What company made the Matador car?
The Matador was made by Dodge, the American brand of Chrysler.
Overview and production timeline
The Matador was Dodge’s two‑door personal-luxury car offered on the Chrysler B‑body platform. It debuted in 1971 and was produced through the 1973 model year, with some markets seeing continued availability beyond that window. Built as a distinct model within Dodge’s lineup, the Matador shared underpinnings with other big‑bodied Mopar cars of the era.
The following key facts summarize the Matador’s production and market positioning.
- Manufacturer: Dodge, the U.S. brand under Chrysler (now Stellantis).
- Model years: 1971–1973 (with variations in some markets into 1974).
- Body style: 2‑door personal‑luxury coupe on the B‑body platform.
- Platform: Chrysler B‑body family (shared with other Dodge and Chrysler models of the era).
- Engine options: V8 powertrains, including big‑block variants common to Mopar performance in that period.
- Market position: Dodge’s premium, higher‑end offering within the mid‑size/large‑car segment during the early 1970s.
These points illustrate the Matador’s role as Dodge’s mid‑size to large personal‑luxury model during the early 1970s.
Design cues and market reception
The Matador embodied the styling language of its time—a broad, muscular silhouette with a long hood and formal rear deck. Inside, buyers could expect comfortable seating and a range of convenience features that echoed the era’s emphasis on driving comfort and convenience in the personal‑luxury segment. In the market, the Matador competed with other two‑door American personal‑luxury coupes and shared space with rivals like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Ford Thunderbird, offering a Dodge alternative with Mopar engineering backing.
The following points highlight the design and reception characteristics of the Matador.
- Styling: classic Mopar two‑door coupe silhouette with a long hood and prominent rear end.
- Interior: furnished to balance comfort with optional luxury features for the era (vinyl or cloth seating, air conditioning, etc.).
- Equipment: a range of convenience and power options typical of early‑1990s? (Note: this era) – power steering, power brakes, and optional amenities were common.
- Competition: positioned against other personal‑luxury coupes such as the Monte Carlo and Thunderbird.
- Legacy: remembered as Dodge’s distinctive early‑1970s personal‑luxury model and a representative of Mopar’s approach to the segment.
In retrospective reviews, the Matador is often noted for its bold styling and the era’s commitment to comfort‑driven performance, even as the market shifted in the wake of changing fuel and emissions regulations.
What this means for readers and collectors
For historians and classic‑car enthusiasts, the Matador stands as a snapshot of Dodge’s strategy in the early 1970s: deliver a premium, stylish coupe built on a familiar big‑car platform, with accessible V8 power and a sense of performance paired with luxury. The model’s relatively short production window—and its place within Mopar’s broader lineup—has helped it remain a niche but recognizable figure in American automotive history.
Summary
The Matador was produced by Dodge, a division of Chrysler, and it appeared from 1971 to 1973 as a two‑door personal‑luxury car built on the Chrysler B‑body platform. It offered V8 power, distinctive styling for its era, and a position within Dodge’s lineup aimed at buyers seeking a blend of performance and comfort. Today, the Matador remains a notable example of early‑1970s American automotive design and Mopar engineering.
How much is a 1974 AMC Matador?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,800 for a 1974 American Motors Matador in good condition with average spec.
Is AMC Motors still in business?
No, American Motors Corporation (AMC) is not in business, as it was purchased by Chrysler in 1987, and the last AMC-branded vehicles were produced in 1988. Chrysler was primarily interested in the Jeep brand, which was part of AMC at the time. After the acquisition, the remaining AMC models were rebranded as the Eagle marque, which was later discontinued.
- Acquisition: Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, partly because it wanted AMC's popular Jeep division.
- End of production: The last AMC-branded cars were made in 1988, with models like the Eagle Wagon being the final vehicles.
- Legacy: The Jeep brand, which was part of AMC, continues to exist under its new owner, Stellantis.
- Successor brands: The Eagle brand, which was created from the remaining AMC models, was also eventually discontinued.
Who made the Matador car?
American Motors Corporation (AMC)
The AMC Matador is a series of mid- and full-size automobiles produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1971 through 1978 model years.
What is an AMC Matador worth today?
A: The average price of a AMC Matador is $13,950. Q: When was the AMC Matador produced? A: The AMC Matador was sold for model years 1971 to 1978.
