1971 AMC Hornet SC/360

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©2007 Publications International, Ltd. As the era of big-block intermediates faded, manufacturers shifted focus to compact muscle cars. Among the fastest and most exclusive was the 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.

The 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360 symbolized the shifting landscape of the muscle car era. Even in 1970, at the height of muscle car popularity, subtle indicators of change were visible. Regulatory bodies, environmental agencies, insurers, and evolving societal attitudes all targeted high-performance vehicles.

By 1971, these pressures began to take effect. Compression ratios were lowered to suit regular fuel, horsepower ratings shifted to more modest net figures, and automakers, mindful of public perception, scaled back their performance claims. Amid this transformation emerged the 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360.

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"Presenting a practical alternative to the high-cost, insurance-heavy muscle cars of America," its ad proclaimed. "The Hornet SC/360." The Hornet, AMC's latest compact, served as an ideal foundation for a subtle yet powerful muscle car. Initially, plans included both SC/360 and SC/401 models, but after realizing the 401-cid version wouldn't offer significant insurance benefits, AMC opted to use only the 360-cid V-8 engine from the Javelin AMX.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Built on the compact Hornet platform, the SC/360 featured a 360-cid V-8 engine available in a 245-bhp two-barrel configuration or, as depicted here, a 285-bhp ram-air four-barrel setup.

In its base configuration, the SC/360 came with a two-barrel carburetor and a modest 245 bhp. The optional $199 "Go" package upgraded it to a four-barrel carburetor and ram air system, boosting output to a more impressive 285 bhp. These figures were gross ratings. Buyers could opt for a Hurst-shifted four-speed manual or an automatic transmission instead of the standard three-speed. Standard tires were Polyglas D70Xl4s, with upgrades including a handling package and a Twin-Grip differential with 4:1 or 3.90:1 gear ratios.

While the SC/360 couldn't match the performance of larger-engine muscle cars, it offered a blend of decent speed, a responsive suspension, wide tires, and compact dimensions. Motor Trend lauded it as "an absolute joy to drive...it handles like a dream."

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Equipped with the optional Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, an SC/360 like this one could achieve high 14-second quarter-mile times. Its sport-tuned suspension and well-proportioned design made it a delight to handle.

The SC/360 proved to be a sleeper in multiple respects. Despite its starting price of just $2,663 (roughly $40 less than the 1971 Duster 340), it accounted for only a small portion of the 75,000 Hornets produced that year. The SC/360 was discontinued after a single year, remaining one of the best-kept secrets of the muscle car era.

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The 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 108.0

Weight, lbs: 3,057

Number built: 784

Base price: $2,663

Top Available Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 360

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 8.5:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 285 @ 4800