Operations with AMC
In 1961, AMI began the assembly of a range of AMC cars, beginning with the Rambler Ambassador, all with right-hand drive and carrying the Rambler brand name. By the end of the 1960s, Australians could purchase a locally assembled Rambler Javelin, AMX,[9] Hornet, Rebel, or Matador long after the Rambler marque was discontinued from use on the equivalent U.S.-market models.[10]
Knock-down kits were shipped from AMC's Kenosha, Wisconsin facility, but the Australian cars were assembled with a percentage of "local content" to gain tariff concessions. Australian suppliers delivered many parts and components, such as glass, seats, upholstery and carpet, lights, tailshafts, and heaters. AMI specified what parts were not to be included in the unassembled kits sent by AMC. Other necessary parts specified by the assembler were boxed and shipped for assembly at the final destination in Australia. It is unknown exactly how many parts were included to be installed by the assembly operation, which varied with each operation. AMI chose external colors for the Rambler cars, matching those used on that period's AMI-assembled Triumphs and Toyotas. The distinctive AMI exterior emblems were affixed on Ramblers as well as Triumph and Toyota cars assembled by AMI from 1968 onward.
The Australian-assembled Rebel was made from 1967 until 1971, even though the last year of the American model was 1970. A total of 345 Rebels were assembled in 1970, and 307 were built in 1971. Australian Rebels were equipped with the dash and instrument cluster of the 1967 RHD Rambler Ambassador. This dashboard continued until the Australian-assembled replacement AMC Matador was introduced.
A total of 24 two-seat AMC AMXs, all 1969 models, were made by AMI between August 1969 and July 1970.[11] All featured the 343 CID V8s.[9] Differences to the RHD two-seater AMXs compared to the U.S. models included swapping the power brake booster and heater motor on the firewall. However, the power steering pump remained in its usual position on the left side. The remaining steering components had to be relocated to the right side of the car. All Australian AMX interiors were finished in black, featuring a unique RHD dashboard with a wood-grained instrument cluster in front of the driver. While the AMX was marketed as a performance muscle car in the U.S. marketplace, the Australian AMXs came with a substantially higher level of standard features that were optional in the U.S.[11] The AMI AMXs were advertised as personal luxury cars.[11]
One fully finished AMC Gremlin was imported from the U.S. in 1970 for evaluation purposes. It was converted to right-hand-drive and branded as a "Rambler Gremlin".[12] The car features the standard 232 CID I6 engine with three-speed manual transmission.[12] The car was presented at the 1970 Sydney Motor Show to gauge interest and test the market but never went into production.[13]
From 1971, Australian-assembled Matadors were equipped with standard column shift automatic transmissions, power steering, power windows, air conditioning, and an AM radio. In later model years, the engine was upgraded to AMC's 360 CID V8. Options included an exterior sun visor over the windshield, full vinyl roof cover, tow hitch, and mud flaps.
A total of 118 Hornets and 145 Matadors (118 sedans and 27 station wagons) were sold during 1974. Registrations for 1975 were 136 Hornets and 118 Matadors (85 sedans and 33 wagons). The final year of Hornet production was 1975, leaving the Matador as the only AMC product after that. In 1976, 88 Matadors (78 sedans and ten station wagons) were registered. The assembly of 80 Matador Coupes occurred in 1976. The knock-down kits had arrived in late 1974, but were not worked on. The Matador Coupes were sold as 1977 models, bringing 1977 registrations to 80 Matador Coupes, 24 Matador sedans, and three station wagons. December 1976 marked the end of the local assembly of AMC vehicles.
One fully assembled AMC Pacer was imported for evaluation purposes.[14] AMI did not construct the Pacer for the Australian market.
While Toyota and Triumph began to be AMI's main focus, the company retained a niche market as the sole U.S.-sourced cars marketed in the Australian marketplace. For example, the Government of New South Wales selected the Rambler Rebel and the Matador as official vehicles in the 1970s.
