1977 Hornet AMX Registry

[AMX]

This is my first Hornet AMX, circa 1984. I have been collecting data from Hornet AMX's for the past 12 years. In that time I have documented 115 original cars by VIN#. They can be broken down like this:

ENGINE:  61 - 258 6 cylinder, 54 - 304 V8

TRANS:  77 - Automatic, 38 - 4 Speed

COLOR:  59 - Red, 24 - Yellow, 21 - White, 10 - Green

INTERIOR:  77 - Black, 16 - Black/white, 15 - Brown, 2 - Levi's

These may not total 115 due to incomplete information for some cars. When arranged in order by VIN, some interesting patterns emerge, even with just 115 cars included. These include groups of particular colors, the Levi's interiors together, similar geographical locations, etc.

If you have or had a Hornet AMX and would like to include your car's information please contact me. I welcome data from cars which no longer exist as long as the VIN# is included. Hornet AMX specific questions are also welcome!  -Scott Campbell

[IowaEagle]

That is one nice Hornet AMX!

[AMX]

That is one nice Hornet AMX!

Thanks! I always admired the Hornet AMX ever since they were introduced and was thrilled to finally buy one a couple years after high school. The car pictured was as average a '77 AMX as you can get, red, black int, 258, automatic. Back then I drove it year round (I already had a '69 AMX to baby) so rust eventually set in. I actually owned that one twice but finally sold it in 1988 to buy a new Comanche.

My current Hornet AMX is an oddity in that it has 8,203 original miles. It took a moderate hit to the right front in 1977 and somehow escaped being repaired, very strange for a new car. It's apparently had one oil change but everything else is day one. I'm still looking for parts nice enough to finally repair it after 30 years.

[IowaEagle]

So you get input from owners, based on certain questions, and then put the data into your own local spread sheet.  That might be a good way to start one at the Nest.  Just need to find a volunteer 

[AMX]

So you get input from owners, based on certain questions, and then put the data into your own local spread sheet.

Exactly, I started the registry long before I was online so I began by making up questionaires requesting Hornet AMX data from owners. After I collected info from about 50 cars I assembled a booklet which went to everyone who contributed. A few years later I released a second edition which was actually featured in Car Craft magazine! I really haven't had time to do an update recently, I'm considering a Hornet AMX website this time.

For the registry I do require a complete VIN# in order to prevent the same car from being included twice by multiple owners.

[IowaEagle]

Thanks, that will help me a lot.  A booklet is a good idea, we could do a .pdf version and then post it for our members or others.  I think I will further explore doing it that way.

[Blue Stinger]

There is a very nice red with black interior Hornet AMX in Las Vegas.  It has the 258.  I'm trying to get the owner to join our club.  If he does, I'll provide more info abut the car.

Mark

[fast77amx]

well lets see if you have this hornet amx i have had it for 4 years now vin, a7co37h186395. i have posted a vid on you tube of it two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1j0HjgLOs

[AMX]

well lets see if you have this hornet amx i have had it for 4 years now vin, a7co37h186395. i have posted a vid on you tube of it two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1j0HjgLOs

No, I don't have that one in the registry yet, but I do have VIN 186397. Please post or PM me with additional info: original exterior color, interior color(s), flat or sloped cargo floor, with or w/o the hood decal (originally), major options, build date and original selling dealership (if known). Thanks, Scott

[AMX]

Update: 120 original Hornet AMX's now documented. Always looking for more!

[Route 66 Rambler]

Is there any idea at all how many were made?  I know I've never seen any kind of breakdown.
mike

[AMX]

I contacted American Motors in 1980 and was given production figures for every AMX model year except 1977. Almost as if when the model came back nobody thought to keep track. Since then a figure of just over 5,000 units has surfaced and seems reliable but is unconfirmed.

[IowaEagle]

Wasn't it only a model one year during the latter years, and a trim level the other ones?

[AMX]

Wasn't it only a model one year during the latter years, and a trim level the other ones?

Like the 1971-74 AMX which was badged "Javelin", the 1977 was badged "Hornet". 1968-70 and 1978-80 were a stand alone model (although the later cars were obviously Concord then Spirit based).

[Route 66 Rambler]

5,000 seems fair to me.  I came up with around 4500 or so, just guesstimating "what ifs" based on likely percentages.  That's obviously just a wild shot in the dark, though.  I'm wondering what the original source was for that figure.
mike

[Marlin-Bob]

Hi, I thought I would post a picture of my 1977 Hornet-AMX with
my factory mini camping tent on the back.
I bought it brand new back in 1977 right off the local AMC's
dealership showroom floor!
I always kept it looking as close to new as possible,
as it was my daily driver for 10 years.
Then before Amc went out of business the Amx received new front fenders,
new rocker panels, inners, and outers, & two used rust free doors,
along with a paint new paint job.
It was then pretty much parked in my 2nd garage the next ten years
until I got collector plates for it.
Now I enjoy taking it to several car shows each year,
and putting on the camping tent, which gets it alot of attention.
It has been at Iola Wisconsin Old Car Show several times in the last
few years, and its picture was printed in their paper of just a few select
other cars. I hope to take it back to Iola in July of 2009 when Amc
will be one of the featured cars. Also yes Scott, I have registered it
with you too several years ago. I enjoy driving it around as it is nice and
compact, and not as large as my other show car my '67 Marlin.
But I am more know by friends as Marlin-Bob, as I also now have owned my
'67 Marlin since '78, and have taken it to more shows then the Hornet-Amx.
I will post of picture of the Marlin here too.
(note x-friend hand hanging out of trunk, ha ha)
I forgot to mention it I did drive the Hornet-Amx to Kenosha's AMC'S in the
park show in July of 2007 and had the mini camping tent on too.
It was the best car show I ever went to, and driving thru the streets in the
Friday night parade was the greatest too!

[IowaEagle]

Very nice looking Hornet-AMX  -- I am envious.

[AMX]

Great photo Bob! It's a beauty. Did you display the car at any of the big Kenosha shows?

[Route 66 Rambler]

I'd like to put this car into our Members' Rides photo album over on the RustBucket Gallery:

Riders of the Rambler Heritage
http://gallery.route66rambler.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=441

Is there any way you can provide a larger picture, Bob?
-mike

P.S while I'm asking, how about a photo or two of the Marlin? 

[Marlin-Bob]

I posted a larger picture of my '77 Hornet-Amx, and one of my '67 Marlin, & answered your questions in my original post. Maybe someday someone will even do a registry on the Marlins. I have one of the less then 1 % made with power lift windows in my Marlin, and they all work fine. (But it wasn't easy making them all work!) As the Marlin production totals are low for the three year run, and most people even back in the 1970's when I bought said it was a true collector car. As it was so unique looking, but in a good way!

[Route 66 Rambler]

Thanks, Bob, those pics will look great in the Riders album.  The '67 is my favorite Marlin, but most of my friends and family like the '65.  My dad likes the '66.  Not much difference between the two years, but he owned one new.