Vehicle Description
There is a saying in the auto-verse that has lasted the test of
time: "Racing improves the breed." The idea essentially is that the
amount of research and development combined with cutting-edge
technology will eventually trickle down through the production
models, thus making them better daily performers. Back in the
1960s, AMC decided to step into the muscle car ring after having
been known for small, fuel-efficient vehicles. But when AMC managed
to lure Mark Donahue and the Penske Racing team to leave Chevy and
pilot their Trans-AM race-prepped Javelin, there was no longer any
doubt that American Motors Corporation was a true competitor. As a
result of many victorious top-five finishes, AMC decided to build
themselves a trophy of sorts, which was the spectacular
red-white-and-blue Javelin SST Trans Am Editon. That special car
leads us to this gorgeous 1974 AMC Matador NASCAR Tribute.
Starting with the most obvious and eye-catching paint scheme, this
Bomb Pop clone is painted in the same Matador Red, Frost White, and
Commodore Blue paint scheme as the Mark Donohue-driven
prizefighter. From any angle, this paint looks immaculate, racing
numbers and all. Pop the hood, and you'll be treated to a
clean-looking AMC 360 cubic-inch V-8 that is topped off with a
single two-barrel Autofine carburetor, which then sends power out
through stock exhaust manifolds and on through a muffler-less
side-exit exhaust to give this tribute car a true race-ready
rumble.
Power is filtered through a column-shifted three-speed automatic
transmission and ultimately sent along to a new set of P235/60R-15
rubber with matching new fifteen-inch wheels. Hidden behind those
wheels are power disc brakes up front and a set of power drums in
the back.
Inside, this Matador shows off its Oleg Cassini Edition interior
that looks and feels amazing thanks to its well-conditioned
split-bench black cloth seats. The original AM radio stands ready
to try and add to the soundtrack playing beneath the hood. Keeping
on-brand, the air-conditioning has been deleted to avoid any
mockery from other racecars that might be cruising by. But whatever
car happens to be coming by, odds are it will almost certainly not
look anything like this spectacularly eye-catching 1974 MC Matador
NASCAR Tribute, which is moving proof that racing really does
improve the breed.
*Mark Donohue tribute
*SST Trans Am paint job
*360 CID V8
*Muffler delete
*Side exit exhaust
*Power brakes
