title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: I-405 is the only major north–south freeway in the densely populated areas between West Los Angeles and Downtown, crossing the Santa Monica Mountains and connecting San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles basin. It is also a major connection for traffic en route to either the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, Los Angeles International Airport, or SoFi Stadium. By 2040, this corridor is estimated to increase by 35 percent and travel times reduced by 75 percent.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Another parallel freeway is proposed to connect the Valley and the LA basin (the Laurel Canyon Freeway or La Cienega Freeway), but has faced upper class home-owner opposition. Despite four years of construction disruptions, billions of dollars of public money, "LA Times" commentary claims traffic with the lane expansions is actually just as bad or worse.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Unlike some of the other major travel corridors in the region (such as I-5 which parallels the LOSSAN Corridor), I-405 has no rail-based public transit which parallels it along the west side of Orange and Los Angeles counties. There is a proposal for a Sepulveda Pass Transit Corridor which would parallel I-405 through Sepulveda Pass, one of the major bottlenecks on the route, which would ease congestion by providing an alternative to driving.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: I-405 was approved as a chargeable Interstate (in other words, an Interstate financed with federal funds) in 1955. Construction began in 1957 with the first section, mostly north of LAX Airport, completed in 1961 (signed as SR 7) followed by sections west of I-605 within the following few years. The highway was renumbered to I-405 during the 1964 renumbering. The final section covering most of Orange County opened in 1969. Construction required the already existing Mulholland Highway to be rerouted to the south along a new bridge, the Mulholland Drive Bridge, to span I-405.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: A section of I-405 was closed over the weekend of Friday, July 15, 2011 as part of the Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project. Before the closing, local radio DJs and television newscasts referred to it as "Carmageddon" and "Carpocalypse", parodying the notion of Armageddon and the Apocalypse, since it was anticipated that the closure would severely impact traffic. In reality, traffic was lighter than normal across a wide area. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reported that fewer vehicles used the roads than usual, and those who did travel by road arrived more quickly than on a normal weekend. The Metrolink commuter train system recorded its highest-ever weekend ridership since it began operating in 1991. Ridership was 50% higher than the same weekend in 2010, and 10% higher than the previous weekend ridership record, which occurred during the U2 360° Tour in June 2011. The "Los Angeles Times" on Sunday, July 17, 2011, featured comments and images of people enjoying the moment next to the 405 freeway with the free-flowing traffic.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: In response to jetBlue Airlines' offer of special flights between Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and Long Beach Airport, a distance of only , for $4, a group of cyclists did the same journey in one and a half hours, compared to two and a half hours by plane (including a drive to the airport from West Hollywood 90 minutes in advance of the flight and travel time to the end destination). There was also some debate about whether the Los Angeles area could benefit from car-free weekends regularly.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority then had full closure of a stretch of I-405 on the weekend of September 29–30, 2012, while construction crews worked to demolish a portion of the Mulholland Bridge.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles used the closure of I-405 to study particulate matter air pollution. The researchers took air samples before, during, and after the closure. The researchers found an 83% reduction in ultrafine particles, 55% reduction in fine particle matter, and 62% less black carbon.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: The $1 billion Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project added a high-occupancy vehicle lane and associated changes to freeway entrances, exits, and underpasses along a 10-mile stretch through the Sepulveda Pass between I-10 and U.S. 101/Ventura Boulevard. The project was completed as a design-build in contrast to the traditional design-bid-build used typically in infrastructure improvement. This section of I-405 was closed for a weekend in mid-July 2011 to demolish the Mulholland Drive Bridge, and a section was closed for the last weekend of September 2012.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Jamzilla was the name for the I-405 closure on President's Day Weekend 2014. There were lane closures and complete closures on I-405 starting February 14 at 10:00 p.m. until February 18 at 6:00 a.m. to pave and restripe the northbound lanes.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Proposed changes between the Manchester and Century Boulevard interchanges in the City of Inglewood are to provide a new southbound on-ramp and a new northbound off-ramp for Arbor Vitae Street, to reconstruct and widened the Arbor Vitae Street over-bridge and replace the Century Boulevard overcrossing structure. This work would reduce congestion on the approach to LAX. The California Department of Transportation has not yet issued a start date for this work.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: The Orange County Transportation Authority is currently adding a high-occupancy toll (HOT) express lane and one mixed flow lane in each direction between SR 73 in Costa Mesa and I-605 in Seal Beach. The I-405 Improvement Project started construction in 2018 and is planned to be completed by late 2023.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: The high-occupancy vehicle lanes that were constructed as part of the Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project are also proposed to be upgraded to express lanes by 2028.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: While dangerous high-speed chases along the San Diego Freeway are not uncommon, perhaps the most famous chase in its history was also one of the slowest. On the afternoon of June 17, 1994, former athlete and actor O. J. Simpson, who was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ron Goldman, took to the freeway in a white Ford Bronco (driven by former teammate Al Cowlings) with police in pursuit. A widely televised low-speed chase ensued and ended hours later when Simpson returned to his Brentwood, Los Angeles, home and surrendered to law enforcement.


title: Interstate 405 (California)

text: Ennis Cosby, the only son of Bill Cosby, was murdered near I-405 in Los Angeles on January 16, 1997, while fixing a flat tire.


title: Al Molinaro

text: Albert Francis Molinaro (born Umberto Francesco Molinaro; June 24, 1919 – October 30, 2015) was an American actor. He played Al Delvecchio on "Happy Days" and Officer Murray Greshler on "The Odd Couple". He also appeared in many television commercials, including On-Cor frozen dinners.


title: Al Molinaro

text: Umberto Francesco Molinaro was born and raised in the Columbus Park neighborhood of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the second-youngest of ten children of Raffaele and Teresa Molinaro, who had emigrated from Marano Principato in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy.


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro's father was a prominent tavern/restaurant/hotel owner, and a leader of the Kenosha Italian community who financially sponsored hundreds of Italians to immigrate to the United States. Molinaro's brother Joseph was Kenosha County's longest-serving district attorney and retired as a municipal judge, and his brother George served 30 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, including one session as Speaker.


title: Al Molinaro

text: At school Al discovered a talent for public speaking, although he struggled at high school, staying on an extra year to graduate. In 1940 he left home, taking a bus to seek fame and fortune as an actor in Los Angeles. In 1948, Molinaro married Jacquelin Martin, with whom he had a son, Michael. The couple divorced.


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro moved to California working in odd jobs on the edge of the television industry, finally saving enough money to start his own collection agency. He eventually sold his business and became interested in southern California real estate speculation. His investments paid off when one of his properties were purchased by a conglomerate which used the land to build a shopping mall which provided a windfall to launch a career in acting. As a result, he was financially independent when he decided to pursue his longtime dream of being an actor.


title: Al Molinaro

text: In the 1960s and 1970s, Molinaro studied acting and was offered guest roles and bit parts on television sitcoms, including "Bewitched", "Get Smart", "Green Acres" and "That Girl". He took an improvisation class, in which Penny Marshall was one of the other students. In 1970, Marshall introduced him to her brother, producer Garry Marshall, who offered Molinaro the role of police officer Murray Greshler on the television sitcom "The Odd Couple".


title: Al Molinaro

text: During this time he lived in a hotel in midtown New York City. "The first time I went to New York City", said his son Michael, "it was because he had moved there to do a number of commercials. He did not merely play a cop walking the beat on 'The Odd Couple'. He used to walk the streets of New York City and loved it." The show aired for five years until 1975.


title: Al Molinaro

text: In 1976, Molinaro was hired by Garry Marshall to replace Pat Morita on another sitcom he produced, "Happy Days". Molinaro's character was the owner of Arnold's malt shop, Al Delvecchio, who was known for the sighing catchphrase "Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah...". Happy Days was set in Milwaukee, in Al's home state of Wisconsin. It ran for eleven seasons, from 1974 to 1984. For one episode, "My Favorite Orkan," it was Molinaro who suggested Robin Williams be cast when the original guest player, John Byner, declined the role and thus gave the comedy legend his major opportunity to display his talent and become a major star.


title: Al Molinaro

text: In 1981, Molinaro remarried, to Betty Farrell. He left "Happy Days" in 1982, when tapped by Garry Marshall to play the Al Delvecchio role on the short-lived "Happy Days" spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi".


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro starred in a failed TV pilot called "The Ugily Family" (1982) as the patriarch of an unattractive clan who is constantly correcting mispronunciations of his surname as "ugly”.


title: Al Molinaro

text: In 1987, Molinaro and fellow "Happy Days" cast member Anson Williams opened a chain of diners called Big Al's. The business went defunct. He revealed in 1990 that he declined acting roles in movies offered to him by Garry Marshall. Molinaro said at the time, "I can't work in movies with Garry because I’m so square that I won’t be in a movie that has four-letter words in it. . . . That puts me pretty much totally out of films these days. . . . You get to a point where you don’t want to do just anything for the career. You gotta live with yourself". Starting in 1990, Molinaro played grandfather Joe Alberghetti on the CBS sitcom "The Family Man". The show was produced by Miller-Boyett Productions, which also produced "Happy Days".


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro was proud of his role on "Happy Days" and defended its anachronistic look as authentic and a genuine show that did not sentimentalize the past. Its success was down to syndication of the series into a franchise that was marketed around the world in many countries. Molinaro was a frequent guest on the "Don and Mike Show", a nationally syndicated radio show that aired from 1985 to 2008.


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro reprised his role as Al Delvecchio from "Happy Days" in Weezer's 1994 music video of the song "Buddy Holly", which was set in Arnold's diner. He introduced the band by saying, "Okay kids, Arnold's is proud to present Kenosha, Wisconsin's own Weezer!"


title: Al Molinaro

text: His somewhat laid-back laconic sideways glance at the humour led him to remark, In the industry, they used to consider us like a bubble-gum show. But I think they overlooked one thing. To the public in America "Happy Days" was an important show, and I think it still is.


title: Al Molinaro

text: He retired from acting in television and films in the early 1990s, but continued to appear in TV commercials until the early 2000s. He appeared in 42 commercials for On-Cor frozen foods between 1987 and 2003. He also starred in television advertisements for Cortaid hydrocortisone cream and Mr. Big paper products.


title: Al Molinaro

text: In reflecting on his acting career in 2004, Molinaro said, "I spent 20 years here before I got anything going...You’ve just got to be lucky and in the right place at the right time."


title: Al Molinaro

text: Molinaro died of complications from an infected gallbladder at a hospital in Glendale, California on October 30, 2015 at the age of 96. He was cremated.


title: Game controller

text: A game controller, gaming controller, or simply controller, is an input device used with video games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game, typically to control an object or character in the game. Before the seventh generation of video game consoles, plugging in a controller into one of a console's controller ports was the primary means of using a game controller, although since then they have been replaced by wireless controllers, which do not require controller ports on the console but are battery-powered. USB game controllers could also be connected to a computer with a USB port. Input devices that have been classified as game controllers include keyboards, mouses, gamepads, joysticks, etc. Special purpose devices, such as steering wheels for driving games and light guns for shooting games, are also game controllers.


title: Game controller

text: Controllers which are included with the purchase of a home console are considered as standard controllers, while those that are available to purchase from the console manufacturer or third-party offerings are considered peripheral controllers.


title: Game controller

text: Game controllers have been designed and improved over the years to be as user friendly as possible. The Microsoft Xbox controller, with its "shoulder triggers" that mimic actual triggers such as those found on guns, has become popular for shooting games. Some controllers are designed to be best for one type of game, such as steering wheels for driving games, or dance pads for dancing games.


title: Game controller

text: One of the first video game controllers was a simple dial and single button, used to control the game "Tennis for Two". Controllers have since evolved to include directional pads, multiple buttons, analog sticks, joysticks, motion detection, touch screens and a plethora of other features.


title: Game controller

text: Although gamepads are generally developed for use with consoles, they are also often used for PC gaming and mobile gaming. Modern controllers, such as Sony's DualShock 4 and Nintendo's Switch Pro Controller, support USB and Bluetooth, allowing them to be directly connected to most PCs. Older gamepads can be connected through the use of official or third-party adapters. Controllers typically require the installation of device drivers to be used on contemporary personal computers. The device may be directly supported, or it may require the use of a specialized program which maps controller inputs to mouse and keyboard inputs. Examples of this kind of software include JoyToKey, Xpadder, and antimicro, which is free, open-source, and cross-platform.


title: Game controller

text: Some controllers are specially designed for usage outside of consoles. In this case, support for mapping to different devices is built into the controller itself, such as with the Nostromo SpeedPad n52, which can act as either a keyboard, mouse, or joystick; or with the Samsung Android GamePad, designed for use with Android mobile phones.


title: Game controller

text: The usage of gamepads over the mouse and keyboard has been referred to as a "debate," with players of MMORPGs, RTS games, and first-person shooters tending to prefer the mouse and keyboard due to the wider variety of inputs and the high precision of the mouse when compared to an analog stick.


title: Grievances of the United States Declaration of Independence

text: The 27 grievances is a section from the United States Declaration of Independence. The Second Continental Congress's Committee of Five drafted the document listing their grievances with the actions and decisions of King George III with regard to the Colonies in North America. The Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to adopt and issue the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.


text: Historians have noted the similarities between John Locke's works and the context of the grievances. Historical precedents such as the "Magna Carta" and The Bill of Rights 1689, had established the principle that the King was not to interfere with the Rights of Englishmen held by the people. In the view of the American colonies, the King had opposed the very purpose of governance by opposing laws deemed necessary for the public good.


text: The Colonial assemblies passed various legislation, including ones on governing their slaves, creating colonial currencies, and requesting representatives to be sent to the British Parliament. However, the King withheld his approval. Henry Seymour Conway, the Secretary of State for the Southern Department, informed the Americans that Parliament would not pursue legal action against colonists who had actively protested against the Stamp Acts, provided that the assemblies would pay for any damage to public property. In complying with this demand, the Assembly of Massachusetts stated it would be "wholesome and necessary for the public good" to grant a blanket pardon to all who had been engaged in the protests, and passed the act. However, George III refused to ratify it.


text: Self-governance was at the heart of the Founding Fathers' concerns, and each time George III refused to ratify Colonial legislation, he intensified that concern. History professor Steven Pincus states the first grievance is "extremely important" as some colonies passed measures intended to slow the pace of slavery. Any time such laws were introduced by local assemblies, they "were routinely vetoed by the Board of Trade, the Secretary of State, and King George III".


text: This is an indictment of the King's appointed governors in the colonies, who had refused to endorse laws colonists viewed as conducive to the public good. The Massachusetts


text: "Neglect" is one of two reasons mentioned by John Locke as a valid reason for a dissolved government.


text: Chapter 19 of Two Treatises of Government notes that "when such a single person, or prince, sets up his own arbitrary will, in place of the laws, which are the will of the society, declared by the legislative, then the legislative is changed." Locke lists changing the legislature without the people's knowledge or consent as another situation that justifies reform of government.


text: On May 20, 1774, Parliament passed the Massachusetts Government Act, which nullified the Massachusetts Charter of 1691 and allowed governor Thomas Gage to dissolve the local provincial assembly and force them to meet in Salem.


text: The Massachusetts Assembly issued a circular to other Assemblies in 1768 urging mutual co-operation in asserting the principle that Great Britain had no right to tax the colonists without their consent. The King then demanded that the Assembly rescind the resolutions expressed in the circular, and he ordered the governor to dissolve the Massachusetts Assembly immediately if they refused. Other assemblies were warned by the Government not to imitate Massachusetts, and the King dissolved any that refused to yield to their royally appointed governors. The North Carolina General Assembly and Virginia General Assembly were dissolved for denying the right of the King to tax the colonies or to extradite Americans from the colonies to stand trial. Several assemblies discussed forming a general Congress with delegates from all the colonies in 1774, and the King dissolved nearly all those that entertained the idea. The Virginia House of Burgesses had implemented five resolutions, however, attempted to rescind the fifth on the 31st of May, 1765. As the papers had already printed their implementation, Royal Governor Francis Fauquier dissolved the House for adopting the resolutions.


text: The Assembly of New York refused to comply with the provisions of the Mutiny Act in 1766, so Parliament passed the New York Restraining Act 1767 which suspended the Assembly's legislative authority. John Dickinson discusses the suspension of New York's assembly in "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania".


text: The Assembly of Massachusetts was dissolved in July 1768, and was not permitted to meet again until the last Wednesday of May 1769; even then, they found a military guard surrounding their meeting location with cannons pointed directly at it.


text: There had been a large influx of German immigrants immigrating to America, and the King wanted to discourage such immigration. The Government was concerned over the increasing power of the colonies and the widespread popularity of republican ideals among German immigrants. After the peace of 1763, few people settled west of the Alleghenies due to these restrictions, and immigration had almost ceased by the time of the revolution.


text: Parliament deprived the people of Massachusetts the right to elect their judges in 1774. Instead, the King appointed all the colony's judges, and they were dependent on him for their salaries and subject to his directions—and those salaries came from taxes and duties on the colonists. The same act deprived the colonists of the benefit of trial by jury, and the "administration of justice" was obstructed. Other colonies expressed similar grievances concerning the courts of law.


text: Judges and royally appointed governors did not depend upon the colonists for their income; they drew their salaries from the King, and the American colonists saw that this led their officers to sympathize with Parliament but not with the colonies. The Colonial assemblies protested against these measures, leading to the formation of the Committees of correspondence in 1774.


text: When Chief Justice Oliver declared it to be his intention to receive his salary from the crown, the Assembly proceeded to impeach him and petitioned Governor Thomas Hutchinson for his removal. The governor refused compliance and great irritation ensued.


text: After the passage of the Stamp Act, stamp distributors were appointed in every considerable town. In 1766 and 1767, acts for the collection of duties created "swarms of officers", all of whom received high salaries; and when in 1768, admiralty and vice-admiralty courts were established on a new basis, an increase in the number of officers was made. The high salaries and extensive perquisites of all of these were paid with the people's money, and thus "swarms of officers" "ate out their substance."


text: In 1763, Britain and France signed the Treaty of Paris to end the Seven Years' War. Parliament realized they needed to keep a permanent army in the American colonies in order both to keep the French from reasserting their control of their former territories and to prevent open warfare between the colonists and the Native Americans along the frontier. Although the colonists initially welcomed the protection provided by the soldiers by the 1760s and early 1770s they had increasingly come to see the army as a tool for Parliament to enforce various revenue acts—e.g. the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts—that many colonists viewed as illegitimate. The last straw came in 1774 when Parliament passed the Quartering Act in response to the Boston Tea Party. This act allowed army officers to appropriate private property to quarter their troops without the consent of the property's owners. When General Thomas Gage occupied Boston in September 1774, he relied on this act to quarter his troops. It was Gage's military occupation of Boston that led the Second Continental Congress to include this grievance in the Declaration of Independence.


text: Upon his arrival at Boston in 1774, Thomas Gage – commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America – assumed control of the civil government as royal governor of Massachusetts. Both offices were held by royal appointment and without the approval of the people or the provincial government of Massachusetts. This was done according to the authority of Parliament (see: Massachusetts Government Act) in which the colonies were not represented. The purpose of this arrangement was to enforce the payment of customs, quell insurrection and resistance, and execute punitive measures. The Continental Congress considered that the police power of the state had been removed from accountability to the people of the province or their local, duly-elected leaders and could thus be used despotically to further the unjust policies imposed by the crown.


text: The ""others"" with whom the King is thus said to have combined were the members of Parliament, the existence of which as a legally constituted body possessing authority over them the Americans thus refused even by implication to recognize. This was due to the establishment of a Board of Trade, to act independently of colonial legislation through its creatures (resident commissioners of customs) in the enforcement of revenue laws. This was altogether foreign to the constitution of any of the colonies and produced great indignation. The establishment of this power and the remodelling of the admiralty courts to exclude trial by jury therein, in most cases rendered the government fully obnoxious to the charge in the text. The people felt their degradation under such petty tyranny and resolved to spurn it. It was effectually done in Boston, and the government, after all its bluster, was obliged to recede. In 1774, the members of the council of Massachusetts (answering to our Senate), were, by a Parliamentary enactment, chosen by the king, to hold the office during his pleasure. Almost unlimited power was also given to the governor, and the people were indeed subjected to "a jurisdiction foreign to their constitution" by these members of royalty.


text: In 1765, Parliament passed an amendment to the Mutiny Act commonly referred to as the Quartering Act. It allowed soldiers stationed in the colonies to request shelter from any citizen, and created the punishment for refusal.


text: In 1768, two citizens of Annapolis, in Maryland, died in a violent dispute against a group of Marines. The trial was controversial; and in the face of overwhelming evidence against them, the defendants were acquitted.


text: In the years leading up to the American Revolution, the Navigation Acts had been passed to control trade with the colonies of Spain and France, hindering significant sources of revenue for the American colonists.


text: In addition to the revenue taxes imposed from and were attempted to be collected utilizing writs of assistance, the Stamp Act was passed, and duties upon paper, painters' colors, glass, tea, and many other goods, were levied. This worsened tension between the colonists and the government, as most colonists believed that representation was needed as a justification for being taxed, and the Government was continually always trying to pay off debt from the Seven Years' War.


text: After these functionaries were driven from Boston in 1768, an act was passed that placed violations of the revenue laws under the jurisdiction of the admiralty courts, where the offenders were tried, but the prosecutors were biased towards the crown.


text: On the fifteenth of April, 1774, Lord North introduced a bill in Parliament, entitled "A bill for the impartial administration of justice in the cases of persons questioned for any acts done by them in the execution of the laws, or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England." This bill, known as the Administration of Justice Act, provided that in case any person indicted for murder in that province, or any other capital offence, or an indictment for riot, the resistance of the magistrate, or impeding the revenue laws in the smallest degree, he might, at the option of the Governor, or, in his absence, of the Lieutenant Governor, be taken to another colony, or transported from the colonies, for trial.


text: The bill met violent opposition in parliament. The minister seemed to be actuated more by a spirit of retaliation, than by a conviction of the necessity of such a measure. "We must show the Americans," said he, "that we will no longer sit quietly under their insults; and also, that even when roused, our measures are not cruel or vindictive, but necessary and efficacious." Colonel Barre denounced the bill in unmeasured terms. "This," said he, "is indeed the most extraordinary resolution that was ever heard in the Parliament of England. It offers new encouragement to military insolence, already so insupportable".


text: In that case, it shall and may be lawful for the governor, or lieutenant-governor, to direct, with the advice and consent of the council, that the inquisition, indictment, or appeal, shall be tried in some other of his Majesty's colonies, or Great Britain.


text: This refers to the Quebec Act of 1774 which expanded the use of French civil law in Quebec (as compared to English common law) and expanded Canadian borders into what is now the Midwestern states of the United States.


text: This is a reiteration of a charge already considered, and refers to the alteration of the Massachusetts charter, to make judges and other officers independent of the people, and subservient to the crown. The governor was empowered to remove and appoint all inferior judges, the attorney-generals, provost-marshals, and justices of the peace, and to appoint sheriffs independent of the council. As the sheriffs chose jurors, trial by jury became mostly nonexistent. The people had hitherto been allowed, by their charter, to select jurors; now the entire matter was placed in the hands of the government.


text: This, too, is another phase of the charge just considered. Suppression occurred of the Legislature of New York, and in several cases, the governors, after dissolving Colonial Assemblies, assumed the right to make proclamations stand in the place of statute law. Lord Dunmore assumed this right in 1775, and so did Sir James Wright of Georgia, and Lord William Campbell of South Carolina.


text: In his message to Parliament early in 1775, George III declared the colonists to be in a state of open rebellion; and by sending armies to the Americas, he "abdicated government," by thus declaring them no longer under his protection. Shortly after, the Prohibitory Act was passed by Parliament. He sanctioned the acts of governors in employing Native Americans to quell his rebellion, and negotiated the hiring of German soldiers.


text: John Adams said of the Prohibitory act: "It throws thirteen colonies out of the royal protection, levels all distinctions, and makes us independent in spite of our supplications and entreaties ... It may be fortunate that the act of independency should come from the British Parliament rather than the American Congress."


text: Lord Dunmore ordered the seizure of several American merchant vessels, and several naval assaults were made upon the colonies, disrupting the affected towns.


text: The hiring of German soldiers for use against the Thirteen Colonies was seen as an outrage by the Americans.


text: An act of Parliament, passed toward the close of December 1775, authorized the capture of all American vessels, and also directed the treatment of the crews of armed vessels to be impressed and not kept prisoners of war. This act was condemned on the floor of Parliament as unworthy of a Christian people, and "a refinement of cruelty unknown among savage nations."


text: This was done in several instances. Dunmore was charged with a design to employ Native Americans (derogatorily called "savages") against the Virginians as early as 1774. Dunmore's Proclamation in November, 1775, encouraged a slave rebellion against colonial masters. He was also concerned with Governor Gage and others, and under instructions from the Government Ministry, ordered the Shawnee and other native inhabitants of the Ohio country to fight against the colonists. Emissaries were also sent among the Cherokee and Muscogee for the same purpose; and all of the tribes of the Six Nations, except the Oneida, fought against the colonists when the war began.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The AMC Hornet is a compact automobile, manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) and made from 1970 through 1977 — in two- and four-door sedan, station wagon, and hatchback coupe configurations. The Hornet replaced the compact Rambler American line, marking the end of the Rambler marque in the American and Canadian markets.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Hornets were marketed in foreign markets and were assembled under license agreements between AMC — for example, with Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM), Australian Motor Industries (AMI), and by Toyota S.A. Ltd. in South Africa.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet became important for the automaker in being a top seller during its production as well as a car platform serving the company in varying forms through the 1988 model year. Introduced in 1969, AMC earned a high rate return for its development investment for the Hornet. The platform became the basis for AMC's subcompact Gremlin, luxury compact Concord, liftback and sedan Spirit, and the innovative all-wheel drive AMC Eagle. It would also outlast the compact platforms from the competition, including the Chevrolet Nova, Ford Maverick, and Plymouth Valiant.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The AMC Hornet served as an experimental platform for alternative fuel and other automotive technologies. Hornets were campaigned in various motorsports events with some corporate support. A hatchback model also starred in an exceptional stunt jump in the 1974 James Bond film: "The Man with the Golden Gun".


title: AMC Hornet

text: Hudson introduced the first Hudson Hornet in 1951. The automaker formed a stock car racing team centered on the car, and the "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" soon became famous for its wins and stock-car title sweeps between 1951 and 1954.


title: AMC Hornet

text: American Motors retained rights to the 'Hornet' name during Automotive Manufacturer Association ban on factory-supported racing from 1957 until 1962, and was dormant from 1958 to 1969. The rights to the "Hornet" nameplate then passed to Chrysler with that company's acquisition of AMC in 1987.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet's styling was based on the AMC Cavalier and Vixen show cars. The Hornet, as well as the Ford Maverick, were considered a response by the domestic automakers to battle with the imports.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Development of the new model took AMC three years, a million man-hours, and US$40 million. The Hornet was an all-new design. An all-new front suspension with anti-brake dive was developed for AMC's large-sized "senior" 1970 models, and instead of developing lighter components for the new compact-size platform, the same parts were incorporated into the Hornet. The design incorporated AMC's numerous innovative features and groundbreaking ideas.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Introduced in 1969 for the 1970 model year, the Hornet was the first car in a line of new models that AMC would introduce over the following three years, and it set the tone for what designer Dick Teague and chief executive officer Roy D. Chapin, Jr., had in mind for the company for the 1970s. AMC Hornet continued the maker's role as a "niche" marketer specializing in small cars. It also became one of AMCs best sellers.


title: AMC Hornet

text: With its manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$1,994 for the base model, the Hornet was an economical small family car. The Hornet's wheelbase platform (two inches or 5.08 centimeters longer than its predecessor, the Rambler American) evolved into a number of other models (including the four-wheel-drive Eagle) and was produced through 1988. The Hornet was initially available in a choice of two thrifty straight-six engines or a V8.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet was offered as a two-door and four-door notchback sedan in its introductory year. The hardtop (no "B" pillar) coupe body style was not continued from the 1969 Rambler American.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In April 1970, a mid-model year introduction used the Hornet as the basis for the AMC Gremlin, which consisted of the front half of the two-door Hornet's body and a truncated rear section with a window hatchback.


title: AMC Hornet

text: A four-door station wagon variant named the "Sportabout" was added to the 1971 lineup. It featured a steeply raked hatchback rather than a traditional station wagon tailgate. American Motors was careful not to describe the new body style as a traditional station wagon. Advertising emphasized that "it's not much a station wagon as it is a sporty car with cargo space" and that the Sportabout is in a class by itself because it "combines fun with function."


title: AMC Hornet

text: Also for 1971, the SC/360 was added. This was a V8 powered compact muscle car that was available only as a two-door sedan. (The tire pressure sticker on the first 1970 models hinted at the SC/360). For 1973, a semi-fastback hatchback coupe with fold-down rear seats was added to the lineup.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In 1973 a Levi's Jeans trim package – based on the world-famous jeans manufacturer – was added. The Levi's trim package was popular and was available for several years. The Hornet station wagon version was offered for two model years with a luxury trim package designed by Italian fashion designer Dr. Aldo Gucci. It is notable for being one of the first American cars to offer an upscale fashion "designer" trim level.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The AMC Hornet was also the first U.S.-made automobile to feature guardrail beam doors to protect occupants in the event of a side impact.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet was phased out after 1977 and transformed into a new "luxury compact" line of automobiles, the AMC Concord. The Hornet's rear-wheel drive platform also served as the basis of the innovative "crossover" all-wheel drive line of models, the AMC Eagle that was introduced in 1979.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Introduced in September 1969, the first year Hornets came in "base" and higher trim SST models, and in 2 and 4-door sedans. The straight-6 engine was standard on the base models with the standard on the SST. The V8 engine was optional.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The annual new car issue of "Popular Science" introduced the 1970 model by entitling its article: "Rambler is dead – long live the Hornet!" The authors not only compared the new Hornet with the outgoing Rambler American, but also with its primary competition, the Ford Maverick and finding the Hornet better to Ford's new model in several factors that are significant to consumers, as well as "certainly superior among economy cars" in ride-and-handling and "way ahead" in performance.


title: AMC Hornet

text: "Popular Mechanics" magazine road tested a SST model with V8 engine and automatic transmission and summarized the findings in the article's sub-title: "it has a lot of good things in a not-too-small package."


title: AMC Hornet

text: "Popular Science" magazine conducted a comparison road test of four of the lowest-priced U.S. cars (AMC Hornet, Ford Maverick, Plymouth Duster, and Chevrolet Nova) describing the 1970 Hornet offering more interior and trunk room, excellent visibility in all directions, achieved the highest fuel economy, needed the optional disk brakes, and the authors concluded that it was the "practical family car ... better value than any of the others".


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1971 model year was the introduction of the Sportabout, a 4-door wagon using a steeply sloped back design with a single liftgate-type hatch. The styling was well-executed to appear muscular and purposeful while the liftgate-type station wagon appeared revolutionary in an era of traditional and upright rear tailgates. All featured a "Sportabout" emblem at the rear of the bodysides.


title: AMC Hornet

text: A marketing promotion in the Spring made available a new fabric folding sunroof on specially equipped Hornets, as well as on the Gremlin. The opening roof feature was included with the purchase of whitewall tires, custom wheel covers, pinstripes or rally stripes, a light group, and a special visibility group.


title: AMC Hornet

text: A notable addition was the SC/360 version, a compact 2-door muscle car that was intended as a follow-up to the 1969 SC Rambler. Powered by the AMC's V8, the SC was distinguished by styled wheels, body striping, individual fully reclining front seats as well as other performance and appearance upgrades. In standard form, with two-barrel carburetor, the 360 produced (gross) and was priced at just US$2,663 (about $40 below the 1971 Plymouth Duster 340). This combination was offered by AMC to achieve a 12.5:1 weight to horsepower ratio for insurance rate calculations.


title: AMC Hornet

text: With the addition of the $199 "Go" package's four-barrel carburetor and ram-air induction, the SC's power increased to . Optional in place of the standard three-speed was a Hurst-shifted GM Borg-Warner Super T10 four-speed, or an automatic transmission. Goodyear Polyglas D70x14 blackwall tires were standard, with upgrades including white lettered tires, a heavy-duty suspension package, and the Spicer "Twin-Grip" limited slip differential with 3.54:1 or 3.90:1 gears.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Although the SC/360 could not compete with the holdover big-engined muscle cars, the SC combined respectable quickness (0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and the quarter mile (1320 feet, 402 m) dragstrip in 14.9 at with a taut suspension, big tires, and modest size; thus "Motor Trend" magazine described it as "just a plain gas to drive ... it handles like a dream." "Hot Rod" magazine ran the 1/4 mile an SC/360 with automatic transmission weighing in 14.80 seconds at 94.63 mph in "bone-stock form" and predicted that high 13s could be achieved "with little more than a rejet and recurve of the carb and distributor." The authors also praised the car's handling and braking by summarizing: "Unbelievable. I think it's some great little car!" "Car Craft" magazine testers bolted on better tires, headers, and traction bars to run the 1/4 mile in 13.78 seconds at .


title: AMC Hornet

text: The muscle car market segment reached the height of popularity in 1970, but the combination of rising fuel and insurance prices along with emerging emissions reductions meant the end of an era. American Motors originally planned to build as many as 10,000 of the cars, but high insurance premiums killed the SC/360 after a single year's production of just 784 examples. A total of 304 were built with the now-preferred combination of a 4-speed manual transmission and a 4-barrel carburetor.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Sportabout, on the other hand, was the most popular model by far, outselling all other Hornet models combined in its debut year. For most of its production, it was the only American-made station wagon in its size class.


title: AMC Hornet

text: American Motors established a new focus on quality with the 1972 model year. The "Buyer Protection Plan", was the industry's innovative 12-month or comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper warranty. This was an industry first that included providing a loaner car as well as trip-interruption protection, all at a time when most automakers offered only a limited six-month warranty on their new cars. During that time, "long-term accountability was something that automakers on any continent attempted to avoid."


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1972 AMC Buyer Protection Plan was possible due to numerous mechanical upgrades to increase durability, as well as a focus on quality in sourcing and production. Production quality was increased as well as pre-delivery preparation by the dealer that includes "230 inspections and the road test each car ... to find any problems before the car is delivered, so the customer will not have to come back later."


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1972 Hornet was promoted by AMC as "a Tough Little Car". American Motors promised to repair anything wrong with the car (except for the tires), owners were provided with a toll-free telephone number to the company and a free loaner car if a warranty repair took overnight.


title: AMC Hornet

text: To consolidate AMC's product offering, reduce production costs, and offer more value to consumers, the base models were dropped and all 1972 Hornets were designated as "SST" trim. The single SST version of the 2-door and 4-door sedans, as well as the Sportabout station wagon, offered more items standard than the previous year's base model at about the same price. Electric windshield wipers and washers replaced the standard vacuum-operated units. With no stripped-down basic models, all Hornets now came with comfort and convenience items that most consumers expected. For the first time, an AM/FM monaural radio was added to the options list.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Other changes included dropping the SC/360 compact muscle car, but the two-barrel version of the remained optional in addition to the V8 engine. For those desiring more performance, a four-barrel carburetor was a dealer-installed option on the 360 V8. Automatic transmissions were now the TorqueFlites sourced from Chrysler, and AMC called it the "Torque-Command".


title: AMC Hornet

text: New for 1972 was the "X" package that attempted to replicate the success AMC had had with this trim option on the 1971 Gremlin. The Hornet X trim package was available on the two-door sedan and the new Sportabout. It could be ordered with any of the available I6 and V8 engines and included rally stripes, "X" emblems, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and 14 x 6-inch slot-style steel road wheels with C78 x 14 Polyglas blackwall tires. A performance-oriented "Rallye" package was also introduced. It included among other items: special lower body stripes, a full-synchromesh three-speed manual gearbox with floor shift, bucket seats, handling package, front disc brakes, 20.1 quick-ratio manual steering, and a sports steering wheel. It was possible to order both the Rallye and the X-package.


title: AMC Hornet

text: "Motor Trend" magazine tested a V8 Hornet in 1972, measuring performance from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds flat and the 1/4-mile dragstrip in 16.8 seconds at . These were virtually equal to the V8 Chevrolet Nova that was tested in the same issue.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1972 Hornet was one of the first American cars to offer a special luxury trim package created by a fashion designer. The "special interiors were stylish and unlike anything the industry had seen before, helping secure the company's reputation as a design leader."


title: AMC Hornet

text: Named for Italian fashion designer Dr. Aldo Gucci, the Gucci package was offered only on the Sportabout, the four-door wagon with a single sloping hatch replacing the then traditional window/tailgate door. The option included special beige-colored upholstery fabrics on thickly padded seats and inside door panels (with red and green striping) along with Gucci logo emblems and a choice of four exterior colors: Snow White; Hunter Green; Grasshopper Green, and Yuca Tan. The Gucci model proved to be a success, with 2,583 produced in 1972 (and 2,252 more for 1973) Sportabouts so equipped.


title: AMC Hornet

text: AMC also produced a one-off Sportabout for Gucci's personal use. The car was powered by a 5-litre V8 engine and had a three-speed automatic transmission. The interior featured leather was door panels, cargo area as well as the front and rear center armrests. The doors and custom-designed bucket seats received red and green striped inserts. The instrument panel was given a centrally located, pull-out writing desk, graced with a scribbler and a sterling silver bamboo pen. A map light at the end of a flexible arm extended from the right side of the desk, the left carried a vanity mirror, also on a flex stem. The back of the front seats popped open. The one on the passenger's side served as a snack table or provided a flat surface for playing games. The compartment behind the driver concealed a miniature liquor cabinet, complete with four sterling silver tumbles and two decanters—all decorated with red and green enamel stripes.


title: AMC Hornet

text: American Motors followed this designer influence in successive years with the Cardin Javelin in 1973 and the Cassini Matador in 1974, but there were no new signature designer versions after those. This trim package concept inspired other automakers – including Ford's luxury marque, Lincoln in 1976 – to offer packages styled by other famous fashion designers.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In 1972, AMC's Canadian Brampton Assembly plant produced a two-door Hornet that was marketed only in Canada as the limited edition Green Hornet to "cash in on the popular Green Hornet hero."


title: AMC Hornet

text: In addition to being painted green, the model included a "Baja" grain vinyl-covered roof and came standard with sport-styled wheel covers, and whitewall tires. The I6 engine was standard along with a three-speed Torque-Command automatic transmission. Options included bucket seats, body side stripes, and the I6 or V8 engine. Production was limited to 300 of this special model.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The biggest visible changes among all AMC automobiles for the 1973 model year were to the Hornet line and its new model, a two-door hatchback. "Car and Driver" magazine called it "the styling coup of 1973". Other changes included a new front-end design and bodywork with a V-shaped grille, a slightly recessed and longer hood, and longer peaked front fenders. The facelift incorporated a new stronger and larger energy-absorbing recoverable front bumper system with a horizontal rubber strip that met the new no-damage at NHTSA safety legislation. The rear also received a new bumper with twin vertical rubber guards, but the 5 mph unit (matching the front) was optional. The overall length of the Hornet increased .


title: AMC Hornet

text: For the 1973 model year, the SST designation was dropped from the Hornet line, and all were simply called Hornet. The newly introduced two-door hatchback incorporated a fold-down rear seat for increased cargo volume from . An optional hinged floor made a hidden storage space that housed a temporary use "space-saver" spare tire, and created a flat load area totaling .


title: AMC Hornet

text: The new hatchback was available with a Levi's bucket seat interior trim option that was actually made of spun nylon fabric, rather than real cotton denim, to comply with flammability standards as well as offer greater wear and stain resistance. The interior included copper Levi's rivets, traditional contrasting stitching, and the Levi's tab on both the front seatbacks, as well as unique door panels with Levis trim with removable map pockets and "Levi's" decals on the front fenders.


title: AMC Hornet

text: An optional dealer accessory was available to convert the open hatchback area into a recreational vehicle or camper with mosquito net windows. The Mini-Camper Kit converted an open hatchback into a camping compartment and enough room for sleeping with the rear seat folded down. The “Mini-Camper” was a weatherproof covering that fitted over the roof section from the B-pillar back to the rear bumper that was easy to set up.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The two- and four-door sedan models were carried over while the Sportabout wagon received a new optional upscale "D/L" package. This trim package included exterior woodgrain bodyside decal panels, a roof rack with a rear air deflector, and individual reclining seats upholstered in plush cloth. The Gucci edition wagon was continued for one more year with five exterior color choices. The "X" package was now available only for the Sportabout and hatchback. It included color-coordinated "rally" side stripes, 14 x 6-inch slot-style steel wheels with C78 x 14 Goodyear Polyglas tires, an "X" emblem, and a sports steering wheel.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Engines incorporated new emissions controls and the choices on all Hornet models included two I6s, the standard or a version, as well as two V8s, the base or the . Any Hornet model could be ordered with the two-barrel 360 engine and automatic transmission. Demand for classic muscle car cars had disappeared by 1973, but the Hornet was a relatively light car and was a "mildly spirited performer" in stock form with the new emissions gear. A Hornet hatchback with the 360 V8 was tested by "Car and Driver". The 0-60 time was 8.4 seconds with a 3.15 rear axle ratio and the magazine noted that the Hornet hatchback was "...so good that AMC is sure to finally lose its underdog status."


title: AMC Hornet

text: A comparison road test by "Popular Science" selected the most "trend-setting" and "deluxe compacts" with V8 engines. The Hornet hatchback model was described as "one of the most modern cars on the market" and the and automatic transmission-equipped Hornet hatchback recorded 0-60 acceleration 12.1 seconds and fuel economy. Another "Popular Science" road test of compact four-door sedans compaed the AMC Hornet , Ford Maverick , Chevrolet Nova , and Plymouth Valiant . The Hornet was described as having an interior 'filled with features to make riding and driving more enjoyable" as well as good braking, handling, and maneuverability. The test car's V8 "beat all the competition for best acceleration, and then beat them again in fuel economy."


title: AMC Hornet

text: Research sponsored by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to improve front and side crashworthiness was first applied into production compact vehicles starting with the 1973 Hornet, which included stronger doors designed to withstand penetration in the first of crush.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Spurred by AMC's success in its strategy of improving product quality, and an advertising campaign focusing on "we back them better because we build them better", the automaker achieved record profits. American Motors' comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan" warranty was expanded for the 1973 models to cover lodging expenses should a car require overnight repairs when the owner is away from home.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Suggested prices began at $2,298 for the base model two-door sedan with the more popular new hatchback going for $2,449.


title: AMC Hornet

text: All four versions of the Hornet were mostly carryovers in 1974, with minimal trim changes. The front bumper lost its full-width vinyl rub strip but gained two rubber-faced bumper guards. A larger energy-absorbing rear bumper was added to meet new front and rear safety standards requiring the license plate to be moved up to a position between the taillights. The design of these bumpers has been evaluated as not detracting from the Hornet's styling compared to some used by the competition.


title: AMC Hornet

text: New inertial-reel seat/shoulder belts were standard. Additionally, the NHTSA required all new cars to include an inexpensive technology called a "seat belt interlock mechanism" for front-seat passengers to buckle up before the engine would start. However, Congress quickly passed a law killing the interlock mechanism and ordering that the warning sound indicating an unsecured front seat passenger could last no more than eight seconds.


title: AMC Hornet

text: A review by "Popular Science" of the 1974 cars and achieving fuel economy described the Hornet Sportabout as the only domestic built compact station wagon and they "give it our highest recommendation."


title: AMC Hornet

text: Marketing of the 1974 Hornet included placement as a lead vehicle in a James Bond movie "The Man With The Golden Gun" which included a chase scene with a red hatchback jumping a broken bridge. All Hornet body styles saw sales gains compared to the previous year.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Focusing on the new Pacer, AMC kept the Hornet mostly the same. A new grille with vertical grating was the primary change. A new "Touring Package" included special upholstery and luxury features. In a return to its philosophy of economical compact cars, AMC emphasized its comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan" warranty in marketing the Hornets.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Six-cylinder Hornets could be ordered with a new British supplied Laycock de Normanville "J-type" overdrive. Optional on cars with a manual three-speed transmission, the unit was controlled by a pushbutton at the end of the turn signal stalk. The overdrive unit engages automatically at speeds above and drops out at . It also included an accelerator pedal kickdown switch for faster passing.


title: AMC Hornet

text: All U.S. market Hornets featured catalytic converters and now required gasoline without tetraethyl lead. "Unleaded Fuel Only" warnings were displayed on both the fuel gauge and on a decal by the fuel filler. Consumers complained loudly about the 1974 "mandatory seat belt" system, and it was replaced in 1975 with a simple reminder buzzer and light.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The U.S. economy was experiencing inflation, and new car sales fell for all the automakers. The industry sold 8.2 million units, a drop of more than 2.5 million from the record pace in 1973. Sales of the Hornet also suffered.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In its sixth year as a carryover, AMC priced the sedan and hatchback at the same identically, with the Sportabout slightly higher. That year, the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare were introduced; the line included a station wagon, ending AMC's monopoly on domestic compact-sized wagons.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet line was mostly unchanged for 1977 with improvements made to engines and transmissions for increased fuel efficiency and the effects of new nitrogen oxides (NO) emission standards. All 3-speed manual transmissions were now on the floor. A new "AMX" model also appeared.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In fall 1977, the Hornet was re-engineered and restyled to become the 1978 Concord and helped establish the "luxury compact" market segment. With its upgraded design, components, and more standard features, the new Concord was moved upscale from the economy-focused Hornet. Changes to the AMC's "junior" platform made the new Concord more comfortable and desirable to buyers seeking an image of luxury, as well as greater value.


title: AMC Hornet

text: A new sports-oriented model, the AMX, was introduced to appeal to young, performance-oriented car buyers. This model marked the return of a famous name that evoked AMC's original AMX two-seat sports car. It was one of the revived muscle cars by the domestic automakers. The AMX was available only as a hatchback with the six or the V8 engine (automatic only) featuring a floor-shifted four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Standard was an upgraded black or tan interior with a floor console, "rally" instrumentation with tachometer, and a "soft-feel" sports steering wheel.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet AMX "looked the part of a true performance car" with its standard spoilers, airfoils, and body-colored rear window louvers. It was available in only four exterior colors. The Alpine White, Firecracker Red, Sunshine Yellow, or Lime Green colors included matching painted bumpers with a wraparound rubber guard strip, bodyside rubber guard strip, and contrasting AMX model identification bodyside decals ahead of the rear wheels. The exterior featured a front spoiler integrated into the front lower fender extensions, rear lower fender flares, sport-styled road wheels, brushed aluminum "Targa top" band over the B-pillars and roof, blacked-out grille, door and quarter frames, rear lower panel, and left and right outside mirrors. Options included bright aluminum road wheels and a large Hornet-graphic decals on the hood and a smaller one on the decklid. In addition to the standard upholstery colors, the Levi's interior was optional, but only 100 Hornet AMX models were so equipped. A regional "California Edition" was available with "C.E." decals on the front fenders and an optional Audiovox stereo system.


title: AMC Hornet

text: "Popular Science" road tested the AMC Hornet AMX , Ford Mustang II Cobra II , Chevrolet Monza Spyder , and Plymouth Volare Road Runner noting that "in looks and performance they remind of, but don't match, yesterday's tire-burning rockets" and serve as "image cars" to what are "otherwise a sedate group of high-production compacts" for the fuel-efficiency focused consumers. The comparison noted its low-mounted bucket seats, superior rear seat room to that of the Mustang and Monza, and the rear window louvers that limit visibility to the rear. The Hornet AMX received high marks in entry/exit ease, maneuverability, and acceleration by achieving 0 to 60 mph in 12.0 seconds. Quicker was the Monza with the Road Runner slowest, but these "are pretty remarkable when you consider that these are smaller, fuel-stingy engines laden with emission controls to meet today's stringent emission requirements."


title: AMC Hornet

text: A total of 5,207 Hornet AMX were produced for the one model year, of which 3,196 had the six-cylinder and 2,011 with the V8 engine. The Hornet AMX, as well as the other similar cars from the Big Three, represented a "crucial stopgap between eras" from marketing muscle cars emphasizing power to offering models for customers "interested sporty looks, handling packages, and cool interior spiffs."


title: AMC Hornet

text: The AMC Hornet was exported to international markets, as well as assembled under license from Complete knock down (CKD) kits that were shipped from AMC's U.S. or Canadian plants. The foreign-built cars incorporated numerous components and parts that were produced by local manufacturers to gain tax or tariff preferences.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Between 1970 and 1975, a total of 1,825 Hornets were built in right-hand-drive at the Australian Motor Industries (AMI) factory at Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. The initial engineering to right hand drive and interior design was achieved firstly with South African-built Hornets and then used as the blueprint for Australian assembly. The Hornet was sold in Australia as the "Rambler Hornet", only in four-door sedan body style. It was fitted with either a or six-cylinder engine and with an automatic transmission.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Australian Hornets were a model year behind the U.S models. In other words, the 1972 Australian model was actually a U.S 1971 model. However, AMI did not import the U.S 1973 models and therefore no Hornets were assembled in Australia for 1974. Production resumed in 1975, with AMI making the U.S 1972 model once again.


title: AMC Hornet

text: While the Hornet was the least expensive compact model in the United States, the Hornet in Australia was a luxury model, with high levels of trim, carpet, tires, and accessories. These included high-back seats, fully lined boot and covered spare wheel. The Hornet used a PBR fully assisted dual braking system, and front disc brakes from the Javelin Trans Am. The Hornet sold for $3,999 in 1970, with 407 cars being sold in Australia in that year. Sales peaked in 1971 with 597 sold. Sales dropped to 355 in 1972 and to 212 in 1973. 1974 saw 118 sales (of cars assembled in 1973.) 1975 was the Hornet's final year in Australia, with 136 sales.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Purdy Motor, which had been established in 1959 to import Toyota and AMC vehicles into Costa Rica built an assembly plant in San Jose in 1965 to assemble Toyota and AMC vehicles for the local market. They would go on to assemble the Rambler American, Classic, Ambassador, Rebel, and Javelin during this time. Assembly of the Hornet began in 1970 and was marketed as the "Rambler SST."


title: AMC Hornet

text: In 1974 a new local vehicle manufacturer, Motorizada de Costa Rica, purchased the rights of Rambler distributorship from Purdy Motors. Motorizada continued to assemble AMC and Jeep vehicles as well as other brands. New for Costa Rica in 1974 was the AMC Hornet Sportabout sold locally as the AMC “Unisex.”


title: AMC Hornet

text: Motorizada was liquidated in 1979 allegedly for not paying taxes thereby ending the AMC brand in Costa Rica.


title: AMC Hornet

text: American Motors has partial ownership of Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) and produced Hornets in Mexico from 1970 through 1977. The VAM-built cars continued to be called VAM Rambler following the tradition of the VAM-built Rambler American models up to 1974. The Mexican models included:


title: AMC Hornet

text: The VAM cars came with different trims and interiors than the equivalent AMC-made models. The models also combined different front clips, such as the 1977 VAM American came with the shorter U.S. and Canadian market 1977 Gremlin front end, while its interior trim featured premium seats and upholstery. The engines in VAM models were based on AMC designs, but modified and built by VAM. Unique to Mexico included the and I6 engines. These were designed to cope with the high altitudes encountered in Mexico.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The initial VAM Rambler Americans were available in a single nameless trim level (equivalent to the U.S. SST models), with only an optional performance-minded "Rally" package for the two-door sedans that was carried over from 1969. The model was not available with the I6 or any of the V8 engines. The performance-oriented Hornet SC/360 and Hornet AMX were not available and no Levis or Gucci trims. Legislation at the time allowed the manufacture of three body styles, thus the hatchback version was not produced in Mexico. Because of this limitation, all VAM sporty versions of the Hornet were based on the two-door sedan as AMC's 1971–1972 counterparts. Unlike the Hornet, the now fourth-generation VAM Rambler American kept the same economy focus of its predecessor models despite its long list of standard equipment.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Hornet-based 1970 VAM Rambler American was restricted to a sedan in two- or four-door versions as under AMC, both featured a standard a I6 producing with a 244 degree camshaft, 8.5:1 compression ratio, and a single-barrel Carter RBS or YF carburetor. A fully synchronized three-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter, heavy-duty clutch, and a 3.54:1 rear differential gear ratio were all standard. The cars came with regular suspension, four-wheel drum brakes, manual steering, a four-rigid-bladed engine fan, and a regular-duty cooling system.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Standard convenience equipment included a two-tone padded dashboard with a three-pod instrument cluster, electric windshield wipers and washers, a 200 km/h speedometer, side marker lights, four-way hazard lights, antitheft steering column locking mechanism, base steering wheel, brake system warning light, AM radio with a single in-dash speaker, front ashtray, cigarette lighter, locking glove box with "RAMBLER" emblem on the door, padded sunvisors, day/night rearview mirror, cardboard-type sound-absorbing and heat-isolating headliner, round dome light, dual coat hooks, flip-open rear side vents, full carpeting, driver's side rubber floor mat sewed to the carpet, front bench seat with split folding backs on two-door sedan or with a fixed back on the four-door, bench rear seat, two-point front seatbelts, dual rear ashtrays, front and rear side armrests, vinyl-cloth upholstery on seats and side door panels, aluminum grille, backup lights, steel wheels with center hubcaps, dual "232 SIX" rear quarter panel emblems, dual "bulleye" emblems on the lower corner of the rear side vents, script "American" emblems on both front fenders, capital-lettered "RAMBLER" rectangular emblem between the right taillight and the gas filler, non-locking gas cap, manual driver's side remote mirror, and radio antenna.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Factory options consisted of a heating system with windshield defroster, power drum brakes, power steering, bright molding package, protective side moldings, parcel shelf, courtesy lights (separate or in-shelf), luxury wheel covers, sports steering wheel, custom steering wheel, passenger's side remote mirror, remote-controlled driver's side remote mirror, a bright panel between taillights, and metal bumper guards with rubber edges. Dealership options included a universal 6000 RPM VDO tachometer with dual hands, full vinyl roof with additional bright moldings, heavy-duty suspension (front sway bar and stiffer adjustable shock absorbers), a floor-mounted shifter for the three-speed transmission, front disk brakes, locking gas cap, license plate frames, mud flaps, trunk cover luggage rack, universal air conditioning system, among others.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The VAM Rambler American sedans for 1971 were carried over from 1970. Among the changes was the incorporation of VAM's 266-degree camshaft to the 232 engine replacing AMC's 244-degree unit. Despite power increase, the official announced output of the engine was still at 4,400 rpm. New interior colors, side armrest, and door panel designs were available. The AM radio was updated to a newer model. The new year introduced the Hornet Sportabout-based Camioneta Rambler American. The station wagon version included the same equipment as the two sedan models with several additional features. The Camioneta Rambler American included the parcel shelf with courtesy lights as standard equipment and was the only Mexican Hornet version to be available with a three-speed automatic transmission as optional equipment. Wagons with the automatic transmission included the one-barrel 145 hp 232 six, while those with manual transmission had the 232 six with Carter WCD carburetor.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1972 model year VAM models incorporated the same engineering revisions and upgrades as the U.S. market AMC-built counterparts. Engines were the same as the year before with a one-barrel 145 hp 232 as standard on the sedans and automatic wagon and the two-barrel 155 hp version for the manual wagon. All featured a front sway bar as standard equipment. The 1972 models also included a new plastic grille with a revised hood latch, along with a new taillight design with larger backup lights, a new optional wheel cover design, a third AM radio model (shared with the VAM Javelin), and new interior door panels with a wood imitation rectangular portion. This was also the first year of the seatbelt warning buzzer located above the light and wiper knobs. The Camioneta Rambler American featured the Chrysler-built TorqueFlite A904 automatic transmission, replacing the previous Borg-Warner "Shift-Command" units.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1973 model year VAM Hornets were redesigned and incorporated a new front end design with larger horizontal rectangular side marker lights, semi-square headlight bezels, and a "V"-shaped grille and hood edge. The front bumper included AMC's five-mile-per-hour design, but without the recovering shocks; in their place were regular rigid bumper mounts as in previous years. The automobile product standards in Mexico were less restrictive than in the U.S.; thus, VAMs mounted the bumpers placed closer to the body than their AMC counterparts. The 232 engine was replaced by the AMC I6 rated at gross with Carter RBS/YF one-barrel carburetor, 266 degree camshaft, and an 8.5:1 compression ratio. The three-speed automatic transmission for the first time became available in the sedan models as an option and the rear differential gear ratio changed to 3.31:1 in all units. Other features included new door panels, longer and narrower inside door latches, controls for the cigarette lighter, wiper/washer, and lights knobs had rubber knobs, modified taillight lenses, the deletion of the rectangular "RAMBLER" emblem in favor of "American" script on the rear panel, "258" emblems replacing the "232 SIX" rectangular ones and the removal of the bullseye emblems on the C-pillar base.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1974 Rambler American was a carryover. Differences included a new rear five-mile-per-hour bumper and the rear license plate was relocated to the center of the rear panel over the gas filler. The seat and door panel designs were revised. The parking brake pedal received a new smaller rubber pad. The standard wheels were VAM's new 14x6-inch five-spoke design with volcano hubcaps. The I6 included an evaporative canister to reduce emissions, and a slightly lower 8.3:1 compression ratio. During mid-year, the compression ratio was lowered even more to 7.6:1. Nevertheless, the engines continued to be rated at 170 hp.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The introduction of the Gremlin line by VAM in 1974, became the company's smallest and most affordable model. There was a gap between the lower-end Rambler American line and the larger, top Classic (Matador) line. The difference in size and engine series between the Rambler American and the Gremlin was not enough for VAM to create the impression of a more solid and more diverse product line since both cars were perceived as belonging to the same economy class, which would produce internal competition. The VAM Rambler American was restricted to the economy segment since its introduction to the Mexican market, the only exceptions to this being the luxury limited edition Rambler American Hardtop (Rambler American 440H in the US) for 1963 and 1965, as well as the sporty Rambler American Rally (Rambler American Rogue and Hornet Rallye X/Hornet X in the US) from 1969 through 1974. The model was shifted from the economy to the mid-segment, as an all-new generation was introduced in 1975. This repositioned the company's full product line and rejuvenated the compact line. The Hornet-based Rambler American had been on the market for five years and saw continued sales and a positive image. The name was simplified from Rambler American to just American, marking the discontinuation of the Rambler brand in Mexico. A new luxury American ECD trim level was followed by a revised and improved American Rally and American base models. These differentiated the line from the Gremlin. All versions obtained updates and upgrades.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The American base model in its first year was characterized by incorporating all-new rectangular amber parking lights, a grille divided into six squared portions, and more hexagonal-lined headlight bezels. Manual front disk brakes were standard (although a few units with the manual transmission still had front drums installed) and the I6 engine featured Prestolite electronic ignition. This engine was carried over with a 7.6:1 compression ratio, 266 degree camshaft, , and a single-barrel Carter YF or RBS carburetor. Interiors included new door panels available in either a solid color or two-tone alongside new seat patterns. The two-tone dashboard was replaced by a color-keyed unit with a new "American" emblem on the glove box door and a standard fuel economy gauge. Cars equipped with automatic transmission included a heater and power steering at no extra cost.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1976 models were almost the same as their immediate predecessors; their differences were limited to a compression ratio increase for the I6 from 7.6:1 to 8.0:1. New gauges appeared in the form of a 160 km/h speedometer and revised warning lights, sun visors were redesigned to larger more rectangular units with side bending portions, a new more-ornate dome light lens, new seat, and door panel designs, while a rear defroster was added to the options. The separate seatbelts warning buzzer between the wipers and lights knobs was discontinued. New full-rubber bumper guards became available alongside the already existing metal ones with rubber strips.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1977 models had numerous changes. Most noticeable was a new front end that AMC intended to make exclusive for the Gremlin line, consisting of independent squared headlight bezels with rounded corners and an egg-crate smile-shaped grille carrying over the rectangular parking lights of the previous two years and a new front bumper. A second "American" emblem was applied over the front edge of the hood on the right corner. The two-point seatbelts were replaced by fixed three-point units on both sedan models. Wagons included three-point retractable units as a factory issue. The Carter RBS carburetor was discontinued leaving only the YF model on the I6. Two-door sedans with manual transmissions now featured a floor-mounted gearshift with low-back fold-down individual seats, while models with automatic transmissions retained the bench seat with split-folding backs and a column-mounted shifter. This also meant manual units incorporated a safety lock lever in their steering column ignition switch shared with the American Rally model. The seats and door panels were slightly modified from the last year. A new "American" emblem with different typography was applied to the glove box door. The "258" rear quarter panel emblems were replaced by new "4.2" units. Although VAM for the first time introduced a factory air conditioning system for the 1977 model year, it would not be available in the American. The objective was to offer it in high trim and performance models. However, VAM dealerships could install a universal air conditioning system for non-factory-built units.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The sporty Rambler American Rally package was originally introduced in 1969 for the third-generation Rambler American two-door sedan as a more economical sporty alternative to the muscular VAM Javelin and personal luxury VAM Rambler Classic SST (Rebel SST hardtop). With the arrival of the new Hornet-based models for 1970, the package was continued and improved, containing not just more regular production accessories but also all-new exclusive ones. The Rambler American Rally model was available a full year ahead of AMC's Hornet SC/360 and two years ahead of the Hornet X and Hornet Rallye-X models, making it the first-ever performance product based on the Hornet.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The package started with an exclusive engine, the high-performance 9.8:1 compression ratio I6 with Carter WCD carburetor and 266 degree camshaft designed by VAM's own engineering department. Other features included a black two-spoke sports steering wheel with a central bullseye emblem, wide reclining individual front seats, floor-mounted Hurst Performance shifter 150-T three-speed manual transmission with a locking mechanism connected to the steering wheel ignition switch, full bright molding package including rear panel overlay between the taillights and two courtesy lights. Unlike the 1969 version, power drum brakes were no longer included, but optional.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Rambler American Rally for 1971 was almost equal to the previous year's counterpart. Changes and novelties were limited to the script "American" fender emblems being replaced by new script "Rally" units, which are the only way to tell differentiate 1971 from 1970 models from the outside. The front seat controls were revised with a new knob placed on the outer side of each seatback, new "mushroom"-shaped armrests with a central horizontal bright molding, new side panels with simulated stitches, and a steering wheel design similar to the previous one but incorporating three false spokes per arm instead of the smooth soft surface. A new AM monaural radio model replaced the previous unit that was used since 1966 Rambler American and Classic models.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The success of the Rally package made VAM use it as a trim level for 1972 along with improvements. The safety mechanism connecting the shifter to the ignition switch was discontinued and replaced with a small safety lever on the side of the column to keep the ignition switch from accidentally turning into the lock position with the vehicle still in motion. The previously optional 8000 RPM tachometer became standard equipment along with AMC's new three-arm three-spoke sports steering wheel with a round center horn button. Low-back, smaller more bucket-like front reclining seats replaced the wide units of the previous two years, which meant a free space between both units over the transmission tunnel. The round floor shift base shared with 1968–1969 Javelins departed in favor of a new squared design. The bright rear panel got an aluminum-turned appearance and the taillight lenses featured a new larger backup light and side stripes. The grille was changed from aluminum to plastic and an updated hood latch appeared. The front sway bar became standard. The 1972 Rally engine was the VAM I6 producing at 4,600 rpm, 9.5:1 compression ratio, with a high-flow Carter RBS-PV1 single-barrel carburetor and the 266-degree camshaft, which was originally used in 1969–1970 VAM Javelins. The "232 SIX" emblems were replaced in favor of new "252" units.


title: AMC Hornet

text: For 1973, VAM sought to standardize and consolidate as many parts and components to cut costs. Both the 232 and 252 engine series were discontinued in favor of the new 170 gross HP, 8.5:1 compression ratio AMC I6 with VAM's inhouse 266-degree camshaft and single-barrel Carter RBS or YF carburetor, which became the powerhouse of the Rambler American Rally of the year. The new engine shared the same crankshaft as VAM's also new I6 was introduced two years before in the VAM Javelin model, allowing VAM to optimize resources and reduce costs. With the engine came a change in the rear differential gear ratio from 3.54:1 to 3.31:1. Aside from the revised taillights, the first set of high-back bucket seats became present, which were shared with the second-generation VAM Javelin. Unlike all previous models, they were not available with a reclining mechanism. New side panel designs accompanied a now standard parcel shelf incorporating both courtesy lights. The front end was completely updated as in the standard Rambler American models except for the unique characteristic of the blackout grille. The engine displacement emblems got their last digit changed into number eight keeping the same design as last year's units. The rectangular "Rambler" rear emblem was removed and its place was taken by the manuscript "Rally" unit that was no longer on the front fenders.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1974 Rallys were mostly unchanged from the 1973s. Just like on the Rambler American, their largest difference was the new rear five-mile-per-hour bumper and relocated rear license plate. These models incorporated the first set of VAM's original five-spoke wheels, which carried full volcano-shaped hubcaps and trim rings. Wheel covers were not available for this model. For the first time, a set of factory side stripes decorated the exterior of the model including a manuscript "Rally" emblem on the rear quarter panel, creating a two-tone appearance. The front seats were the same as the year before and now shared with the brand-new Classic AMX (Matador X) model. The discontinuation of the original VAM logo during 1973 in favor of the new arrow-type one meant its removal from the dial of the tachometer. The shifter was changed into a T-shaped Hurst unit. A new AMC logo over a black background replaced the American Motors script over the transparent acrylic cap in the steering wheel's horn button. The compression ratio of the 258 six engines was reduced from 8.5:1 to 8.3:1.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The new marketing concept for VAM's compact model was also included for its sporty version. This started with the change in name from Rambler American Rally to American Rally. For the first time, VAM sought to move model the higher from the economical sporty model status it pioneered. This meant a higher focus not just on sportiness but also on luxury.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1975 American Rally alongside its new name obtained its first redesign of identity emblems in the form of an all-new "RALLY" nameplate in printing letters connected by a background line. Like the former one, it was located on the rear panel between the right taillight and rear license plate. A new grille, headlight bezels, and parking lights shared with the American and Gremlin lines were now in blackout form. New side decals were discreet lines running the full length of the car without changing proportions and incorporating Rally emblems on the front fenders. The interior for the first time was different from that of the American model other than the front seats. Rally emblems appeared etched on the front high corners of the side panels. All previously exposed metal parts like the top of the doors, rear sides, and B pillar were now upholstered in vinyl. The "RAMBLER" emblem on the glove box was replaced by a "RALLY" one of the same design. Unlike all of its predecessors, a considerable amount of 1975 American Rally units were equipped with the heater as standard. The aspect that made the American Rally the most different from the last generation was the mechanicals. The 258 six-cylinder obtained an all-new electronic ignition system sourced by Prestolite. Manual front disk brakes replaced the previous drums. A new TREMEC 170-F four-speed manual transmission with Hurst linkage came from the factory, although VAM was not able to fully standardize it and several Hurst-linked three-speed 1975 American Rally versions were built.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Since 1973, the growing problem of air pollution (especially in Mexico City) forced the Mexican government to begin emission certification of all engines produced in the country starting in 1974. This would affect all high compression engines of all marques. For this reason, the I6 had dropped from 8.5:1 to 8.3:1 compression ratio in the change between 1973 and 1974. However, this change was not enough to comply with the government standards and VAM was forced to decrease compression even more in mid-1974. This meant a final 7.6:1 compression ratio for the I6 for the second half of the year production of the 1974 Rambler American Rally. For this reason, the aforementioned model along with the 1975 American Rally became the lowest-performing examples of VAM's original compact sporty model, ending even below the stock 155 hp I6 of the 1969 Rambler American Rally and the stock 232 1970–1972 Rambler American two-door sedans. Improvements in the form of the four-speed transmission and electronic ignition were insufficient.


title: AMC Hornet

text: In 1976, VAM introduced the Gremlin X for the first time in Mexico, retaking the economical sporty concept originally held by the Rally model. Engineers improved the power output of the I6 without rising gas emissions with a higher, 8.0:1 compression ratio. This, along with the subcompact's lighter body, made the 1976 Gremlin X outperform the low-compression 1975 American Rally even though it was not offered with the new four-speed transmission. To avoid internal competition in both performance models as well as further pushing of the line's concept change, VAM proceeded to upgrade the American Rally to differentiate it from the new subcompact version. The 1976 models switched to the 7.7:1 compression ratio VAM I6 with Holley 2300 two-barrel carburetor and 266 degree camshaft, shared with the VAM Pacer and all Classic models. This marked for the first time the presence of VAM's largest engine in the Hornet-based compact line. Changes to the 258 six were still in process as well for the 282, thus the existing version was continued. The 1976 American Rally had improved performance with its higher displacement, large-diameter valves, larger intake manifold, and larger carburetor. The model outperformed its predecessors with the exception of the 1972 Rambler American Rally with its 9.5:1 compression ratio 252 cu in six, which was still half a second faster despite its high-flow one-barrel carburetor, small intake manifold, three-speed transmission, higher numerical rear gear ratio, and lower displacement.


title: AMC Hornet

text: Additionally, the 1976 American Rally included improvements consisting of power front disk brakes, power steering, and tinted windshield, as standard equipment. The four-speed transmission and heater were also standard. New seat patterns and door panel designs (without the etched Rally emblem) were used, while gauges were changed to a 160 km/h speedometer and 6,000 RPM tachometer. New dome light lens design and longer sun visors were shared with the American and Gremlin. The new engine and standard equipment coupled with the mid-year discontinuation of the 1976 Classic AMX (Matador X) made the American Rally the top-of-the-line performance model of the company. The sportiness and concept were fairly close to that of the 1972–1976 VAM Javelins and Classic AMXs. With the engine change, the rear quarter panel emblems morphed into "4.6" units. After only one year, the model name "Rally" emblem on the rear panel was once again redesigned.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1977 models incorporated engineering upgrades for the 258 six the year before to the 282 engine. All-new head design with quench-type combustion chambers took compression ratio from 7.7:1 to 8.0:1. It was accompanied by a totally new aluminum intake manifold with improved flow keeping the Holley 2300 two-barrel carburetor. These improvements made the 1977 American Rally the best-performing model of its series, even surpassing the high compression 1972 model. Despite this, advertised horsepower and torque ratings were the same as the year before. The power increase allowed the use of a new 3.07:1 rear differential gear ratio for better economy and top speed without losing acceleration and towing capacity. The front high-back bucket seats obtained new patterns and for the first time since the 1972 reclining mechanism (as standard equipment), three-point front seatbelts with double retractable mechanisms were added, a new VAM-designed digital tachometer took the place of the conventional analog unit in the midyear. On the exterior, the largest novelty of the year was the application of the new Gremlin front clip. New decals covering only the front fenders on their topsides started near the doors all the way to the marker lights, between the lights and stripe was a "Rally 4.6" sticker. Like the three luxury versions of the line for the year, the 1977 American Rally was the first unit of its series to offer the original factory air conditioning system as an option. The hood and trunk lights as well as the glove box unit were added to the standard equipment list.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The Rally included D70x14 radial tires in all years and rear gear ratios of 3.54:1 (1970–1972), 3.31:1 (1973–1976), and 3.07:1 (1977). The American Rally was discontinued in 1977 along with all other Hornet-based VAM Americans. It would find a successor in the 1978 American Rally AMX model (VAM's version of the 1978 AMC Concord AMX), meaning the production in Mexico for the first time of AMC's hatchback coupe body style. Unlike the AMC Hornet X models, both the Hornet-based Rambler American Rally and American Rally were never available with V8 engines, automatic transmissions, or column-mounted shifters. The Rally model was more than just an appearance package, but also not as strong as a muscle car finds its closest American equivalent in the form of the 1972 Hornet Rallye-X model. It is regarded as one of VAM's most collectible and sought-after models.


title: AMC Hornet

text: As part of the shift in market strategy for VAM's Hornet-based compacts for 1975 that included advancements in the American base model and American Rally was the introduction of the new American ECD or Edición Cantos Dorados (Golden Edges Edition). It represented for the first time a VAM four-door compact was not an economy base model. The American ECD was VAM's first regular production luxury compact as previously it was only a limited edition of the two-door hardtop in 1963 and 1965 as the Rambler American Hardtop (equivalent to the Rambler American 440H in the US and Canada). The ECD was restricted to the four-door sedan while the 1975 American Rally was the high trim two-door sedan. The station wagon remained a single-edition model. The American ECD was equivalent in the US as the 1975 four-door Hornet DL model.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1975 American ECD came standard with a 170 gross hp I6 engine with a single-barrel Carter carburetor, electronic ignition, 266-degree camshaft, and 7.6:1 compression ratio with a regular cooling system. Included were manual front disk brakes with rear drums, power steering, heavy-duty suspension with front sway bar, Chrysler TorqueFlite A904 three-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.31:1 rear gear ratio. The exterior of the model incorporated a full vinyl roof with bright moldings, regular bright molding package (wheel lip, rocker panels, drip rails, and between taillights molding), luxury wheel covers, "American" and "Automático" emblems on the rear panel, "258" emblems on rear quarter panels, and golden "ECD" emblems over the base of the C-pillars. Standard equipment also consisted of front and rear bench seats, front two-point seatbelts, front and rear armrests, luxury upholstery, custom steering wheel, column-mounted shifter, color-keyed padded dashboard, gauges for fuel and coolant temperature as well as warning lights (brakes, oil, and electrical system), a 200 km/h speedometer, vacuum gauge, front ashtray, cigarette lighter, heater with front defroster, AM monaural radio with a single speaker and antenna, locking glove box, parcel shelf, courtesy lights, padded sun visors, day/night rearview mirror, heat and sound insulating cardboard-type headliner, round dome light, dual coat hooks, rear ashtray mounted on the front seatback, and driver's side remote mirror. Optional equipment included among others a passenger's side mirror, remote-controlled driver's side mirror, power brakes, bumper guards, tinted windshield, and light group.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1976 American ECD included the same upgrades as the rest of the American line. These were longer sun visors, a 160 km/h speedometer, a new dome light lens, and a higher 8.0:1 compression ratio on the 258 six. A rear defroster was added to the options list while the tinted windshield became standard. The luxury seat patterns and wheel covers were redesigned. An electric analog clock appeared to the right of the speedometer, although several models kept the vacuum gauge. A new model for the year was the two-door American ECD. This model was a limited edition luxury American two-door sedan, comparable to the Rambler American Hardtop of the 1960s. The equipment was the same as the four-door American ECD with some differences. The engine on this model was the 200 gross hp I6 with a Holley 2300 two-barrel carburetor, 7.7:1 compression ratio, 266-degree camshaft, and electronic ignition. The automatic transmission was a floor-mounted shift design, a first in a VAM Hornet-based American. The front seats were upgraded to high-back individual non-reclining units instead of the four-door bench.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The American ECD was once again restricted to the four-door sedan only for 1977. The model incorporated the new Gremlin front clip like the rest of the American line of the year. The "258" engine displacement emblems were replaced by new "4.2" units and the bumper guards were included at no charge. Power brakes were made standard equipment. Most of the light group was also installed as standard equipment; aside from the already existing courtesy lights, this added illumination for the hood, trunk, and glove box. The electric clock was fully standardized in all units. Front seat belts were upgraded into three-point retractable units. The rear seatback received a concealed fold-down armrest. AMC's original factory air conditioning system for the first time became available as optional equipment. The Carter RBS one-barrel carburetor was discontinued leaving only the Carter YF model.


title: AMC Hornet

text: VAM executives and engineers sought to move the two-door 1976 American ECD from the limited edition status into a regular production model, and also change its concept from a general luxury into a personal luxury vehicle, which VAM no longer offered since the mid-1976 discontinuation of the Classic Brougham (Matador Brougham coupe) model. Taking advantage of this upcoming new model was a plan of this group of employees to make a homage to VAM's general manager Gabriel Fernández Sáyago, one of the most respected men in the Mexican auto industry at the time and leader of the company since 1946. The new personal luxury compact was named after him using his initials as a designation. The model was presented to him as a surprise in late 1976, which he appreciated highly but opting for a more humble stance, he requested the model not to carry his name. The group of VAM employees respected his decision, but managed an indirect way to keep their original plan. The general manager's initials were retained, but the meaning was changed into Grand Formula Sport. The model was introduced along with VAM's 1977 lineup as a two-door alternative to the American ECD and a luxury one to the sporty American Rally.


title: AMC Hornet

text: The 1977 American GFS incorporated the same appearance and equipment novelties as the American ECD of the same year. Like the two-door 1976 American ECD, the model kept the individual front seat and floor-mounted automatic transmission configuration, with the notable difference of incorporating reclining mechanisms as standard equipment. From this model, the I6 was also retained, but incorporating the new head and intake manifold designs as well as the 3.07:1 rear gear ratio from the American Rally model of the year. The most unique aspect of the 1977 American GFS was its design of rear side windows and roof. VAM designers created a half Landau-type vinyl top carrying the roof Targa band AMC used for the 1977 Hornet AMX models and shortened flip-open rear side windows creating a thicker B-pillar. AMC really liked this styling touch and adopted it for its 1978–1979 Concord DL/Limited two-door models (except for the use of the Targa band).