1974 AMC Matador Wagon review from North America

Exhaust donut blew out around 30,000; went through numerous ones before finding a proper fit.

Exhaust pipe rusted and split just under the front seat around 39,000. Replaced exhaust and all hangers.

Radiator upper tank cracked at 40,000; replaced with a custom made aluminium one. Replaced all hoses. Replaced engine mounts.

Brake shoe return springs let go on the right rear at 43,000; replaced hardware on all four corners.

Rear brake cylinders started leaking around 55,000 miles; replaced cylinders, shoes, and rear brake lines.

Master brake cylinder developed a slow leak around 60,000; replaced master and front brake lines.

Fuel pump around 63,000; replaced pump, lines, and hose from filler neck to tank.

Brakes, shocks, bushings and much of the running gear replaced at 75,000, even if it didn't need it. Replaced cracked exhaust manifold.

Periodic oil and filter changes, adjustments, and countless "what exactly is it?" explanations.

American luxury at it's finest? No... but it's still a pretty darn good car either way. Over the past several years we've had the pleasure to own two of these wonderful vehicles; first a sedan (reached almost 400k miles before it's engine blew, which I claim partial responsibility for) and currently a wagon. Most repairs over the past few years have been what you'd expect of a car over 30 years old, however nothing was particularly major, and much of the work was done by myself and my husband.

Solid, well built cars... doors shut with pleasing thuds, not a speck of rust, and that AMC six cylinder doesn't know the meaning of the word quit.

Interior is about what you'd expect of a mid-range car of its time; colour matched synthetic heaven. Thirty three years on, and every bell and whistle still works as it should... AC blows cold, all the power windows work, transmission is smooth and crisp, 8-track stereo still plays fine, and engine is responsive. Everything is logically placed and within easy reach inside the cabin; no searching for that elusive radio knob.

At highway speeds the car is well mannered, and is very forgiving when pushed to its limits. Powerful brakes make stopping the large car easy, even for a small person like me. Though not the most fuel efficient car, it's always the first pick for long family trips... the soft ride and expansive interior can help make even the most grueling car rides that much more bearable. It's sheer presence on the road just makes it a joy to drive; more so than any truck I've owned.

Of all the AMCs we currently own, the Matador is by far my favourite. I love this wonderful car, and am wholly determined to keep it for as long as I'm able to drive.