AMC

Through its 34year existence, AMC produced a number of the very unforgettable, inspirational, and fascinating automobiles the world has ever seen. You can go through from the beginning, or scroll down to any specific year you may be interested in.

American Motors was formed in 1954 in the amalgamation of NashKelvinator and Hudson Motors. The price was the biggest corporate merger up-to that time - worth $197,793,366 - but was only one period of the planned megamerger of Hudson, Nash, Studebaker, and Packard.

The combined company would cover all sections of the marketplace, as well as their size as well as capability to talk about engineering would amortize costs nicely; at least, that was the strategy of Kelvinator's George Mason, whose company owned Nash. Its name "American Motors" originated with Mason, who began working in the strategy only after WWII (thanks, Dan Minick.)

The conventional Hudson automobiles were an exceptional design within the mid-to-upper range, however the dearth of cash for yearly restylings had hurt sales. Racing successes sold Hudson Hornets, but not the larger vehicles which were Hudson's primary company. Hudson was, thus, open to the aim to unite with Nash, which had strengths within the low-to-central range.

A year later, the Nash Rambler and sold under both marques as Hudsons and Metropolitan were badged.

Hudsons held their inline six-cylinder L-head (flat head) engines; conventional versions had single carburetors, while discretionary "Twin-H Energy" package had higher compression heads with twin carburetors.

AMC proudly released a fresh line of Hudson Wasps and Hornets in 1955, "new from bow to stern" (in actuality, went to the newer Nash platforms); however they didn't reverse the businesses' fortunes.

1955 Hudson Wasp

Meanwhile, in a move that will have ramifications for AMC years after, Kaiser Motors transformed its car factories to Jeep production and produced its closing Manhattan models.

The contentious Pinin-Farina styled Nash "tub" body was up-to-date with open front wheelwells; but the big news was the new Rambler, an automobile into the future using a title from Nash's previous -- really, from Jeffery, the business that was later renamed Nash.

The Rambler, Nash and promoting as both Hudson, had a wraparound windshield, reverse, a body with loads of chrome - slant C - pillar, and twotone paint. The Rambler took both Hudson or Nash badging, conditioned upon the brand promoting it, branding like that of the Dodge/Plymouth Neon.

Frank Swygert added:

Packards comprised engines of identical dimensions but rated at greater energy. Because of a components sharing dispute between Packard and AMC, AMC presented its 250 cid, fourbarrel-fed, 190 hp V-8 in April, used just in the 1956 Ambassador and Hornet Special versions. The Specials were constructed around the 114"-wheelbase Statesman and Wasp bodies with Ambassador and Hornet trimming, with the 250 V-8; the light Specials performed together with the bigger Packard V-8 vehicles.

1957 was the last year for both Hudson marques and Nash, that have been dropped in favor of Rambler, simplifying marketing and sales. As the very first American factory hotrod the Rebel was started. It arrived in silver, with black upholstery and silver, a new 255-hp 4 bbl 327 cid V - 8, four-speed or automobile, and dual exhaust. It ran the quarter in 17.0 seconds; Mike Sealey stated that it was marketed as the quickest four-door vehicle in The usa from 0-60 miles per hour. Only 1,500 silver Rebels were constructed; besides the silver paint, these Rebels had anodized gold trim.

Frank Swygert noted the 327 was a bigger version of the 250 and 287; they used the same block, crank, and rods because the 250 (the crank and rods were cast and costly to alter). The 250 was used within the Rambler V-8.

When confronted with Chevy's mechanical fuel-injection option, set at $484, an AMC spokesman said theirs would cost less; but high prices and poor reliability led AMC to drop plans to utilize the setup, also it wound up at Chrysler, which changed almost every component with normal carburetors. The layout of the machine was exceptional; but digital elements of the day weren't as much as under-hood obligation. Bosch would wind up purchasing the rights to the machine and successfully launching it, several years after.

All lines were now badged Ramblers, together with the historical Hudson and Nash names within the dustbin.

Frank Swygert wrote: The Rambler V-8 was renamed Rebel and obtained an unique chain number (20). It was created through 1960. There was certainly no conversion since the right part of the block was altered. The 125 hp OHV was discretionary within the American.

A 1958 Rambler Ambassador Country Club was owned by us. I realize that there were just about 1200 made. It ended up being a spare-tire in the kit, fourdoor hardtop with all power accessories, plus a push-button automatic transmission. It had 900 15 tires and also would spin them on order. I pumped it up to nearly 120 miles per hour (it had no trouble jumping up there). It always had power window failures, but otherwise, I recall it being a automobile.

1959 brought changes only (the Metropolitan continued with no styling changes).

The following generation of Rambler arrived, featuring raised interior space and cleaner styling. American and Traditional were available only with the 195.6 cid six, with singlebarrel carb or optional twobarrel Power Pak. Ambassador was driven from the 327 cid V-8. Metropolitan importing ceased, but their stock survived throughout the 1962 model-year, making the Mets really collectable today. (Gerald Henry disagreed: "[the] last Metropolitan for the United States marketplace was E-95981 and it was assembled on April 19, 1961.")

It might be utilized until 1994, when it was sold to WalMart and utilized as a warehouse.

The whole Rambler line was named Motor Trend Car of the Season due to their unitized construction, (a Nash convention), modern engines, and worth. Classic and Ambassador were totally redesigned with elegant, clean styling and also the unforgettable "Pac Man" grille. The V-8 was accessible again in the Traditional, plus a new 287 cid version was released.

A 287 V-8 was released for the Traditional line because of supplier needs for a V-8 option late in the 63 model-year. It was utilized just within the Traditional, with the 327 still reserved to be used within the Ambassador only.

At KaiserJeep, the powerful Wagoneer was started. In 1974, AMC would assemble the lower - price Cherokee version of it; so Jeep sales would double, if the Cherokee eventually got its body.

Ambassador was given and lengthened a V - shaped front-end with stacked headlights. Classic was restyled too. Mid-way through the model-year, a brand new midsize sport fastback was released to the Traditional chassis. Named Marlin, it was, the truth is perhaps by aim, a luxurious alternative for the Mustang and Barracuda fastbacks. The Rebel, a 2 - door coupe derivative of the Classic, was released, together with the fourbarrel 327 V - as optional equipment 8 four-speed and dual exhaust.

The new 199 and 232 sixes were 3 to 4 inches longer compared to the old 195.6.

"AMCRambler Guy" wrote: "AMC was apprehensive of Chrysler's models to create a fastback turbinepowered medium sized automobile, named Charger. Surely AMC wanted to conquer Chrysler to create the very first medium sized fastback. The 1965 Classic/Marlin featured an elective "Double Stick" 3 2 overdrive manual transmisson for a practical five-speed. (The four speed/no overdrive was an alternative by popular demand for 1966.) A button supplied the overdrive kickdown, providing the driver whole manual control. AMC only had dual exhaust on a single torque tube auto, the 1957 Rambler Rebel; the 1966 Rebel featured a distinct roofline compared to the Traditional, two-door hard-top only."

Slight aesthetic adjustments were directed at the remainder of the line. This is the last year that Ramblers used the "torque tube" drive system; normal driveshafts would be applied from '67 on. Marlin was no more a Rambler, registered instead as merely "Marlin."

The Classic was discontinued and replaced with a fresh AMC Rebel. Rebel, Marlin and also the brand new, bigger Ambassador wore sleek "Coke bottle" styling which was the fad in time. A newly constructed V - 8 engine was likewise launched in 280hp, 343 cid variants and 200hp, 290 cid.

The American Motors script was currently the marque the Ambassador and Marlin wore. American and Rebel were the Ramblers left. Rebel and Ambassador might be ordered in sporty SST trim levels and upscale DPL.

The Traditional title was retired with the 1966 versions. All collection 10 (mid size) versions were called Rebel through 1970, and that title was retired in favor of Matador from 1971. (Frank Swygert)

Reached last! The attractively styled, celebrated Javelin sports-car rumbled onto showroom floors. It was initially available with the 232, 290, or 343. It entered SCCA TransAm contest and completed every race it entered, a report that not one of the other factory teams could attain.

It shook the sports-car world to the knees, once the AMX finally was accessible. The AMX was accessible with leather seats, 140 mph speedo, A/C or "tic tac" gauge bundle, hipo "go pak," 4 bbl 290 or the new 315-hp 390 V-8.

This is the past year any convertibles were available from American Motors. American was the sole version that still wore the Rambler nameplate. All AMCs except American adopted their hallmark flushmounted paddle door handles.

Ambassador grew again, now with a 122inch wheelbase. It had graceful, swoopy lines along with a distinguishing "guppy mouth" grille. Most versions were available these days to any engine including 232, 290, 343, and 390. AMX and javelin SST now came in discretionary eyecatching Big Bad colours: BBOrange, BBGreen, and BBBlue.

Hurst was currently coordinating with AMC, helping make the dragstrip terror SS / the 390 and AMX - powered Hurst SC / Rambler. The hood and mailbox-kind atmosphere scoop were painted "AIR, 390," with an arrow in the air-duct. The sole alternative was an AM radio. Only 1512 were assembled, most used to massacre the contest to the strip. Two were ran in the Baja 500 and built with 4WD. One took first-place in its course. By 1970, the Sunoco Racing Team and also Mark Donohue dumped their Camaros to race Javelins instead. AMXs, Javelins and Americans had the seller "Group 19" heavyduty functionality alternative. The V - 8s heads were refined to ensure it is great for 430ft and 340 hp / pounds torque. This is the last year there will be any new Ramblers in North America; the title didn't reappear in 1970, although it had been utilized in Australia and South Africa until AMC pulled from these markets in the 70s.

George Barris had an on-going deal with AMC to create a bolton customizing apparel, offered by AMC dealers, for the AMX. Each phase of the vehicle got a racestyle gas cap - and each was counterfeit; the actual gas cap was, just like the standard AMX, under the license plate. The engine and inside were stock. The auto toured the nation and was filmed in TELEVISION's Banacek in 1972; it is currently independently owned.

On April 1, the very first American subcompact since the Nash Metropolitan, the Gremlin, was released. It had the 199 because the base engine, using the 232 six elective. The Gremlin's sixcylinder power was uncommon for subcompacts, and resulted in proportions like the British "shooting brakes," with a lengthy hood and shortlooking cabin.

AMX and Javelin acquired a light styling update, and added an elective "Power Blister" ram air hood that boosted the 390s hp to 345. A specific "Mark Donohue Edition" Javelin had all of the operation alternatives along with a spoiler created by Donohue himself. Rebel and Ambassador received updated styling with new quarter panels and tail-lights.

An unique Rebel called "The Machine" was released. It had a fiberglass hood scoop together with the tach assembled in the slotted wheels, 390, double exhaust, automobile or stick, back, and plush inside. The 343 V-8 was raised to 360ci, and the 290 became the 304.

During 1970, AMC worked in the Jeep line's potential, leading to nearly immediate changes -- normally improvements; the purchase became exceptionally lucky for Jeep, which picked up a slowselling but exceptional and large reliable truck/SUV line just like that section was supposed to soar.

AMC formally adopted the "A-symbol" emblem and discontinued the "AM" script. AMX/3 was a popular theory job utilising a handmade Italian fiberglass body and midmounted 390. Seven were assembled. A quite - uncommon Hurst variation of the Jeepster Commando was produced in white with blue and red T stripes and hood scoop, again with integral tach.

Levi's sent a news release that mentioned, "Gremlin sets another symbol because the initial U.S. subcompact to provide trend interiors for your smallcar marketplace," including that besides the denim look, copper rivets were used as buttons in seat backs and pillows, and snap off freight pouches were contained.

A Javelin alternative was the "TransAm Victory" bundle to observe their back-to-back SCCA championships, after just five years of racing. Mostly because of the little cars' blessed time, AMC leaped up-to 4.2% market-share, well above the 3.3% of the past year.

The brand new QuadraTrac system was started, supplying today's full-time fourwheel drive organization that allow each wheel traveling in another rate, removing the "tire scrub" endemic to older 4x4 systems. New look packages were launched to raise the Jeep line's attractiveness to non-traditional customers -- something Kaiser had attempted to do because the end-of the Korean War -- and the instrument panel was colour-coded, given international symbols, and supplemented by means of an ammeter and clock.

It might be the final year for the Javelin, which nevertheless provided a 401.

You may consider that just acquired selfassured search an actual warning to Detroit and also the world that AMC isn't any longer bound by the danger of fiscal oblivion."

Ordered using the 401 X bundle, any new sport sedan could be beaten by the Matador. The styling, under Dick Teague's direction, was meant to help Donohue, Bobby Allison and also the other AMC racers get more aerodynamic edge to the monitor, which it did. It was the only allnew American midsize car, and had an interior styled by Oleg Cassinni. The Matador Coupe held its styling distinctive in the station wagon versions and four-door, and used a computerized offered by Chrysler - - the TorqueFlite - - with GM Saginaw steering and a Ford carburetor. (Car wrote Driver & the vehicle had higher-than normal harshness, ride wind sound and but with exceptional braking.)) Fuel consumption was commensurately reduced, at 9 - 12 mpg (C amounts D &). (0-60 was recorded in a swift 8.3 seconds and 0-100 at 23.9).

Matador and Ambassador 4-door and station wagon got a contentious front-end restyling that some called the "coffin nose" or "Jimmy Durante Snout." These were best-known as late 1970s police cruisers, and were employed in the "Police Academy" films. The authorities 401 was viciously strong and had high quality parts.

The most important launch for 1974 by far was the Jeep Cherokee, the very first Jeep to have been designed by AMC -- most probably with work beginning in 1970, shortly following the buy -- although essentially it was a Wagoneer together with the rear doorways carved out. The Cherokee, which changed the Commando, would resonate with the people - - assisted by a merchandise line with only nine versions, way more practical for advertising compared to 38 left by Kaiser. 1974 Jeep line sales were over double what they'd been in 1970.

Because of availability difficulties, the 360 was changed in later vehicles. The 360 cars are somewhat more desirable by Brickophiles, because their functionality is much superior." Alan Morton noted the 1975 1976 versions of the Canadian auto are sometimes preferred because "they repaired some of the design flaws and had better quality." Bill Cawthon noted the first Bricklin notion utilized a six.

The vehicle that most explained the "AMC Philosophy of Difference" made its advent: the Pacer rode 100inch wheelbase but measured 80\" across. It was intended by putting four individuals in seats and creating the vehicle around them to best adapt their security and comfort. Your body was refined in a wind-tunnel to provide it exceptional aerodynamics. The passenger door was 4\" longer compared to the driver's to allow back seat passengers in more readily. The dashboard was ergonomically-designed and amazing.

The design procedure was credited to Richard Teague through the creation of the AMC Pacer. The Pacer's closing form and size was determined only following the interior accommodations were recognized... they first sat four real folks (of real size) in car seats then scribed the abstract of the interior area and measured the results. Then Teague employed his newstyle sedan ideas to that. These ideas were roundish and natural with line movement rather than boxedout designs. Afterwards, styles of coupes and other sedans from some other businesses bettered what the Pacer executed.

GM didn't furnish the engines, though originally made to utilize the Wankel Rotary engine, and AMC needed to replace the 232, with the discretionary. Sales nearly doubled expectations the very first year, although the vehicle wasn't created for the engines it obtained.

The remainder of the line got cosmetic changes, along with the 401 V-8 was not available in passenger vehicles (it remained for select Jeeps). Mid-way during the season, the favorite Cherokee Leader alternative package was introduced, gathering popular Cherokee alternatives together. See our 1975 76 Jeep part.

Prior to the CJ-7, CJ owners needed to understand the way to drive a stick. See our 1975 76 Jeep part.

The "Honcho" package was accessible on pickups, and gave them more sport charm.

The Matador Coupe got a lavish "Barcelona" bundle with velour seats.

Fuel consumption was estimated at 20 city, 31 highway, together with the optional straightsix and manual-transmission with overdrive. Fleet buyers got a 12-year, 12,000 month guarantee covering all things other than tires, if the components were faulty or wore from ordinary use.

Chris wrote: "In 1979, the Spirit wasn't available with power windows, and the 5-speed wasn't used until 1982. In Addition, the kammback body design was accessible in the beginning of the Spirit line."

Rick Shahovskoy wrote: Aerodynamically, it was amazing. I had a big GM auto nearly blown off the street like I came up I - 91 one night because I was followed by it. I felt nothing at all except the almost crazy whip of the air antenna.

"As for that statement concerning the motor picks, however, wasn't the first choice from CurtissWright who held the patents however they could not have the making going? And then General Motors fiddled and diddled with the V6 - which was a clear option and also would have been a great fit- but this fell through causing the unbreakable AMC units eventually going in?"

1977

Pacer sales were slumping, but were improved somewhat by a fresh wagon version that raised cargo area and lowered the "raindrop in overalls" look. Stopping distance from 60 miles per hour was a considerable 176 feet; lateral acceleration was merely.653 g. They recorded fuel consumption of 17.5 mpg. The Pacer Wagon was $ 5, 788 as-tested, and price $ 3, 800 foundation; curb weight was a remarkably large 3, 435 lbs.

With revenue lower in 1976, Gremlin received a brand new, classy-looking slanted front-end, and for the first-time had a 4-cylinder alternative from Volkswagen -- equal 2-liter motor because the Pacer and Porsche 924, assembled within america by AMC, with Volkswagen purchasing engines from AMC. The redesigned front-end reduce almost four inches in the entire amount of the automobile, while the glass area was increased by a redesigned rear by 23%, having a lower liftover height. The V8 was not available, and also the lowest sixcylinder was the 232, with an elective 258. Having a price-cut to $2,995, Gremlin was the cheapest Americanmade vehicle in the U.S.

At start, there was certainly no electronic ignition. The Gremlin was rated by the EPA at 23 city and 34 highway, and ordinary motorists could expect to obtain much lower mileage.

Power disc brakes were got by all Jeeps.

1978: Concord

With important refinements to trimming, suspension, body and inside, the Hornet was changed in the Concord. The 2-door sedan was cut back and led the array of Concord body designs. AMX hatchback had new stripes, and became a Concord in addition. The backside was restyled with a bigger window, to improve sales, plus a fancied up GT package was supplied with images, rally wheels, and fender flares. Although provided a brand new "Barcelona II" bundle, Matador coupe, sedan, and wagon were gone before the close of the model-year. The 232 engine was shed from creation. Pacer got a taller grille, 304 V-8 choice, and lavish "Limited" bundle. The 401-powered Jeep Wagoneer didn't return for 1978.

Jeep had an exceptional year in 1978, with a whopping 168,000 revenue.

1979: Spirit

With a quad square headlights, fresh grille plus a smart restyling of the rear end, the Gremlin became the brand new Spirit liftback. It may be ordered for a $3999 economy-car. Using the V-8, it was a category Mustang-gt killer. Plus a wraparound taillight treatment, Eagle and Concord would get the brand new front end too by 1980. The Spirit no more was accessible using the V8.

The luxurious Wagoneer Limited debuted, bringing a fresh thread to Jeep; and strategies were moving forward in the military division for a fresh, bigger allpurpose military vehicle. The AMC engineers worked within the Jeep custom to produce a vehicle that may not be stopped. The title of it was as-yet undetermined.

1980: Renault Fuego, AMC Eagle and LeCar

AMC Eagle

Pacer was dropped throughout the model-year. Renault bought 25% of AMC and started selling their LeCar miniature, Fuego sports-car, and 18i sedan at AMC vendors, to assist the unhealthy financial situation. Renault struck a similar offer with VAM automobiles of Mexico, that used many AMC products in making its.

AMC Eagle dawns

Although Subaru claims to get the "first sport-utility wagon," the AMC Eagle predated it by 17 years. It applied the ground-breaking New Process Equipment NP119 transfer case that transferred power to the wheels having the absolute most grip using a 42-disk viscous coupling transfer case; it had full-time four-wheel drive, dubbed QuadraTrac (a title first found in 1973 for another program).

The Gremlin bodystyle was renamed for the AMC Spirit Liftback and resurrected with bigger quarter-windows. AMX was not available. A brand new Jeep, the CJ-8 Scrambler became the sole convertible pick-up in the available on the marketplace. The Hummer idea was in the testing periods.

1982: Renault enters, AM Common leaves

The GM 2.5 was changed halfway through the year from the new, stronger AMC 2.5 (150 cid) four which have been under development for quite a while. The Eagle 2-door sedan and Kammback left creation.

One mainly forgotten section of AMC history was the utilization of the computer for your electronic feedback carburetor that could supply mechanics with diagnostic tips.

1983: Renault Alliance

Motor Trend again gave an AMC product the Auto of the Year award, although now it was for your Renault Alliance, a wellequipped vehicle that got 37 mpg in town driving; it was created using largely AMC resources. This might be the final year for the Spirit, Concord, and Eagle

1984: SportWagons

Probably the most famous sport utilities ever, the SportWagon Cherokee and Wagoneer replaced their bigger predecessors.

The old Wagoneer also stayed, currently known as the Grand Wagoneer, with common luxury items like power windows and locks, leather, A/C, automobile, V-8, tilt leather wheel, shag carpeting, and woodgrain.

The Encore was essentially just like the Alliance, together with the trunk replaced through an odd, Frenchlooking hatch window. In 1985, a Renault turbodiesel was available for Wagoneer and Cherokee.

A groundbreaking deal was made with China to construct the brand new Cherokee in a plant in Beijing, a partnership that will endure for many years, but would finally be terminated by Daimler in favor of constructing Mercedes vehicles in Beijing.

Comanche was an elegant compact truck, and may be ordered in almost any trimming for virtually any purchaser; quick and light, the pick-up had a high ability for the type, but could outrun many automobiles.

Larry Maddox, Mike Leslie, Curt LeDuc and others campaigned the RATING groups, along with the Archer Brothers (Tommy ) campaigned the Bobby and SCCA miniature truck autos. Lee Hurley built all of the engines for your factory Jeep teams, both 4 cylinder and in-line 6.

Stagnant production lines within the plant were put to work with creating the Fifth Avenue, Diplomat, and Gran Fury under contract for Chrysler.

1987: Hatchback and Alliance GTA; Medallions; Chrysler buys AMC

It wore contentious square headlights, and shared nearly not one of the parts of the CJ-7 that it changed. It was much more secure (with a tighter that made the trip rigid and nearly punishing), and had a more auto like inside. It was driven from the AMC 2.5 four-cylinder and 4.2l engines. The 2.5 would endure into the twenty-first century, and the 4.2, in 4.0 liter type, survived all the best way to 2006.

The Encore was rebadged as Alliance Hatchback, plus a fresh hipo sort of the Alliance was offered, called Grand Theft Auto. It was quite peppy and accessible in 2-door sedan and convertible bodystyles. The 258 was refined and built with fuel-injection to eventually become the Jeep "PowerTech Six." It created 173 hp and 220ft/pounds torque. Comanche Eliminator versions using the new six could run 0-60 miles per hour in a decent 9.5 seconds. An extra 5-speed manual and 4-speed vehicle accompanied the brand new SUV efficiency leader.

A fresh Renault, that was greatly predicated on the derivative and 18i Sportwagon, came across the edge midyear. The very first Medallions, filled with choices, offered properly.

Frank Swygert wrote: The intake ports to the head were elevated 1/8" to provide a straighter shot into the cylinders. In addition to computer system revisions, this added 13 hp for the motor, therefore producing the 190 hp H.O. edition that has been used through 2002. The same basic engine layout (using the exception of the top) was employed since 1963. Many others have updated mature 232 and 258 variants by bolting to the 1987 and later head and fuel-injection system, together with including the 258 crank and rods for the bigger bore 4.0L to produce a 4.5L (normal 4.0 bore) high torque motor. Parts interchangeability is exceptionally great. In general, components from the newer engine will bolt onto some of the older engines, with a few exclusions."

1988: Leading, end-of AMC

Renault Premier was launched in late '87. It also, fit a starving marketplace niche of bigger, wellappointed FWD cars. Less-than 2500 were constructed. Jeep J-series pick-up production was prevented; and the Kenosha, Wisconsin assembly plant, which have been making automobiles since the very first Rambler in 1897, was torn down. The heart of AMC lives on, although, because many AMC employees were absorbed by Chrysler. Former - stylists, AMC engineers, and other employees are helping create the unbelievable MoPar machines of today. Certainly, some would say the AMC engineers and supervisors saved Chrysler from an egocentric, bureaucratic culture.

Evan Boberg composed: "At the exact time of the merger in 1987... Internally, it was supposedly patterned after Honda. In addition, he noted, in his own book Good Sense Not Necessary, the Jeep design for your Grand Cherokee dominated on a Dakotabased SUV that will later become the Durango; and the Intrepid resembled the Eagle Premier more than any present Chrysler. Another former engineer stated the Neon design team was composed largely of former AMC folks, and changed its particular K and a Chrysler team - based design. Again, this contains many former Chrysler workers!

AMC did make a brief foray to the police vehicle industry. Among the largest clients was several Southern California companies, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with the Los Angeles Sheriff.

The initial purchase for LAPD arrived in 1972. Most automobile companies were in the stranglehold of the Environmental Protection Agency and V-8 power was down. AMC utilized a 401 cubic-inch V-8 that blew MoPar and anything else from the water for this size sedan. It reached 60 miles per hour in 7 seconds flat! Top speed, without a condition for the LAPD, was about 125 miles an hour or so - - attained in 43 seconds. This is quicker than the 1970 Plymouth Satellites that have been so well enjoyed by the officers. It easily conquer the 1971 Satellite models that have been back on energy, and heavier-than the 1970 models.

AMC outfitted the vehicles right, including all the goodies that Chrysler had. It was almost guaranteed of little difficulty in that place, because AMC had made preparations within the late sixties to buy Chrysler Torqueflite for their automatic transmission.

The Matador was bought from the LAPD again in 1973 and 1974. These were the largest users. A change within the body design for 1974 added weight, impacting acceleration and cornering, along with the reliability wasn't nearly as great as the prior couple of years. No Matadors were obtained following this.

But, the Rambler name was dropped in britain before AMI discontinued assembly in their 1976 Matadors, which should lay claim to the use of the Rambler name global? Matadors were still being offered here in 1977, although North Americansourced. AMCs were imported in america, Canada, and in addition on their Belgian assembly plant in LHD type. Renault ran the Belgian plant, which exported throughout Continental Europe not to mention ultimately they possessed AMC outright, before sellingup to Chryslers as before. All these businesses were thus intertwined in britain, just like in Australia.

Ramblers were assembled in New Zealand before the 70's by Campbell Motor Industries in Thames (after Toyota New Zealand) in a versatile small CKD business that consistently constructed Toyota, Datsun, Renault and Peugeot in addition to Hino, Isuzu, Simca, and other versions from now and then. We had Rebel 6s, Classics and V8s and the Matador up until about 1975. The righthand - as the lefthand drive Ramblers did not get updated interiors as frequently - drive US versions (as the case together with the GM cars) but exteriors was altered together with the US upgrades.

Afterwards

1999: DaimlerBenz, AG buys Chrysler at a discount price.

2003: The 2.5 liter four eventually leaves.

2007: Daimler sells the remains of Chrysler, awfully downsized, to Cerberus, a private-equity firm.

AMC versus Chrysler

Chris Theodore said:

AMC proved to become a fantastic tradition - although I didn't believe it was really going to - it was lots of fun. It ended up being a model for stage teams [at Chrysler] since it was about pulling together to endure. This scrappy small business was attempting to reinvent itself. Individuals had lots of responsibility and they needed to provide. Teamwork was critical. You couldn't be fighting with one another.

Chrysler, as I said, once we got the system groups rolling with everybody working together under Castaing and Lutz, was like Camelot.