At the beginning of the 1970s, the Rambler was replaced by the AMC Hornet. The Sportabout van version made the car more useful. But this model has a touch of Italian design house style thanks to its unique Gucci decor package. There is still time to bid until January 17. The lucky little American Motors Corporation had to come up with new ideas because it needed the R&D means of the three big US automakers. The Levi’s Gremlin and the Pierre Cardin Javelin were two fashion-themed cars that were looked at. Gucci, which is based in Florence and is known as one of the best design companies in Italy, has worked with Hornet, a cheap small model. That combo made this 1973 Hornet Sportabout wagon, which is now for sale on Bring a Trailer, which is owned by Hearst Autos like Invoice Pricing. The Hornet, which was AMC’s most popular model, didn’t have to look dull just because it was a work car. With its white body stripes, slanted mag wheels, and V-8 engine (it used to have a 304-cubic-inch engine, but now it has a 360-cubic-inch engine), this one wasn’t. The double-G headliner and Gucci’s three-color perforated leather seats are the interior’s main draws. In 1973, this package of options would have cost an extra $150 on a car that was already priced at $2500. It’s not likely that the Princess of Monaco ever floated the corniche across the Côte d’Azur in a Sportabout, but the mix of boats makes it more interesting. People like Grace Kelly and others bought scarves and handbags from Gucci, which made the company famous. The green paint looks great, but there are a few small flaws that can be seen. The most obvious are the holes in the plastic filler panel that sits between the rear bumper and the body. There might be an extra that fits, but it would take a long time to fix it up. The voltage regulator, rear main seal, oil pan gasket, timing cover gasket, dipstick tube, and battery were all changed by the current owner. This car was first listed on Bring a Trailer for $22,000, which is a lot more than what a normal Hornet would sell for. We’ll see if people are just as eager to spend their money this time, whether it’s for Gucci or not. That being said, this strange Sportabout is still a low-key way to make a statement at your local coffee and car meet. January 17 is the last day of this no-reserve sale.
