A popular car brand during its heyday, American Motors Corporation created some of the most memorable muscle cars ever seen on the road. Formed as a result of a merger between Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company, the resulting entity officially became AMC in 1954.
While not as well-funded and powerful as the Big 3 American car companies (Ford, GM, and Chrysler) AMC was able to create a niche for its products by developing a relatively successful line up of both small and muscle cars whose names are still popular today, i.e. the Gremlin, Pacer, Marlin, AMX, and Javelin - as well as the still-alive Jeep Cherokee.
Decades after it's closure and subsequent merger with Chrysler in 1990, the legacy of some of their best models, AMC muscle car family is alive and strong and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity as their rarity and unique designs have finally given them the recognition long enjoyed by their rivals. In this article, we look at some amazing modified AMC muscle cars.
10 1969 Javelin ST
Created by AMC as their answer to the Ford Mustang Pony car, the design of the 1st generation javelin was brought on by AMC's lack of resources to create different body styles, resulting in a singular fastback shape that made it unique among its competitors.
Powered by a V8 capable of 315Hp, the Javelin had enough grunt to stand right beside its more prominent rivals. On the cool modded Javelin above, its front air dam, large racing rims, and rear spoiler indicate this classic is not all show, but has the form and power to race and go.
9 1974 Hornet
With a "chic" production history courtesy of limited edition collaboration models Levi's and Gucci, the AMC Hornet was one of the company's best-selling cars. AMC brought the Hornet to the market from 1969 to 1977, with a top of the line version powered by a 5.9l V8.
The photo above is a nicely modified version, with the owner adding a hood scoop, front air dam, and retro designed rims that give the original, sedate looking Hornet a sportier and more aggressive look.
8 1980 Spirit
Introduced in 1978 and produced until 1983, the AMC Spirit was an evolution of the Gremlin design, this new car however a version with a more powerful engine, a 5.0L V8, and improved suspension and handling than its sibling that made it capable of participating and winning races.
The Spirit pictured above is a reinterpretation of the classic rally version of the car. Now with wider fender flares, chunkier tires, and a large rear wing, this AMC looks like it means business on the road or on the track.
7 1963 Rambler Classic
One of AMC's best-selling cars, selling over 370,000 units, the Rambler Classic was produced from 1961 to 1966, offering a choice of sedan or station wagon body. With its top of the line version powered by a V8 delivering 198Hp.
Modified from its previous conservative shape to a bolder stance, its lowered ride height, offset wheels, and wide fender flares give this 60s era car a more modern and updated look that does not erode the classic beauty of this AMC.
6 1969 AMC Rebel
Introduced by AMC in 1967 as its first factory-made lightweight muscle car, the Rebel was a silent but deadly rival for it's more popular rivals by virtue of its big V8 that gave the car 340Hp on tap. Positioned to give its rival Ford and GM sedans a run for their money, the Rebel actually scored higher than them in several consumer tests.
In the example above, the custom deep burgundy compliments the Rebel's great bodylines. This, together with the modified front bumper and modern style rims, give the car a cleaner and tighter look than the dated style of the original.
5 1970 AMC AMX
With its 6.4-liter, 325Hp V8 engine, the AMC AMX was described by the motoring press of its time as a "Corvette competitor. Smaller than its brother the Javelin but with serious performance capabilities, the AMX was received with much interest when it debuted in 1968.
In one of the cleanest mods done for an AMC car, the picture above features a sky blue AMX with a blacked-out hood and large, low profile wheels, a very simple custom job that yielded gorgeous results as the choice of color and highlighting gave the car a fresh and more current look than the factory colors the AMX originally was released in.
4 1966 Marlin
Designated as the Halo car by AMC during the time it came out, the first generation Marlin from 1968 was a full-size luxury car powered by a V8 270Hp engine. Considered by Carl Cameron, the designer of the Dodge Charger as the only competition for his car, the Marlin had both the performance and styling to match its closest rivals.
Decked in bright yellow and with lower ride height, the Marlin pictured has been given some great custom touches as the changes have refreshed the very old design cues of this 60s station wagon.
3 1968 Javelin Coupe
Debuting in 1968, the first generation AMC Javelin was powered by a respectable 315Hp V8 mated to either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Longer and with more interior space than its competitor Mustang, the Javelin gave AMC the younger buyer demographic they long sought.
In one of the best restomods done for a 1st gen Javelin, the level of detailing and paint quality as seen in the above photo not only modernizes the look of the car, but actually made it better looking compared to when it was released 50 plus years ago. Other styling cues, such as the silver skirts and matching rims make this car stand out from other restored AMC's.
2 1975 Matador
First launched in 1974, the Fastback coupe Matador was a reinvention of the Matador name, as the original car was a large, unwieldy saloon car. The relaunched Matador was now available in sedan and coupe body styles, with the coupe having a special edition version where its interior was designed by Oleg Cassini.
The Matador above been modded by removing its stainless front and rear bumpers and side moldings, fitting bronze rims, and lowering its stance. Finishing off this well done retromod is the dark brown paint that goes well with the rims and side stripe detail.
1 1972 Javelin
Having been in the shadow of the more popular Mustangs and Chargers, the AMC Javelin has seen a recent upswing of its reputation and desirability. Launched in 1968 specifically to challenge the dominance of Ford and Chevy, AMC made 2 generations of the Javelin and both had 2-year production runs.
The Javelin above has made the rounds on the internet and is probably the most well known AMC Javelin. Its modifications now include an unbelievable 1036-hp, Hellcat engine, a custom aerodynamic body kit, and a mustard yellow and black paint job. Because of how well it's done, this AMC has shown muscle car lovers that there are indeed great options aside from the perennial Challenger or Mustang.