The VAM American is the Mexican version of the Rambler American, the compact car with which American Motors Corporation re-entered the small-car market in 1958. VAM, the Mexican assembler Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos, built the car under licence; in the United States it was sold in three generations until 1969.
VAM American at a glance
| Maker | American Motors Corporation (US); VAM, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Production | 1958–1969 in the United States; assembled in Mexico under licence |
| Class | compact car |
| Generations | three: 1958–1960, 1961–1963, 1964–1969 |
| Body at launch | two-door sedan |
| Engine at launch | 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) flathead six, 90 hp |
| Price 1958 | US$1,789 Deluxe, US$1,874 Super |
| Transmission | automatic optional; advertised as the only small car with one |
| Economy | up to 30 miles per gallon, more with overdrive |
| 1958 sales | 30,640 cars |
| Platform successors | AMC Javelin (1968), AMC Hornet (1970) |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Rambler American. It mentions the Mexican assembly only in passing; VAM-specific production details are not documented there.
History of the VAM American
The Rambler American began with the Nash Rambler of 1950. After the merger of Nash and Hudson in 1954 formed American Motors, the Rambler line grew into larger cars, and by 1956 it rode on a 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase. The company kept the tooling of its 1955 Nash Rambler, which had a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, and in 1958 reused it for a new small car. The decision suited both the finances of the company, which could not afford an entirely new design, and the mood of the market as the United States entered a recession.
The new American went on sale in late January 1958. For that first year it came only as a two-door sedan, so that it would not take sales from the larger, more profitable Ramblers. The only engine was a 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) flathead six producing 90 hp; a Deluxe version cost US$1,789 and a Super US$1,874. The press was enthusiastic: Mechanix Illustrated called it an ideal small family car and reported up to 30 miles per gallon, more with overdrive. The car found 30,640 buyers in the shortened 1958 season.
The Rambler American was also assembled under licence outside the United States, in Australia, Iran, Mexico, Argentina and South Africa, and American Motors shipped CKD kits for local assembly. In Mexico the cars were built and sold by VAM as the VAM American. Right-hand-drive versions were available for some of these markets.
In the United States the model ran through three generations, 1958–1960, 1961–1963 and 1964–1969. The 1969 model year was the last car to carry the Rambler name in the United States and Canada. The American’s compact platform later served as the basis for the 1968 AMC Javelin and was reconfigured for the 1970 AMC Hornet, which replaced it.
Design and features
- Reused tooling: the 1958 car was built on the 100-inch wheelbase of the 1955 Nash Rambler, which kept development costs low.
- Simple six: the 195.6 cu in flathead six was tuned for economy rather than speed.
- Rust proofing: all Americans were completely dipped in rust proofing.
- Automatic option: the car was advertised as the only small car with an automatic transmission.
- Economy runs: victories in the Mobil Economy Run confirmed its reputation for low fuel consumption.
VAM American versions
- Deluxe (1958): the base two-door sedan at US$1,789.
- Super (1958): a more luxurious trim at US$1,874.
- Second generation (1961–1963): the same compact formula, updated.
- Third generation (1964–1969): the final Rambler American.
- SC/Rambler (1969): a 390 cu in muscle version developed with Hurst Performance.
- VAM American: Mexican assembly by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos.
Other VAM models in the collection are the VAM Gremlin and the VAM Javelin. More cars are in the VAM collection.
Video: 1982 VAM American coupe commercial
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Rambler American, English Wikipedia: origins, 1958 model, generations, licensed assembly
