Technical Data Sheets

By Make and Model

American Motors Corporation

June 2008

Copyright © 2006 Wild About Cars LLC 440 North Wabash Suite 3411 Chicago, Illinois, 60611

Member Price: $14.95 Non Members: $24.95 General Index - Contents

Contents This manual contains technical information on American Motors Corporation (AMC) vehicles from 1955 through 1974. Earlier and later models are covered in a separate manual. This manual is broken out as follows: Introduction to These Data Sheets...... iv What this Book Is...... iv What this Book Is Not ...... iv Section 1 - General Information on Makes and Models ...... 1 1.0 An introduction to the Company and its History ...... 1 Cars of the 50's - Hudson and Nash Combine to Become American Motors ...... 2 Cars of the 50's - Hudson and Nash Combine to Become American Motors ...... 3 Cars of the 60's - AMC Establishes Two, No Wait A Minute, Three Identities...... 4 Cars of the 60's - AMC Establishes Two, No Wait A Minute, Three Identities...... 5 Cars of the 70's – If We Could Only Spend a Little Bit More ...... 6 Cars of the 70's – If We Could Only Spend a Little Bit More ...... 7 Cars of the 80's - Caught Between the Big Three and Foreign Investors...... 9 Cars of the 80's - Caught Between the Big Three and Foreign Investors...... 10 1.1 Full Size Cars ...... 14 Introduction...... 14 Ambassador 1956-1957...... 14 Ambassador 1956-1957...... 15 Ambassador 1958-1961...... 15 Ambassador 1958-1961...... 16 Ambassador 1962...... 17 Ambassador 1963-1964...... 17 Ambassador 1963-1964...... 18 Ambassador 1965-1966...... 19 Ambassador 1967-1968...... 20 Ambassador 1969-1973...... 21 Ambassador 1974...... 22 1.2 Mid-Size Cars ...... 23 Introduction...... 23 Rambler Six and V-8...... 23 Rambler Classic 1961– 1962...... 24 Rambler Classic 1963– 1964...... 25 Rambler Classic 1965– 1966...... 26 Rambler Rebel 1967– 1970 ...... 26 Rambler Rebel 1967– 1970 ...... 27 Matador 1971 - 1973...... 28 Matador 1974...... 29 1.3 Compact Cars...... 30 Introduction...... 30 Rambler American 1958 – 1960 ...... 30 Rambler American 1961 – 1963 ...... 30 Rambler American 1961 – 1963 ...... 31 Rambler American and Rogue 1964 – 1969...... 31 Rambler American and Rogue 1964 – 1969...... 32 Hornet 1970 - 1974 ...... 32 Hornet 1970 - 1974 ...... 33 1.4 Sub-Compact Cars ...... 34 Introduction...... 34 Gremlin 1970 - 1974 ...... 34 Section 2 - High Performance Models...... 36 Introduction - High Performance at AMC ...... 36 2.1 Full Size Vehicles – Sport Luxury ...... 37 Introduction...... 37 Marlin 1965 - 1967...... 37 2.2 Mid-Size Vehicles ...... 38 1957 Rambler Rebel V8...... 38 1966 Rambler Rebel V8...... 40 1967 – 1970 Rebel V8 ...... 40 1967 – 1970 Rebel V8 ...... 41 1970 Rebel "Machine" ...... 41

i General Index - Contents

1970 Rebel "Machine" ...... 42 1971 Matador "Machine"...... 42 1971 Matador "Machine"...... 43 2.3 Compact Vehicles...... 44 1967 - 1969 Rambler Rouge V8 ...... 44 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler...... 44 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler...... 45 1971 Hornet SC/360 ...... 46 2.4 Sports and Pony Cars...... 47 Introduction...... 47 1968-1970 AMX...... 48 1971-1974 AMX...... 50 1971-1974 AMX...... 51 1968-1970 Javelin ...... 53 1968-1970 Javelin ...... 54 1971-1974 Javelin ...... 57 Section 3 – Engines...... 60 3.1 - GEN-1 196 6 Cylinder Engines...... 60 The 196 I-6 Engine ...... 60 3.2 - GEN-2 6 Cylinder Engines...... 60 The Modern Era 199, 232, 258 and 242 I-6 ...... 60 3.3 GEN-1 V8 Engine ...... 62 GEN-1 - Nash/Hudson/Rambler V-8s (1956-1966)...... 62 3.4 GEN-2 V8 Engine ...... 64 GEN-2 AMC Short-Deck V-8 (1966–1970) ...... 64 Engine Specs - GEN-2 Engine...... 66 3.5 GEN-3 V8 Engine ...... 67 GEN-3 AMC Tall-deck (1970-1991) ...... 67 General Engine Specs - GEN-3 Engine...... 68 3.6 Specifications for Both the GEN-2 and GEN-3 Engines...... 69 Block Specifications...... 69 Crankshaft and Connecting Rods ...... 69 Pistons...... 69 Cylinder Heads ...... 69 Manifold Interchangeability ...... 69 3.7 High Performance Parts...... 71 Introduction...... 71 Pistons...... 72 Cylinder Heads ...... 72 Camshafts and Valve Train...... 73 Factory High Performance Manifolds and Carburetors ...... 73 Ignition Pieces ...... 75 Transmission ...... 75 Rear End...... 75 3.8 Engine Modification ...... 76 Engine Block...... 76 Crankshaft ...... 76 Connecting Rods ...... 77 Cylinder Heads ...... 77 Pistons...... 77 Applicable Aftermarket Parts ...... 77 3.9 Miscellaneous Engine Parts, Carburetors, Ignition ...... 82 Section 4 - Drive Train...... 83 4.1 Brakes...... 83 4.2 Manual Transmissions, Clutch...... 83 4.3 Automatic Transmissions...... 83 4.4 Rear Gears, Axle ...... 83 4.5 Steering ...... 83 4.6 Wheels...... 83 Section 5 - Chassis & Body Parts ...... 84 5.1 Suspension...... 84 5.2 Frame ...... 84 5.3 Fenders, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Body Parts ...... 84

ii General Index - Contents

5.4 Glass...... 84 Section 6 - Interior & Electrical...... 85 6.1 Interior...... 85 Section 7 - Options and Other...... 86 7.1 Options ...... 86

iii Introduction

Introduction to These Data Sheets What this Book Is This bookl is intended as a guide and a reference tool. As such, there is now way that it could ever contain all the information and enthusiast may want or need regarding their vehicle. And because it is a paper document (even though you may have downloaded it from the web, it is intended to be moved to paper), so there is a practical limit to the number of pages, size and content it can hold. What this document is intended to do is to provide the enthusiast with sufficient information on the vehicle(s) covered in this book and to set them on a course to become more proficient in their avocation or hobby. The data sheets contain an overview of vehicle make, model, series, and options, not every single fact and figure that would be impossible to place in a document of this size and function. Unlike the Internet, this document is printed which means that it is a "snapshot in time". Changes in information on the website will occur, more or newer information can become available. In such cases, this book will become outdates and will need to be updated and/or revised – which we will do – we will issue a sub-set of the data sheets. What we hope you see this as is a useful tool to assist you in your hobby or avocation. Suggestions for improvements or additional information may be submitted to: [email protected]. Please be sure to indicate the Manual or booklet name and revision number and/or date when submitting a suggestion or additional information.

What this Book Is Not This book is not: ƒ An Owner's Manual. Owner's manuals are quite complete and specific to year, make, model, series, etc. They can be found and purchased through various vendors. Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these items can be purchased. Wild About Cars is also embarking on a HUGE project to acquire and scan/collect these documents into our library for electronic download; go to www.wildaboutcars.com for more information. Members are assisting in this endeavor by submitting manuals for loan so we may copy them; and there is a section where you can do so on the Site. ƒ A Factory technical Service Manual. Service manuals are quite complete and specific to year, make, model, series, etc. They can be found and purchased through various vendors in both authentic paper and as a digital document. Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these items can be purchased. ƒ Manufacturer Brochures. Brochures are specific to year, make, model – and sometimes even the series. They can be found and purchased through various vendors in both authentic paper and as a digital document. Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these items can be purchased. Wild About Cars is also embarking on a HUGE project to acquire and scan/collect these documents into our library for electronic download; go to www.wildaboutcars.com for more information. Members are assisting in this endeavor by submitting copies; and there is a section where you can do so on the Site. ƒ A complete guide to each and every potential modification to the vehicle. This would be impossible, given the wealth of companies and individuals who have made such mods or are in business to provide this service to you, the enthusiast. Much more information and services can be found on our website www.wildaboutcars.com and/or purchased through various vendors Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these vendors can be located. And if you are a member, we give you access to subject matter advisors who can answer question and add to your knowledge. ƒ A complete trove of all information on the vehicle. This would be impossible, given the wealth of companies and individuals who have collected information or are in business to provide this service to you, the enthusiast. Much more information and services can be found on our website www.wildaboutcars.com and/or purchased through various vendors Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these vendors can be located. And if you are a member, we give you access to subject matter advisors who can answer question and add to your knowledge. ƒ All concepts, ideas, or opinions on the vehicle. This is a never-ending process. For more information go to our website www.wildaboutcars.com. There are subject matter advisors, blogs, forums, clubs and other organizations that can add to your knowledge base.

iv Introduction

ƒ A photo journal of each model, series, option or color. This would be impossible, given the wealth of photographs taken by enthusiasts, and journalists – and the manufacturers who have compiled photo records over the years. Many more photographs can be found on our website www.wildaboutcars.com and/or purchased through various vendors. Wild About Cars has a section in both it's Classifieds and Member Mall where these vendors can be located. Wild About Cars is also embarking on a HUGE project to acquire and scan/collects many photographs into our library for electronic download; go to www.wildaboutcars.com for more information. Members are assisting in this endeavor by submitting photos; and there is a section where you can do so on the Site.

v American Motors Corporation Model Descriptions and General Information

Section 1 - General Information on Makes and Models for AMC Vehicles Produced from 1956 - 1974 1.0 An introduction to the Company and its History

Introduction An Economy-minded Company For most of the history of American Motors Corporation (AMC) it was driven by a desire to set itself apart from the Big Three (GM, Ford and Chrysler). Though it tried many approaches, it was most successful when it promised vehicles that were economical to purchase, own, and operate. Its demise came from insufficient capital to meet the growing governmental requirements and rapidly shifting demands of the consumer. American Motors Corporation (AMC) was an American automobile company formed on January 14, 1954 by the merger of the Nash- Kelvinator Corporation and the Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history, valued at $198 million ($1.44 billion in 2006 dollars). Declining sales and a fiercely competitive auto market in the United States forced AMC to seek a partner in the late 1970s, which led to a tie-up with France's Renault in 1979. The arrangement lasted until March 2, 1987, when American Motors was purchased by the Chrysler Corporation, which discontinued the use of AMC and Renault brand names in the United States. The Jeep line was continued, as well as some of the models under the Eagle marque.

Early History 1954 Nash with air conditioning. Nash pioneered the in-dash A/C In January 1954, Nash-Kelvinator Corporation acquired the Hudson Motor Car Company to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). The acquisition was called a "merger", so as to allay fears that the Hudson line of automobiles would disappear. When the merger was completed in the spring of 1954, Hudson's CEO, A. E. Barit moved to the title of "consultant", but he was given a seat on the Board of Directors in the new company. Nash's CEO, George W. Mason, was made President and CEO of the new organization. Mason, who had been the architect of the merger, believed that the only chance of survival for America's remaining independent automakers was for them to join forces in one large, multi-brand auto giant, able to challenge General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (the "Big Three") as an equal. While the merger was taking place, Mason had entered into informal discussions with James J. Nance of the Packard Motor Car Company to outline his strategic vision. Nance saw value in the concept, and he OK'd a plan for AMC to buy Packard Ultramatic automatic transmissions and Packard V8 engines for certain AMC products. Meanwhile, Packard acquired Studebaker as part of an earlier plan, and the resulting Studebaker-Packard Corporation (S-P) did cooperate with AMC by making the new 308 cubic inch Packard V8 engine and Packard's Ultramatic automatic transmission available to AMC. Mason wanted these components for his upper level Nash The 1954 Hudson. This vehicle was designed by Hudson and in Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models. place prior to the merger. Tragically however, Mason passed away in 1954. His death placed The body was in tune with the styling trends of George W. Romney at the helm of AMC. Unlike Mason, Romney the time. After the merger it was replaced with the rather garish Nash designs - with even more chrome than the Nash had!

1 American Motors Corporation Model Descriptions and General Information was a penny pincher whose real dream was to turn AMC into a niche market player in the economy market, a segment that didn't really exist at that time. As such, his vision was a 180 degree turn from that of Mason's. It may be that Romney's management sent AMC into such a small niche that they did successfully occupy, but one that never resulted in enough sales to garner the cash to survive. One of Romney's first official statements a week after Mason's death, as reported in October 25, 1954 edition of Time Magazine, was to announce that there would be no merger talks with Studebaker-Packard "at this time or in the foreseeable future." This announcement was rumored to have been made in response to S-P President James Nance's refusal to consider any merger proposal in which he could not be in the top command position. Nance's vision was just too far apart from Romney's, so no deal was struck, and it was a true lost opportunity. Romney did honor Mason's commitment to buy S-P products; however, the understanding between Mason and Nance had been that S-P would endeavor to purchase parts from American Motors in return. S-P never lived up to its end of the gentleman's agreement, mostly because Nance had been insulted by Romney's method of handling the potential merger. Likely, the two had personalities and vision which were just too far apart. 1955 Hudson V8 Ad. It used the Packard unit that was part Consequently, Romney felt that he had been duped into buying of the George Mason Deal. Packard engines and transmissions that were too expensive, perhaps even being priced as such by S-P to diminish his competitive advantage versus the Big Three and S-P. Thus, he ordered AMC engineers to begin development of the company's own V8 engine. This decision sealed the chances of any reconciliation between the two. What could have produced a viable competitor to the Big Three became two smaller auto companies scrabbling for the edges of the US market.

1956 Nash V8s. These cars were powered by AMC's own new 250 cu. in V8 that would later grow to 327 inches in the following year.

1957 Hornet V8. This car received the 250 HP AMC 327 V8, along with the Ambassador.

2