AMC Hornet - Articles - Zimbio

Welcome to our wikizine called "AMC Hornet"

Wed, 23 Aug 2007 16:40:13 GMT

posted by allworld
Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "AMC Hornet". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your own article!

History

Wed, 23 Aug 2007 16:46:15 GMT

posted by allworld
The Hornet's styling was based on the AMC Cavalier show car. The Hornet was offered as a two-door and four-door sedan in its introductory year. A four-door station wagon variant named the "Sportabout" was added to the 1971 lineup. Also for 1971, the SC/360 was added, an 8-cylinder performance vehicle available as a two-door coupe (The tire pressure sticker on the first 1970 models hinted at the SC/360). In 1973, a hatchback coupe was added to the lineup.

1972 Hornet Sportabout
AMC used the Hornet as the basis for its AMC Gremlin, which consisted of the front half of the two-door Hornet's body and a truncated rear section with a window hatchback.
The 1972 Hornet was notable for being one of the first American cars to offer a special luxury trim package created by a fashion designer. The model was called the Gucci series, named for Italian fashion designer Dr. Aldo Gucci. The car offered special beige-colored upholstery fabrics on the thickly padded seats and inside door panels (with red and green pinstriping), along with nameplates and a choice of four colors. The Gucci model proved to be a success, with nearly 3,000 1972 Hornets so equipped, and would inspire other automakers – including Ford's luxury brand, Lincoln – to offer trim packages styled by fashion designers.
In 1973 a Levi's Jeans trim package - based on the world-famous jeans manufacturer - was offered. The Levi's trim package was popular and was offered throughout the mid-1970s.

1973

Wed, 23 Aug 2007 16:47:18 GMT

posted by allworld
The SST model was dropped and all models were now simply named "Hornet". Front-end bodywork was restyled to accommodate a new larger energy-absorbing recoverable front bumper system that met the new "no-damage at 5 mph (8 km/h)" legislation. As a result, overall length was increased 6.&nbsp:inches (165&nbsp:mm).
A 2-door hatchback was introduced that Car and Driver magazine called it "the styling coup of 1973". A fold-down rear seat increased cargo volume from 9.5 to 23&nbsp:cubic feet (269 to 651&nbsp:liters) with an almost flat floor. A dealer accessory was available to convert the open hatchback area into a camper. The sedan models were carried over while the wagons received an optional "D/L" package. It included exterior woodgrain body side decal panels, a roof rack with air deflector, and individual reclining seats upholstered in a plush cloth. The Gucci wagon continued for one more year, while the hatchback was available with a Levis interior option. The "X" package was now available only for the Sportabout and hatchback.
1973 production:
2-door: 23,187
4-door: 25,452
Wagon: 44,719 (Gucci version: 2,251)
Hatchback: 40,110

1971

Wed, 23 Aug 2007 16:46:47 GMT

posted by allworld
1971 saw the addition of the Sportabout, a 4-door wagon using a single hatch design in place of the traditional tailgate. The 2 and 4-door sedans were carryovers. The 232 engine was now standard across the range. Also of note was the SC360, a limited production compact 2-door muscle car with the 360 in³ V8, styled wheels, hood scoop, body striping, as well as other performance and appearance upgrades. Intended as a follow-up to the 1969 SC Rambler, the SC Hornet never sold well and only 784 were made. The Sportabout's production numbers, on the other hand, speak for themselves; for most of its life it was the only American-made wagon in its size class.
1971 production:
2-door base: 19,395
4-door base: 10,403
2-door SST: 8,600
4-door SST: 10,651
Wagon SST: 73,471
SC360: 784

1977

Wed, 23 Aug 2007 16:48:18 GMT

posted by allworld
After over seven years, the Hornet design seemed dated. A new sports oriented model, the AMX, was available only as a hatchback. This marked the return of a famous name that evoked AMC's original AMX two-seat sports car. The rest of the Hornet line was unchanged.
1977 production:
2-door: 6,076
4-door: 31,331
Wagon: 28,891
Hatchback: 11,545
In Fall 1977, the Hornet was restyled to become the 1978 Concord and helped establish the "luxury compact" market segment. With its upgraded design, components, and more standard features, the new Concord was more upscale than the economy-focused Hornet, as well as being more comfortable and more desirable to customers.