This colorfully illustrated book details the economy, high performance, and luxury exploits of American Motors Corporation (AMC), the iconic US company that forged new and dramatic styling paths with Dick Teague, furthered innovative engineering, and brought the Jeep brand to an international audience.
New American Motors Ramblers, like this 1957 Cross Country wagon, represented keen value versus Detroit's 'low-cost three' family car brands. (Courtesy FCA)
Founded in 1954 by the merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and the Hudson Motor Car Company, American Motors was the little company that made a big impact. Small and manoeuvrable enough to exploit areas of the auto market that others were too big to cover, the company from Kenosha offered an antidote to the excesses of Detroit's 'Big Three' – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Combining products lines, AMC refined its lineup during the 50s, dropping Nash and Hudson brands, and turning the Rambler into its own unique marque.
Innovation, fast
AMC were truly early pioneers in automotive innovation, incorporating safety and technology features into its vehicles years before the Big Three, and including everything from brake master cylinders and disc brakes, to adjustable backrests and reclining seats.
From the tiny 97in wheelbase AMX to the giant 122in wheelbase full-size Ambassador, American Motors had you covered for 1969. (Courtesy George M Stragand III)
A proven performer in showrooms, with a reputation for building reliable, affordable, and economical cars, AMC also saw success on the track in both drag and road course racing. When America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine.
However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit; an accent on consumer protection, and brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with their Gremlin and Pacer small cars.
The 1972 Jeep Commando C104, represented the first Jeep that AMC reworked for improved commercial prospects. (Courtesy Noah Gresham)
Kenosha truly made Jeep 'The One & Only,' popularizing and expanding the brand, and making it the sales success it is today. And to cover all eventualities, AMC created America's first crossover, the Eagle.
From innovation, through style and speed, and with safety and practicality; it all proved that America's smallest was its biggest surprise!
The full history of American Motors, America’s most innovative automaker
A look at AMC in motorsport
Original archive and collector car photos
A study of the high performance models: AMX, Scrambler, Rebel Machine & Hornet SC/360
The complete history of Jeep
AMC’s small car stars: American, Gremlin & Pacer
A close look at AMC design and engineering
Full road reports and industry commentary
Fully illustrated throughout
Over 30 years of an American Motors
The Legend of American Motors spans the period 1954 to 1987, and covers everything from its sales and racing successes, to brand and model advertising, and its role in popular cultural. The book covers the following models, among others: Rambler (1956-60), Rambler American (1958-69), Rambler Ambassador (1958-66), Rambler Classic (1961-66), AMC Rebel (1967-70), AMC Ambassador (1967-74), AMC Javelin (1967-74), AMC Hornet (1970-77), AMC Gremlin (1970-78), AMC Matador (1971-78), AMC Pacer (1975-80), AMC Concord (1978-83), AMC Spirit (1979-83), AMC Eagle (1980-88), AMC Alliance (1983-87)
