AMC Matador

The AMC Matador is a series of mid- and full-size automobiles produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1971 through 1978 model years. Initially positioned as a mid-size family car, the Matador spanned two distinct generations: the first (1971-1973) featured two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and station wagon body styles, while the second (1974-1978) transitioned to a full-size platform, offering two-door coupes as well as four-door sedans and wagons.

While aimed at the family market, the first generation Matador also saw performance-oriented versions. The two-door versions were successfully campaigned in NASCAR racing with factory support from 1972 until 1975.

After AMC discontinued the Ambassador line in 1974, the second generation Matador became the automaker's flagship full-size model. Premium trim levels of the coupe, marketed as the Barcelona and noted fashion designer Oleg Cassini editions, targeted the personal luxury car segment.

The Matador sedan became popular as a police car in the United States and was prominently featured in several 1970s television series. The newly introduced Matador coupe was featured in the 1974 James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun

Internationally, the Matador continued to be marketed under the Rambler marque and assembled under license in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Australia. American Motors also exported right-hand-drive versions to markets such as the United Kingdom.