What’s the Best AMC To Celebrate the Brand’s 70th Anniversary?
Back in 1954, the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation merged with the Hudson Motor Car Company to form the fourth-largest automobile company in the United States. Once all the Wall Street types did their financial machinations to appease stockholders from both companies, a new company called American Motors Corporation (AMC) emerged in May of 1954.
That pivotal moment in American corporate history is quickly approaching its 70th anniversary, so now we wonder aloud about the best example of AMC engineering, design, and marketing gusto. If you don’t have the ideal AMC in your heart, here’s a cheat sheet to get you inspired.
My choice is pretty obvious, mostly because of its impact on America both then and now:
It wasn’t until 1970 that AMC made what was the most impressive, far-reaching, and impactful business decision of the company’s storied history. That’s when it added Jeep to its portfolio, and it might be the only legacy from AMC that modern-day American citizens in any city, state, or zip code across the country can recognize. We enthusiasts may love Javelins, Hornets, Matadors, Eagle 4x4s, and a precious few of us adore the Summit, but there can only be one winner in my mind.
I doubt anyone at AMC could even imagine Jeep’s long-term success, but they likely saw a glimmer of hope in the Civilian Jeep (CJ). AMC knew this brand had merit in its stable, and it was wise to buy it up from Kaiser Motors. So now I hand the reins to you, and every member of the Hagerty Community: What’s the Best AMC To Celebrate the Brand’s 70th Anniversary?
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The AMX & Javelin represent the best of AMC. The Gremlin & the Pacer are the opposite end and are a sad reminder of what was an interesting brand.
The 1961 Rambler, or any of the compact Ramblers for the matter. They kept AMC alive long enough to make the Javelin, AMX, Rebel Machine, and other cars mentioned above.
No one is mentioning the early-mid 50’s Nash line, where the styling was done by Pinninfarina. From 1954, you could have the Weather Eye air conditioning, which was the first modern in-dash integrated system (and not one of those clunky trunk mounted systems everyone else was using). The 1956 Ambassador could be had with with the Packard V-8 and Ultramatic. These were quite distinctive in their day, but if you liked the Pacer, you would love these!
I had 2 “AMC” Jeeps , 81 CJ5 and 86 Cherokee Pioneer . Both awesome vehicles .
The AMX and Javelin were my favorites, but the American convertible and Ambassador with seats reclinable into beds (and with “Instant Overtake”) should get votes, too.
Rather than dwell on the models that fill their failed portfolio, while acknowledging the continued success of Jeep, I have to agree with Don Alcock and cast my vote for the lovely AMX3 of 1970. A genuinely interesting beauty that could have been oh so special from the little guys in Kenosha. Alas, it was not to be…
For me, hands down the AMX.
1972-3 Javelin AMX – 401 cu. in., 4 speed Hurst factory shifter, Fresh Plum metalic paint, and Pierre Cardin interior. This low production model boldly just screamed the 70’s in the waning days of the muscle car era, and was the last of a limited production series of powerful, and bold designs by AMC as it tried to compete with the big three. It showed AMC’s design versatility, and it was perhaps the most radical of the cars that they produced as alternatives to the more conservative, and economical production cars that they had become known for.
The comments are interesting and diverse. Someone says AMC I think Teague, which is perhaps unfair, but the concept drawings out of AMC and what they actually managed to build should be respected.
What probably is fair is that AMC was innovative with a limited budget and casts a long shadow in the North American car market –though few would know. Not like GM ever tells when they steal an idea (and often sell well) such as Blazer, Corvair, Camaro, etc.
Rambler (with some help from Studebaker Lark) pushed the big 3 to recognize that compact cars weren’t just a tiny import market.
SUV that don’t look like a Flatfender Jeep or International Scout trace back to AMC (and as others have mentioned, AMC was a necessary steward of the Jeep brand).
The look of most crossovers, especially when that segment was newer is very Gremlin in shape –just add 2 more doors.
Not sure if I buy that AMX —Fiero —mid-engine Vette but one could at least ponder that.
I already mentioned the Pacer. If that was done today with tinted/polarized glass on the rear you solve one of the bigger problems people had with them. Otherwise it is basically a curvy version of what is now things like the Kia Soul or the love it/hate it Nissan Cube, etc. Do I like the look of a Pacer? Not sure, but they stand alone in their era for look/intent to what I know (which of course could be lacking).
If you’re going to split hairs, the Jeep wasn’t a Willys it was a Bantam.
I owned a 1969 390 Javelin. I surprised a lot of G.T.O.s, Mustangs, Cameras, and Chevelles. The car was very quick for its size and engine. I put my guardian angel though some real scares.
Don Alcock and Jim in Montana were close, but for my money it’s the AMX/2 of 1969.
http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/AMX-2.htm
It’s interesting to read all the comments on AMC from non-AMC owners. My first car was a ’74 Gremlin and I have owned thirty AMCs and currently own two Gremlins, a Pacer, three ’64 Rambler Americans and two Metropolitans.
At every car show I attend showing an AMC, mainstream owners feel compelled to claim my engine is a Ford, my suspension is GM, etc., and then hit me with the real clincher, “AMC means All Makes Combined.”
I’m not sure why they must bully the odd kid, but they do. Meanwhile, the AMC six-cylinder engine introduced in 1964 lived on until 2007 in all manner of vehicles and the Hummer is a direct offspring of the AMC subsidiary AM General’s military production arm that is still in business today. Give the awkward kid a little respect.
I intentionally pull my ’75 Levi’s Edition Gremlin or ’57 Metropolitan convertible next to the most expensive and exotic car at the show and enjoy watching attendees gravitate away from the Italian stallion and over to the red-headed step-child next door. Revenge of the Nerds.
Nash Rambler will live forever on the oldies radio stations and sitiusXM with “Beep Beep” by the playmates.