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.
