1974 AMC Matador 4-Door Sedan

Base Sedan

258 1-BBL I-6

Automatic

A4A157A470901

Clear

Gasoline

1974 AMC Matador 4-Door Sedan - 258 I-6 1bbl - 3-Speed Auto Up for auction is a 1974 AMC Matador 4-door sedan with a 258 I-6. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a three-speed automatic transmission. A lot of money has been invested in this car already, and it would make a good daily driver. Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain The car has been sitting for about 6 months, but before it sat, the following engine work was done: 1) new, NOS 1-barrel Carter YF carburetor; 2) rebuilt alternator; 2) new exhaust manifold; 3) reconditioned and painted radiator with new upper and lower hoses; 4) rebuilt water pump; and 5) rebuilt power steering pump. The points and condensor were replaced by a Pertronix Ignitor II electronic ignition with a new Pertronix Flamethrower coil. The valve cover gasket was replaced, but still leaks slightly (this is a recurring problem on these engines). All tune-up parts were replaced (plugs, wires, distributor cap, fuel filter, belts). The starter solenoid and oil sending unit were replaced. The engine starts up right away and runs strong, with no unusual noises. I connected a vacuum gauge to the engine, and it pulls a steady 20 at idle. The engine doesn't blow smoke. The transmission shifts well with no clunks or hesitation. The driveshaft is in good condition, and nothing is making any unusual noises. The rear differential does not leak and seems fine: it doesn't seem to make any noise. At some point, the rear main seal will need to be replaced. It drips only very slightly, even when the car is running. It must sit for a week or more before any oil is evident on the ground. Bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Body The car is absolutely rust free: all panels, floor pans, trunk pan, frame rails, and other parts of the body and underbody show no signs of rust. The paint is faded in areas, but good in others. The car does have dents: the most serious is on the rear passenger-side door. There is also a small dent on the roof. The other dents appear in the pictures. The hood has dings and dents in it:, and needs to be helped to close properly: if I was restoring the car further, it would probably be easier to replace the hood rather than repair it. All of the glass is there, intact, and in good shape, with no cracks or scratches. The "cat whiskers" and weatherstipping in the doors and trunk will need to be replaced. The doors, hood, and trunk open and close OK. The windows go up and down with the exception of the rear passenger-side window: the window is off its track. I have removed the door panel and put it back on track once before, but someone tried to roll it down, so it's off its track again. It's a simple fix, but annoying. Bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Brakes/Suspension/Exhaust The car has front disc brakes and rear drums. The master cylinder was replaced with a rebuilt unit. The front rotors were turned and are in good shape. The calipers were replaced with rebuilt units and new pads installed. Nothing was done to the rear brakes, as they are in excellent shape. The brakes stop the car well. The parking brake works well. The shocks, front and rear, have been replaced. The front upper and lower ball joints have been replaced. The exhaust system is new from the manifold back to the tailpipe, with a new muffler. The tires are in good shape, but after sitting for several months, may need to be inspected before driving any distance. Bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Interior The seats were reupholstered at some point: they are not correct (the car originally had vinyl seats), but look good are in excellent shape. The carpet is in good shape. The rear parcel shelf is sun faded and should be replaced. The door panels in their original vinyl trim: they are in good shape, but a previous owner installed speakers in them, and they could use a good cleaning. The dash pad is free of cracks. The steering wheel is in good shape, but the center hub is a little discolored. The face of the dash is in good shape. The gauges work well: the sending unit was replaced when the gas tank was removed for cleaning and sealing using the Renu process. The lights work properly: all interior and exterior bulbs that needed to be replaced were replaced. The car has an AM radio that is not connected to the speakers, but lights up with the dash lights. Bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Exterior The exterior trim is intact, with the exception of the rub strip that runs along each side of the car. The bumpers are in good shape. The grill has several slats missing from the driver's side. The car will need to be repainted as part of a restoration, but the paint is not bad for a daily driver. Bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Title Registration is current. The car has blue California plates that are original. Final Notes Again, bidders with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to inspect the car in person: a personal inspection can be arranged by calling Gilbert at 818-675-4105. Please look at the pictures carefully and ask questions before bidding. The winning bidder is required to provide a $500 deposit within 48 hours of the end of the auction; the car must then be picked up within 7 days unless other arrangements are made. Shipping is the buyer's responsibility, but I can help with driving the car to a convenient, nearby location for pickup by a tow truck or auto transport. The car can probably be driven if you live nearby, but because it's been sitting for a bit, I would give it a thorough inspection before driving it any great distance. Good luck!