1974 AMC Hornet Sportabout V8 review from North America

Low fuel economy, small passenger area.

This low mileage (less than 35,000 original miles at this writing), factory V8 (304)car was purchased by an acquaintance to be parted out for its engine cross-member and associated parts. It needed an engine rebuild, as there was no compression at No. 5 cylinder. The body is clean with some of the usual rust in the quarter panels, and rockers. The front brake shoes were cracked, probably from overheating.

This diamond-in-the rough needed only some TLC to be a runner again. We replaced the blown 304 with a freshened-up American Motors 360 V8. The engine swap took a week of late nights. An Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and Performer 4-barrel Carburetor tops it off. The 360 was also treated to an Edelbrock timing-gear and chain set, a new fuel pump, a Melling oil pump kit, rebuilt points distributor, and full tune-up, hoses and belts.

The interior is mint. No rips or tears in the seats.

We also added a Hornet AMX gauge console and sport wheel from a Jeep Cherokee Chief, and a reproduction SC/360 dash applique.

The factory body-side woodgrain remains, as does the chrome roof rack with air deflector.

At this writing, we are just a couple of weeks away from completion, and perhaps a stab at a 1/4 mile run. It will burn up the rear tires all day long, and is fast as all heck.

Lots of people will come up to me and say, "I used to have one", or "We had one in the family".

This is my third Sportabout, and I just love it.