AMC Memories
American Motors Corporation (AMC) was a small but competitive carmaker that carved out a memorable niche in the US auto industry from 1954 until 1987. Known for its innovation, bold designs, and at times questionable execution, AMC produced many cars that are remembered fondly; there were also a few that are recalled not so fondly. We look at the best and worst of products of AMC.
AMC/Nash Metropolitan
The Nash Metropolitan was technically already built before AMC fully formed from the merger of Nash and Hudson, but the Nash Metropolitan is part of AMC’s legacy. The small car was marketed at buyers who wanted efficiency and style. It’s remembered as one of the more unusual cars tied to AMC’s history.
Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Rambler American
The Rambler American was an early success for AMC. Compact, affordable, and practical, it was a popular choice for post-war families looking for basic transportation along with some efficiency. Its durability and economy helped AMC compete with the Big Three, proving that smaller cars had a place on American roads.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Hurst SC/Rambler
A rare version of the Rambler American built in collaboration with Hurst Performance, the Hurst SC/Rambler became an instant classic. Its 390 engine from the AMX made it a muscle car standout. Today, it’s one of the most collectible AMCs ever built.
AMC AMX
The AMX was AMC’s answer to the growth in popularity of the muscle car. Introduced in 1968, it was a two-seat performance machine that rivaled Corvettes but at a lower price. With V8 power and bold styling, the AMX showed AMC could run with the Big Three without losing its underdog charm.
AMC Javelin
The Javelin was AMC’s pony car, designed to take on the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Its smart body style and strong performance gave it immediate credibility. The Javelin was also a racing success, taking Trans-Am championships in the early 1970s. The Javelin was definitely one of AMC’s best.
Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Rebel Machine
With its patriotic red, white, and blue paint job and high-performance V8 engine, the Rebel Machine was a standout. Released in 1970, this was AMC’s most powerful entry into the muscle car era. It didn’t sell in great numbers, but it’s still a collector favorite.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Hornet
The AMC Hornet became one of the company’s most versatile models. Affordable and adaptable, it led to the development of other models like the Gremlin and Concord. It was notably used in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun,' highlighting AMC’s cultural relevance at the time.
Denam Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Gremlin
The Gremlin was introduced in 1970 as AMC’s subcompact. The quirky design with its chopped rear drew both fans and critics. Many people saw it as unattractive, but others appreciated its practicality and affordability. A V8 version of the Gremlin came out in 1972, making it the nation’s most affordable muscle car, as well as its most compact. The Gremlin is still well-remembered today as one of AMC’s most recognizable cars.
Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Eagle
The Eagle was revolutionary as one of the first cars to combine passenger car comfort with four-wheel drive. Launched in 1979, it pioneered the crossover SUV design segment decades before the type started to dominate the North American automotive market. The Eagle rightly ranks as one of AMC’s greatest innovations.
Kev22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Matador Coupe
The AMC Matador Coupe, in particular its mid-70s form, polarized drivers. Its styling was seen as both futuristic and odd. The car made appearances in NASCAR, but its unconventional looks meant that it never quite achieved mainstream success.
AMC Concord
The Concord was AMC’s concerted effort to move upmarket in the late 70s. Offering comfort and luxury at a reasonable price, it found a following. This one isn’t as iconic as some of the other AMC models, but it showed once again the company’s adaptability and willingness to try new markets.
MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Spirit AMX
Reviving the AMX name in the late 70s, AMC introduced the Spirit AMX. It was smaller with less power than the original AMX, but still had appeal for enthusiasts. It also had some success on race tracks in the late 70s and early 80s, notably taking the top two places in its class at the 1979 24 Hours of Nurburgring. For regular drivers, its role as a compact performance car gave it a place among AMC’s more notable efforts.
Herranderssvensson, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Alliance
The AMC Alliance was built with Renault after the French automaker obtained a large share of AMC in the 1980s. This car was intended to bring some European flair to the US market, a bold marketing concept that wasn’t matched by the product. Initially praised, the Alliance quickly fell apart due to quality issues. Within a year, it went from being an award-winner to one of AMC’s most derided cars.
AMC Marlin
The Marlin, introduced in 1965, was AMC’s entry into the fastback trend. While stylish in concept, its execution left many underwhelmed. Too large to be sporty and too small to be practical, it never quite found a strong audience. Chalk this one up as one of AMC’s missteps.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Ambassador
The Ambassador was AMC’s flagship sedan, offering luxury features at a competitive price. It was by no means a bad car, enjoying modest success and showing that AMC could build comfortable full-size cars. But as the market shifted, the Ambassador struggled to maintain its appeal.
AMC Pacer
Perhaps the most infamous car in the AMC stable, the Pacer debuted in 1975 with futuristic styling and a wide body. Though innovative, it became ridiculed for its appearance, odd proportions and generally lousy performance. Often mentioned among the worst cars ever made, the Pacer is today a cultural punchline.
Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons
AMC Concord Sundancer
The Concord Sundancer was AMC’s rare convertible version of the Concord. Produced in prohibitively small numbers, it was quirky and impractical. It was unique, no question about it, but it did little to improve AMC’s fortunes, being seen as more of a curiosity than a serious product.
AMC Decline And Takeover By Chrysler
Despite innovative designs like the Eagle, AMC was struggling financially by the 80s. The partnership with Renault failed to turn the company’s fortunes around. In 1987, Chrysler acquired AMC, ending independent operations but preserving the Jeep brand, which went on to become a big part of Chrysler’s success.
Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts
AMC’s legacy is a surprising mix of brilliance and blunders. From groundbreaking cars like the Eagle and AMX to obvious misfires like the Pacer and Alliance, AMC took big risks and got inconsistent results. While it’s easy to point out failures, we can also look back with appreciation on some great cars as well. AMC will always have a historic place in the American automotive landscape, and a place in many people’s hearts.
CZmarlin-Christopher Ziemnowicz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
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