American Motors AMX, Javelin and Rambler: Books - History

Storied Independent Automakers - Nash, Hudson, and American Motors

With roots extending back to the first decade of the twentieth century, Nash Motor Company and the Hudson Motor Car Company managed to compete and even prosper as independent producers until they merged in 1954 to form the American Motors Company, which itself remained independent until it was bought in 1987 by the Chrysler Corporation.

In this book, renowned automotive scholar Charles K. Hyde argues that these companies, while so far neglected by auto history scholars, made notable contributions to automotive engineering and styling and were an important part of the American automobile industry.

Hyde investigates how the relatively small corporations struggled in a postwar marketplace increasingly dominated by the giant firms of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, which benefited from economies of scale in styling, engineering, tooling, marketing, and sales. He examines the innovations that kept the independents' products distinctive from those of the Big Three and allowed them to survive and sometimes prosper against their larger competitors.

Hyde also focuses on the visionary leaders who managed the companies, including Charles Nash, Roy D. Chapin, Howard Coffin, George Mason, George Romney, and Roy D. Chapin Jr., who have been largely unexamined by other scholars.
Finally, Hyde analyzes the ultimate failure of the American Motors Company and the legacy it left for carmakers and consumers today. Storied Independent Automakers is based on extensive research in archival collections generated by the three companies.

Information

Author:	Charles K. Hyde
Details:	326 pages, 25.5 x 17.5 x 2.5 cm / 10 x 6.9 x 0.98 in, hardback
Illustrations:	100 b&w photos
Publisher:	Wayne State University Press (USA, 2009)
ISBN:	9780814334461

The Legend of American Motors - The Full History of America's Most Innovative Automaker

NEW

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.

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.
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.

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.

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!

Information

Author:	Marc Cranswick
Details:	288 pages, 25 x 20.5 cm / 9.8 x 8.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:	422 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2023)
ISBN:	9781787118034

The Cars of American Motors - An Illustrated History

Though American Motors never approached the size of Detroit's Big Three, it produced a long series of successful cars that were distinctive, often innovative and in many cases influential.

This history examines AMC's cars from the company's formation in 1954 through its absorption by Chrysler in 1987. The Gremlin, Pacer and Eagle vehicles are examined in detail, as are the AMC custom cars of George Barris and Carl Green.

The text details AMC's 1980s involvement with the French firm Renault and the design legacy of that joint venture, which includes the Hummer. The evolution of Jeep is covered from the 1960s through the 2000s.

Features include some 225 photographs; a listing of AMC / Rambler clubs, organizations and business entities, with contact details; tables of detailed specifications and performance data; data on technical devices, trim packages and all model variations; a comprehensive account of AMC / Rambler appearances in film, television and cartoons.

Information

Author:	Marc Cranswick
Details:	364 pages, 25.5 x 18 x 2.3 cm / 10 x 7.1 x 0.91 in, paperback
Illustrations:	195 b&w and 27 colour photos
Publisher:	McFarland & Co Inc (USA, 2012)
ISBN:	9780786446728

Rambler 1950-1969 Photo Archive

Several small cars were introduced by American companies in the 1950s but only the Rambler was successful. From 1950-1969 more than four million Ramblers were produced. Starting out as a Nash model, it later was offered through Hudson dealers before becoming a separate make in its own right.

Rambler set a sales record for independent makes that remains unbroken even today. In this book, exquisite photographs illustrate models throughout the entire lifespan of the modern Rambler. Includes a detailed history of the company, written by Patrick Foster, America's premier AMC historian.

Information

Author:	Patrick R. Foster
Details:	128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 0.9 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:	123 b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2002)
ISBN:	9781583880784

AMC Cars 1954-1987 - An Illustrated History

Formed in 1954 by the merger of The Hudson Motor Car Company and Nash-Kelvinator Corporation, American Motors Corporation was no ordinary company. It was the last, and the very best, of the great independent automakers.

Highly regarded AMC historian and expert, Patrick Foster, gives us an in-depth look at AMC and its cars from its beginning in 1954 through its demise in 1987. Over 300 photos combined with informative captions show all of AMCs cars. A great reference for the AMC enthusiast!

Information

Author:	Patrick R. Foster
Details:	158 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 1 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	317 b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2004)
ISBN:	9781583881125

AMC Rambler (1956-1969) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the AMC Rambler models from the years 1956-1969. Describes the Rambler Six, Rebel, American, Ambassador, Classic, Marlin, Hurst SC/Rambler and Rogue as well as the Rambler/AMC Marlin, Ambassador and Rebel.

• The 41 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Information

Details:	136 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.9 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:	250 photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2004)
ISBN:	9781855206601

More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

AMX & Javelin (1968-1974) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the AMX and Javelin models from the years 1968-1974. Describes the AMX Javelin 304, 343, 360, 390 and 401 along with the prototypes AMX Prototype, AMX/2 and AMX/3.

• The 48 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Information

Author:	R. M. Clarke
Details:	176 pages, 27 x 20 x 1.1 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in, paperback
Illustrations:	b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2004)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855206571

More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

AMX: From Concept to Reality Photo Archive

Beginning with the early design stages of the AMX, including early sketches, interior design, clay work, fiberglass mockups, and show cars, this book moves on to actual production models.
It covers the entire AMX lineup and specials including the SS/AMX, Jeffords/AMX, Dick Teague's AMX and The Big Bad color AMXs. Other pre-production ideas covered include AMX/2, AMX/3, AMX/K, AMX II, AMX III, and Project IV.

Information

Author:	C.L. Zinn II
Details:	128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 1 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	121 b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2002)
ISBN:	9781583880623

Javelin Photo Archive: From Concept to Reality

Get an inside look at the development of American Motors' Javelin beginning with the early design stages of the Javelin, including early sketches, interior design, clay work, fiberglass mockups, and show cars.
From there, move to the actual production models. Includes the entire Javelin lineup and specials including the TransAm Javelin and the Mark Donohue Javelins.

Information

Author:	C.L. Zinn II
Details:	128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 1 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	169 b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2002)
ISBN:	9781583880715

Les Renault 9 et 11 de mon père

The Renault 9 was born in September 1981. With the consensual appearance of a three-box saloon, it was the result of a cultural and industrial revolution at the Régie and its homogeneity soon earned it the title of "Car of the Year". A year and a half later, the Renault 11 appeared; this false twin of the 9, which was distinguished by its tailgate and layout, was intended to replace the Renault 14.

Soon, the new Renaults revealed their potential. In addition to Europe, they would invest in four continents and be assembled in Taiwan, Zaire, Colombia and Portugal. But the duo also became the spearhead of another conquest.
The takeover of the American Motors manufacturer led the Régie to design versions adapted to the New Continent, under the names of "Alliance" and "Encore".

Universal, the Renault 9 and 11 played on all fronts, in turn laborious like the 9 and 11 Diesel, modernist like the 11 Electronic or muscular in the case of the 9 and 11 Turbo, with the latter having a great career in rallying. All these talents make them today appreciated "youngtimers", emblematic of the 1980s.

• Richly illustrated, this book is dedicated to the Renault 9 and 11 cars from 1981-2000.
• Retraces in detail the history and evolution of the Renault 9 and 11.
• This volume of the "La voiture de mon père" collection is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technology, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Also covers manufacturing abroad, particularly in Belgium, Turkey and Colombia.
• A chapter is dedicated to the Alliance and Encore models, produced by American Motors for the North American market.
• Contains more than 250 period photos, often unpublished.

Information

Author:	Yann Le Lay
Details:	120 pages, 21.5 x 24 cm / 8.5 x 9 in, hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2017)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028301378