One-Owner 1977 AMC Hornet AMX Has a Rare Option You Probably Never Knew Existed

To keep things as affordable as possible, most carmakers offered tents for compact cars. Chevrolet began offering one on the Vega in 1973. The Hatchback Hutch option eventually extended to the Nova and the LUV mini trucks.

GM took it up a notch with a more extensive suite of camping accessories for the Greenbrier van. The bundle included a roof-top tent and a separate unit with a canvas shade, a bed, and a kitchenette.

However, Chevrolet wasn't the only company looking for a piece of the budget RV pie. American Motors Corporation also introduced an accessory tent for the Hornet compact in 1973. The Hornet Hutch took advantage of the car's fold-down rear seats and large hatch to provide sleeping room for two adults. Granted, it was rather cramped and a far cry from the comfort provided by a proper camper, but it was a solid alternative for a couple of nights on the road.

Needless to say, the idea didn't catch on. Camping enthusiasts went with proper RVs, and most car tent options were no longer available by 1980. Tent-equipped vehicles didn't sell in large numbers either, so they're a pretty rare sight today. To the point most people didn't even know they existed.

Well, they're as real as they get, and this 1977 AMC Hornet AMC is the perfect proof. A one-owner gem that looks like it just left the factory in 1977, this AMC hit the 2023 Iowa Car Show to display its spotless appearance and super-rare Hornet Hutch. Luckily, car enthusiast Lou Costabile was on the spot to have a little chat with the owner.

Rare tent option aside, the fact that this AMC Hornet AMX is a one-owner car in pristine condition is as amazing as they get. The Hornet was introduced for the 1970 model year as a replacement for the Rambler American and remained in production through 1977. The nameplate was pretty popular, too, moving about 850,000 over eight model years.

However, the Hornet doesn't enjoy the collectible status of other early 1970s cars. In addition, the Malaise Era versions don't get a lot of love either. As a result, most Hornets are currently rotting away in junkyards, and classic car enthusiasts are in no rush to save them. This yellow 1977 AMX might just be one of the finest survivors out there.

The fact that it has the AMX package makes it even scarcer. The bundle was introduced in 1977 to appeal to young buyers. And even though it didn't offer improved performance, it added a bunch of goodies that made it look sportier than the average Hornet.

Of the 11,545 hatchbacks produced that year, only 5,207 were ordered with the AMX package. These cars were fitted with either a 258-cubic-inch (4.2-liter) inline-six or a 304-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8. This example rocks a six-cylinder, which makes it one of 3,196 Hornets made like this.

But of course, it's the tent that makes it stand out. More so since the canvas appears pristine and still wears the AMC badge colors on the sides. There are no records of how many Hornets were ordered with the Hutch, but it's been years since I've seen another one at a car show.

It may sound like a bit of a stretch, but this Hornet could be the only 1977 hatchback featuring both the AMX package and the optional tent. Or at least the only one still in existence. Check it out in the video below.