The merger wasn't the end of the line for the Hornet, but AMC discontinued the "step-down" platform for the second-generation model ... two-tone livery of Island Green over Bermuda Green.

Meanwhile the AMC Hornet, which debuted for the 1970 model year, looked virtually the same in 1975 except for the bigger 5 mph bumpers. Not that it was a bad car, or a bad looking car for that matter.

The fabled VW Golf GTI frequently gets credited with being the first hot hatch, but it isn't quite true. This is the example ...