car was my Dad's 1970 Hornet that I bought from him. Red two door 6 cyl automatic no options. This is the only car ever that my dad bought brand new. It was on the lot at the dealership that he was working at. I still have the owner's manual and his Owner identification card from that car. I of course soon realized that I needed a V8 and a 4 speed so I never stopped looking for a small car with a big engine and 4 speed. I was looking for a AMC product but the second choice would have been a ford or mercury because that is what I was familiar with and that is what my new Cragar SS's would fit on. On the hunt I went (in the local town of 20,000 people) and I found a 1971 Hornet SC/360 with a 4 speed and a 1970 Comet GT 302 4 speed. The Comet looked good and was black on black. Would have looked great with the Cragars that I had on my red Hornet. The SC/360 was at a chevy dealership and was a butter scotch yellow and with the black accents it was OK but not outstanding. I wanted it bad so, I had my Dad go with me to drive it. It was beat to death and was running on 7 cylinders so, we passed. The 'Ol Man was actually pissed at the sales man. It was pretty funny. The O'l man had a very, very short fuse... So down the road we go to look at the Comet. The O'l man took a look at the car and then looked away and said "This is what you want, right here". I said "what is that?". (It has full sized wheel covers on it and no stripes for Christsakes, no wonder I didn't notice it) He said it is a AMX, a two seater sports car that is probably too much car for you. Music to my ears! So, I bought it and still have it today, 290 4 speed car with eventually a '70 360 transplant. As a 17 through 22 year old I literally beat that car like a ugly step-child..and it took it.. every day... never broke it.. Perspective, the Comet and SC/360 was $1695.00 and the AMX was $1495.00. I was making $2.00 a hour as a draftsman and I had a "good job". Two hundred bux is a huge amount in a year when you are talking two bux a hour. OK, I digress... I always wanted one of those Hornet SC/360's though so I kept my eyes open for the right one to add to the collection. Finally found one and enough specialty parts to do one up. That is the primered car in the picture.
Enters one of our AMC bud's selling out and javtwotone taking over the pile.. Amongst the humpster stuff is this lonely 70 Big Bad Orange Hornet half-assed made in to a race car. Bruce begged me to take it so what could I say. (That is my story for now..) Besides, the Rot Rogue was on it's death bed when it rolled in and I need a replacement.
OK Hornet III.. Cuz Matt sends me a email a month ago and says check this out. '72 Hornet imported from New Mexico to DTE with a rebuilt 304. I check out the VIN and respond yea, a ligit SST 304 car with dealer add-on air. Long story short.. After a couple of guys have the option to buy it I say OK, I will take it. Bad news is it has a Michigan salvage title that states "vehicle not to be used for high way use" Good news is that it is unbelievably cheap and I am sure I can get the title converted. Icing on the cake is that I have near NOS seat material to repair the seats! I have to un-do the stupid wheels, shackles and stripes as soon as possible.
Enters one of our AMC bud's selling out and javtwotone taking over the pile.. Amongst the humpster stuff is this lonely 70 Big Bad Orange Hornet half-assed made in to a race car. Bruce begged me to take it so what could I say. (That is my story for now..) Besides, the Rot Rogue was on it's death bed when it rolled in and I need a replacement.
OK Hornet III.. Cuz Matt sends me a email a month ago and says check this out. '72 Hornet imported from New Mexico to DTE with a rebuilt 304. I check out the VIN and respond yea, a ligit SST 304 car with dealer add-on air. Long story short.. After a couple of guys have the option to buy it I say OK, I will take it. Bad news is it has a Michigan salvage title that states "vehicle not to be used for high way use" Good news is that it is unbelievably cheap and I am sure I can get the title converted. Icing on the cake is that I have near NOS seat material to repair the seats! I have to un-do the stupid wheels, shackles and stripes as soon as possible.