The Legend of American Motors

American Motors was the little automotive company that made a big impact.

Makers of the Rambler family car, Kenosha offered an antidote to the excess of Detroit’s Big 3. But when America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine.

American Motors was a proven performer in showrooms and on the track, with success in drag and road course racing. However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit: An accent on consumer protection, along with brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with their Gremlin and Pacer small cars.

Off road, Kenosha truly made Jeep ’The One & Only, ’ popularizing the brand and making it the sales success it is today. Beyond that, AMC created America’s first crossover, the Eagle. It all proved that America’s smallest ... was its biggest surprise!

Marc Cranswick has had a lifelong interest in cars and all things mechanical, and has written about and drawn the cars that he loves for many years; these include a variety of European, Japanese and American marques. Formal study of the postwar American car market has led to a series of books about the cars and trucks of the Big 3 and independent automakers. He writes enthusiast-directed model history books, and has involvement with many specialist car clubs. His reference book The Cars of American Motors - An Illustrated History, was featured on NBC’s business channel CNBC. His other books include Ford Mustang II & Pinto (as seen on channel PBS’ MotorWeek); Ford Midsize Muscle - Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; BMW Classic 5 Series 1972 to 2003; MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant 1960-1980; Mazda Rotary-Engined Cars, and Pontiac Firebird - The Auto-Biography.