The Life and Death of American Motors Corporation: RCR Car Stories

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  • Опубликовано: 11 апр 2021
  • A look into the life of the American Motors Corporation, and the decisions that led to its death. What were the successes that defined AMC, and what were the tragedies that changed its path forever? What lessons can we learn from its demise? It's an all-new RCR Stories! The longest ever. Whether that's a good or a bad thing is entirely up to you.
    Special thanks to AutoMoments for additional AMC footage!
    Subscribe to AutoMoments: / thecarmeat
    Related RCR Videos Mentioned:
    The Life and Death of Mickey Thompson: • The Fast Life and Trag...
    History of the Chrysler-Mercedes Merger: • History of the Chrysle...
    The Legend of Lee Iacocca: • The Legend of Lee Iacocca
    1983: The Year Without A Corvette: • Why was 1983 the year ...
    1972 AMC Ambassador Brougham Sedan (Regular Car Reviews): • 1972 AMC Ambassador Br...
    1976 AMC Gremlin (Regular Car Reviews): • 1976 AMC Gremlin: Regu...
    1978 AMC Pacer (Regular Car Reviews): • 1978 AMC Pacer: Regula...
    Social media:
    Twitter: regularcars and theromannick
    Facebook: Facebook.com/RegCarReviews
    Instagram: regularcarreviews and theromannick
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Комментарии • 3,2 тыс.

  • @riverraisin1
    @riverraisin1 3 года назад +683

    A RUclips personality makes a video that last 10 minutes or less. A RUclips journalist makes a video that lasts 2 hours and is loaded with research on the subject.
    This is a masterpiece in which you should be very proud.

    • @ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113
      @ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113 3 года назад +6

      A Narrator, whose impersonation of the late Jack Palance is the worst i have ever heard, believe it or not.

    • @xtianosickboy
      @xtianosickboy 3 года назад +28

      Agree. Yet you'll still get people complaining that it's too long because the stupid average person has no attention span these days. Sad

    • @Beaches_south_of_L.A.
      @Beaches_south_of_L.A. 2 года назад +2

      Ha ! What are you trying to date this guy's daughter or something?

    • @xtianosickboy
      @xtianosickboy 2 года назад +3

      @@Beaches_south_of_L.A. Already nailed her

    • @ronjones4069
      @ronjones4069 2 года назад +9

      Absolutely, a journalist masterpiece. Extremely well done.

  • @EmyrDerfel
    @EmyrDerfel 3 года назад +515

    Video length: 2h27.
    Time to next meeting: 2h30.
    Murray Walker: GO GO GO!

    • @wobblysauce
      @wobblysauce 3 года назад +14

      x2 speed.

    • @EmyrDerfel
      @EmyrDerfel 3 года назад +12

      @@wobblysauce Nah, gotta take it all in.

    • @nono-ro7ml
      @nono-ro7ml 3 года назад

      @@EmyrDerfel d vcd ve ve: ve: d CD v:d:dvdv:v:dd:dvddd

    • @GlycerinZ
      @GlycerinZ 3 года назад +3

      I wouldnt go beyond 1.25x, however this def deserves 1x speed

    • @antonxtr
      @antonxtr 3 года назад +1

      I was comfortable at 1.75x

  • @matthewv.bonofiglio3811
    @matthewv.bonofiglio3811 Год назад +42

    My aunt and uncle worked at the Kenosha plant and lived just a couple blocks from there. My father was a definite advocate for AMC products being born and raised in Kenosha on 25th st. In 1976 my father pre-ordered our '76 AMC Matador wagon, it was yellow with wood assimilation, it was fully loaded with a 360 4brl with dual exhaust, power windows, Cruz, etc etc. It was car to be proud of living in Beverly Hills, California. In 79 we (mom, dad & 6 kids) moved to Haiku, Maui, HI and the wagon came with. In '83 we came state side on vacation (Dad, sister Marie, sister Mia and myself Matthew) while in Kenosha my father bought a '82 AMC Concord sedan limited edition, it was chairman of the board of AMC's car with 14,000 miles on it. It was so plush inside with all the bells and whistles air ride leveling suspension etc. My father passed in Oct. 30th 2017 and was the greatest man in the world at the age of 93. Thank you for your documentary it has brought back such awesome memories and I too wish AMC was still around.
    p.s. my dad had owned other products starting with a nash metropolitan, ambassador station wagon and a Javelin
    Bye,
    Matthew V. Bonofiglio

  • @brentpalkovic6079
    @brentpalkovic6079 2 года назад +81

    This guy deserves some kind of an award for compiling all this info, and narrating it all in grand fashion. BRAVO

  • @johnwalentowski133
    @johnwalentowski133 3 года назад +991

    My grandpa worked engineering out of Kenosha at AMC. He hand drew their illustrated parts breakdowns and jacking and tire stowage diagrams from about 1960 to 1975 and then after that he was involved with moving and installing assembly lines at different plants. If you look at the jacking and tire stowage on '60s and early 70s midsize and full size cars in the bottom right hand corner you can see the initials RW for Ralph Walentowski. He's ( and I) very proud of that claim to fame.

    • @johnwalentowski133
      @johnwalentowski133 3 года назад +65

      Edited because Google voice to text is not the best idea while driving in a loud clunky mail truck!

    • @snappy452
      @snappy452 3 года назад +52

      @@johnwalentowski133 Cheers to you and your grandpa, my good man.

    • @chrismorrison9140
      @chrismorrison9140 3 года назад +59

      I use those parts diagrams a number of times each week, and even today as a matter of fact. Beautiful work.

    • @johnwalentowski133
      @johnwalentowski133 3 года назад +26

      Thats awesome!!!

    • @AdamG1983
      @AdamG1983 3 года назад +20

      Outstanding!

  • @catfish552
    @catfish552 3 года назад +489

    Two and a half hour RCR Story, Roman's bringing out the big guns for this one.

    • @asakuras01
      @asakuras01 3 года назад +6

      2.5 hours? I have to go to work.

    • @ronaldliberatore8126
      @ronaldliberatore8126 3 года назад +5

      U444444444444tmtmtmrmrmmtmmr
      Tmtmr
      Tmtmtsmj my time
      Mtmtmtmmrk
      TmtmrjkJ
      tmtmtmmtjmtmt
      RMT
      ktmrmj
      Rtjtjtmmtmtmtmtmtmtm
      tmkmtmtmttmtmtmtmrmtmtmttmtmrmtmtmmtmrmttltmtmtmtmtmrmtmmtmtmrmtmtmmrmtmtmmtmrmtmmtmtjtmmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtsmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmttl5le5i6k ent 6ell5e5eiletl5e5e65546 eery 5l6r

    • @retrend
      @retrend 3 года назад +3

      psych, its just RCR saying coooooooooock for 2 and a half hours

    • @Smershsh
      @Smershsh 3 года назад +1

      C&Rsenal... CRsenal... RCsenal... RCRsenal

    • @stirfryjedi
      @stirfryjedi 3 года назад

      @@asakuras01 good for you

  • @_Ramen-Vac_
    @_Ramen-Vac_ Год назад +41

    Not only epic, this 2.5 hour journey was more interesting than any other course on an auto make. Thanks for all your hard and great work.

  • @brucestockberger842
    @brucestockberger842 Год назад +7

    I am 75 years old and watching your creation bought back so many wonderful memories as I owned many of the vehicles featured in you presentation! Thank you for bringing me back so many really great memories that I lived for so many years!

  • @corneliusmcmuffin3256
    @corneliusmcmuffin3256 3 года назад +85

    1:48:56
    "Primarily a Passenger Car wearing an Indiana Jones hat"
    Probably the best analogy I've heard all year.

    • @markmiller3279
      @markmiller3279 3 года назад +4

      Perfect, but at least the Eagle could manage a few Indy moves, so it wasn't a complete fraud.

    • @snappy452
      @snappy452 3 года назад +4

      Now I'm just imagining the Audi Quattro being the guy with the fancy swordsmanship in Temple of Doom and the AMC Eagle being Indy with the gun.

  • @burk1996
    @burk1996 3 года назад +170

    I love the "ya know what I mean?" It's so informal, as if this isn't a 2.5 hour documentary but a one sided conversation with a friend, it's the small things that get me, keep up the good work Roman

    • @Szcza04
      @Szcza04 11 месяцев назад

      45:41 hours and still not strata see see

  • @Torgonius
    @Torgonius 2 года назад +21

    I learned to drive in the family's 1985 Eagle. We lived walking distance to my dad's job, but my mom needed to drive about 15 miles to her job as an OR nurse. The 4 wheel drive was the selling point as we lived in the sticks of upstate New York. My little sister was 3 when we got it, and it became her first car when she was old enough.
    Thanks for putting this documentary together. It was very well done and enjoyable to watch.

    • @wildestcowboy2668
      @wildestcowboy2668 Год назад

      Dumb Yankees trying to be good ole boys, should have gotten a bloody jeep mate!

    • @SteeleZack
      @SteeleZack Год назад

      Well I have to say that is a cool 1st car .

  • @charlestimmons604
    @charlestimmons604 2 года назад +81

    Currently 44 minutes in, feels like ten. So much incredible information, and depth of perception for the human elements of these companies and their founders. Amazing work!! Definitely one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, automotive or otherwise. Thank you for your hard work sir!

    • @kevrohrig
      @kevrohrig 2 года назад +1

      I like how he pauses and comments about the motorcycle sounds that he leaves in the video, like a respect for all things internal combustion.

    • @edsmith2717
      @edsmith2717 2 года назад +1

      Ditto for me as well, this guy is amazing! He must have hundreds of hours tied up in this video, maybe thousands.

  • @RCToTheFuture
    @RCToTheFuture 3 года назад +258

    As a big AMC fan and a feverient defender of their rise and a realist as to why they fell, I appreciate a long form history about them. Thanks for not forgetting them ♥️

    • @edrose2772
      @edrose2772 3 года назад +11

      I love AMC, my dream car is the 1969 AMX and my guilty pleasure in the Gremlin. I used to go to the All AMC Drag Racing Day at Cecil County Dragstrip; you rarely see two AMC cars at a car show and at the Dragstrip over 75 AMCs were racing with another 50 in the show & shine in the parking lot...good times.

    • @dangreene9846
      @dangreene9846 3 года назад +4

      I had a Gremlin three speed on the floor. The dabdarn thing had like a 27 gallon gas tank.

    • @tonymcdowell9017
      @tonymcdowell9017 3 года назад +2

      AMC would be better than ford chev and dodge if the big three hadn't forced them out

    • @jimkuz27
      @jimkuz27 2 года назад +1

      They ended up buying Nash, Hudson, Willys just to name a few it's sad how they ended

    • @KurumiHasDownYou
      @KurumiHasDownYou 2 года назад

      @@edrose2772 hhhhhhhh

  • @FreeSpeechisMyRight10
    @FreeSpeechisMyRight10 3 года назад +55

    I was a test driver for AMC from 1977-80. I drove all those models, including the Eagle. It was a pretty fun job.

    • @beyond_the_infinite2098
      @beyond_the_infinite2098 3 года назад +6

      How the heck did you become a test driver? Sounds awesome.

    • @FreeSpeechisMyRight10
      @FreeSpeechisMyRight10 3 года назад +9

      @@beyond_the_infinite2098 Believe it or not, I saw an ad in the newspaper and I just went over and applied. AMC leased Michigan International Speedway for their testing purposes at that time, so it was a lot of fun driving the cars around the steeply-banked oval at high speed for endurance testing.

    • @BrianSteggeman
      @BrianSteggeman 2 года назад +1

      What did you think of the cars at the time? What was the best & worst cars you got to drive?
      Did you keep test driving cars?

    • @lukequigley121
      @lukequigley121 2 года назад +3

      Hey man ,was a bodyman at a AMC / JEEP dlr Conway, N.H. [76 - 78].. Who designed the doors on the Pacer?? Like 180lbs..Hinge recall and did LOTS of door offs..Ah,a day in the life..

    • @wannietaylor8543
      @wannietaylor8543 2 года назад +3

      that must of been a GREAT JOB!! I'd love a position like that 🤗😁

  • @sonnycarson86
    @sonnycarson86 2 года назад +41

    The AMC eEagle is one of the first car I fell in love with. I used to walk past one on my way to school in fourth and fifth grade. I still check to see if it's there 20 years later...

    • @keithweiss7899
      @keithweiss7899 2 года назад +6

      I bought an ‘85 Eagle after GM screwed me over on an ‘81 Citation and it’s so-called “paint job”. It was a great car except that I couldn’t keep the rocker cover from leaking oil. Even with the $60 gasket they came out with! It anointed my driveway with a quart of oil every 4,000 miles! The paint didn’t fall off like the Chevy though. And that Eagle would go anywhere! I used to drive it in the snow and went past everyone else who got stuck, including 4WD pickups! I embarrassed Subaru owners! The high ground clearance allowed me to take it in rough country roads. Alas, the 255 engine started burning oil and I decided to trade it in. That was a mistake.

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад +1

      @@keithweiss7899 yeah,..a minor problem..all things considered...it's amazing how many people used to own one of these...it did set up a little high but that could be counteracted by getting the right tires...Goodyear Eagles always seemed to work pretty well.....

    • @TheChill001
      @TheChill001 2 года назад

      @@frankpienkosky5688 anyone remember those Kamm-tail eagles? Those really looked like gremlins on steroids xD

    • @larrycumbo2023
      @larrycumbo2023 2 года назад +2

      Worked for AMC body shop 1970- 1976

  • @legojenn
    @legojenn 2 года назад +10

    I see the Eagle as the spiritual ancestor to my Crosstrek. I remember as a kid wanting my parents to get an Eagle in 1983 when they ended up buying an Impala. They almost opened their wallet for a Pontiac 6000, but it was too new at the time for their comfort. My brother and I played hockey and that involved travelling to towns and villages in eastern Ontario in the nastiest parts of winter. We had some scary moments in the big-ass sedans. They insisted on owning full-sized cars and a large compact/small mid-sized wagon was not going to cut if for them. It was a missed opportunity.

    • @wildestcowboy2668
      @wildestcowboy2668 Год назад

      They were fools, some of the wagons were four wheel drive pal.

    • @TheGhjgjgjgjgjg
      @TheGhjgjgjgjgjg Год назад

      @@wildestcowboy2668 hahaha, this guy is trying to rub it in. What in the hell.....

    • @wildestcowboy2668
      @wildestcowboy2668 Год назад

      @@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg He's probably a switch hitter.....

  • @DinsdalePiranha67
    @DinsdalePiranha67 3 года назад +25

    This is probably the longest RUclips video I've ever watched. I did have to pause it for pee breaks, smoke breaks, dinner, etc, but I did get through all of it. And I'm glad I watched this.

  • @CeeZee001
    @CeeZee001 3 года назад +178

    My drunk ass won't remember none of this but ill watch it again once I'm sober and pump those view numbers

  • @CheetoTheCat
    @CheetoTheCat 7 месяцев назад

    I’ve lost track of how many times this video has appeared in my suggested videos feed, but every time, I saw 2½ hour length and passed. Today I finally watched the entire video and I am so glad I did. My father was a huge AMC fan and over the years there have been many different AMC cars that I would like to have owned. Thank you for making this excellent video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • @scottrobinowitz2252
    @scottrobinowitz2252 2 года назад +6

    My Dad got me into AMC as a little guy riding in a Nash Rambler. Mom ordered a '71 Gremlin. Pop sprung for the extra charge for the 258 in his Hornet. My love was a 69 AMX. I found your program to be informative and entertaining. Thanks for doing it!

  • @8avexp
    @8avexp 3 года назад +123

    I'm a longtime AMC fan myself. We had several AMCs over the years and today I am the proud owner of a '69 AMX.

    • @StandWatie1862
      @StandWatie1862 3 года назад +3

      Nice

    • @dangreene9846
      @dangreene9846 3 года назад +9

      AMC had some pretty sharp cars . The Javelin was pretty popular car when I was a kid.

    • @michaelweizer7794
      @michaelweizer7794 3 года назад +1

      8avexp Youve got some great taste in cars, enjoy!.

    • @joecummings9662
      @joecummings9662 3 года назад +1

      69 max one of my fav

    • @robertmontgomery3943
      @robertmontgomery3943 3 года назад +3

      Had a 74 amc hornet,changed the oil every 3000 miles and the (soft camshaft) went at 95,000 miles. Made my mind up then to stay away from amc after that.

  • @boostbogan
    @boostbogan 2 года назад +221

    2 hours, 27 minutes and 5 seconds of an absolute masterpiece.

    • @Studio44B
      @Studio44B 2 года назад +4

      I think my comment was a ridiculous 500 words or something; your eleven words say absolutely everything that needed saying.

    • @easystreet1888
      @easystreet1888 2 года назад

      @@Studio44B Occam's razor..

  • @grayxrp3413
    @grayxrp3413 2 года назад +12

    Perhaps the most enjoyable long form video ever. Humbly and honestly produced. The story of AMC has always brought a melancholy feeling of all that could have been, yet died too young. Great job!

  • @uralbob1
    @uralbob1 Год назад

    This was a riveting history. Great job, and thanks sincerely! I’ll be watching this video again!
    My dad was a Mopar guy and always had a big Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler, but he had a fondness and respect for American Motors too.
    His first car back from the war was a new Hudson, followed by one more before. I think it was a woody. I was born in ‘54.
    In ‘68, my older sister needed a car for college and work. Dad bought her a new Rambler American with the 232 six.
    Three on the tree, squeeze bulb washer pump, no radio!
    The rubber floor mats were luxurious.
    At $1,800.00 it was a treasure. Later, got it as a temporary hand me down.
    I loved this car!
    This thing was used like a pickup on our cattle farm.
    We hauled hay in the trunk and an occasional calf in the passenger seat! I couldn’t break it!
    Also, my dad later bought an Eagle Premier that he drove until he passed away, and I eventually bought a new Eagle Vision in ‘93.
    Oh yeah, my mother in law had a Pacer! What a trip that was!

  • @AdamG1983
    @AdamG1983 3 года назад +62

    Mark my words, this will be one of the most popular videos on this channel

    • @dustinhook9016
      @dustinhook9016 3 года назад

      Yeah I watched it was a good video but way too freaking long colossal waste my time he should make a shorter version because people don't have that kind of attention span

  • @TheRazePlayz
    @TheRazePlayz 3 года назад +441

    Here before RCR becomes a reference and source for future historians.

    • @jeyendeoso
      @jeyendeoso 3 года назад +14

      here before someone edits the wikipedia page with a transcription of the entire video

    • @yaboiguzma1925
      @yaboiguzma1925 3 года назад +9

      @jey don't tempt me

    • @kitchen5203
      @kitchen5203 3 года назад +6

      We're witnessing history in the making

    • @JustaPersonTryinToHuman365
      @JustaPersonTryinToHuman365 3 года назад +2

      Sans the 2020 Ford ranger having oil disillusions

    • @markgersh4554
      @markgersh4554 3 года назад +2

      @@jeyendeoso and

  • @trevorpatrick6526
    @trevorpatrick6526 2 года назад

    Longest RUclips video I have ever watched........and I was glued to it. Simply masterful.

  • @1984xlx
    @1984xlx 2 года назад +2

    Well and very deeply researched. Thank you! I worked for a AMC dealership in the mid 80's and even bought a new J10 pickup truck. I've owned Jeeps and Ramblers over the years and loved them all. It's a crying shame they didn't survive.

  • @umair5627
    @umair5627 3 года назад +42

    For history nerds like me, RCR stories hit different. Roman, please never stop doing them. I'll wait months in between if I have to but don't stop.

  • @mikepratt2812
    @mikepratt2812 3 года назад +58

    I cannot thank you enough for such a fascinating automotive story. I never knew just how complex, unique, and truly weird and interesting AMC's history truly was.

  • @michaelbullis2484
    @michaelbullis2484 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the great video. It was a trip down memory lane. My Dad worked at AMC from 1958 to 1988, so practically had a front row seat from the Nash-Hudson merger to the light going out. American Motors put food on our table and kept a roof over our heads. In the early 70s, Dad worked at the Proving Grounds in Burlington, WI. Being a high schooler with my own car, a 67 Ambassador DPL two door hard top, and a last period study hall, it wasn't uncommon for me to show up in Burlington and watch the going ons.
    I always like seeing AMC products at car shows and hope to find another 67 Ambassador DPL someday.

  • @bullnukeoldman3794
    @bullnukeoldman3794 Год назад +1

    This was very, very excellent. I am an old man who remembers Hudson and Nash as separate auto manufacturers in the 1950's and have followed the industry since I was young. Well done, well done.

  • @reedparker5993
    @reedparker5993 3 года назад +160

    It’s understandable you don’t want to undertake a video with this length, but it’s awesome to see a whole ass feature length documentary on your channel. I can’t imagine how many hours this project took, but thank you so much and we look forward to the next one!

  • @MonkeyDolphin
    @MonkeyDolphin 3 года назад +18

    This is great! My grandfather was an AMC/Jeep/Renault dealer in small-town PA in the 70s and 80s. Needless to say, my mother and her sisters had many models over the years: Rambler, Matador, Spirit, Pacer, Eagle, Jeep Cherokee, Renault 18i, Fuego Turbo - all the classics lol! We still have a photo of him with one of his birthday cakes sporting an AMC logo. When AMC folded, he switched to Pontiac, Buick, and Olds and we were riding high on a wave of Firenzas and Bonnevilles. Good times, man.

    • @AMStationEngineer
      @AMStationEngineer 3 года назад +1

      My family co-owned an eastern PA Nash/Rambler/American Motors/AMC dealership from 1956 or '57 until early in 1980, when the "Renault BS" was getting underway. We were a "Philly Zone Dealer", and did well mainly because we established ourselves as having the best service department of any new/used car dealership in the area.

    • @thomaspalmiere6630
      @thomaspalmiere6630 2 года назад

      where does Harley Davidson fit in/

  • @mishkin31
    @mishkin31 2 года назад +9

    There's no one that can do what you do on this completely impressive video. You're one of a kind. The knowledge and passion AND humor and the ammount of hours invested here... I watched it all through in one evening. Feeling I not only learned about it all but also got a clear view of historic events that occured around the world thanks to and because of that industry. Thank you so much.

  • @perfectlyundonecustoms
    @perfectlyundonecustoms Год назад +1

    Thank you for doing the research that was required to produce such an in-depth and accurate history of an automaker who; while being iconic as it is, has been all but forgotten. This video solidifies AMC's place in american motor history where it should be, while insuring that the story of AMC may never be forgotten. I feel you have done a great justice with this video. I also feel as though there is no way that you could have compressed this story in a way that would have done justice to the AMC brand, or the amount of time it took to mass the information you sourced. Well done!

  • @davidwright4537
    @davidwright4537 2 года назад +138

    As an automotive historian, but having not researched AMC (to any great depth), I found your video to be the best in-depth on the subject. It is easy to listen to, and you did a great job of mapping the entire history. Thank you for your efforts, this video could (and should) be mandatory for any MBA program. All failed businesses follow a similar pattern.

    • @laurendoe168
      @laurendoe168 2 года назад +6

      Speaking as the holder of an MBA degree, I suspect this video will the draw attention of those like I am.

    • @robertkeyes258
      @robertkeyes258 2 года назад +1

      @@laurendoe168 Would an MBA say that the issue was undercapitalization which was due to its location far from the industrial center of the industry?

    • @laurendoe168
      @laurendoe168 2 года назад +3

      @@robertkeyes258 While those played roles, I personally would not place them in the Top 3. I'd say the biggest issue was a lack of consistent vision, followed by not understanding its target market. Marketing TO THEM also wasn't the best. So MANY classes could use this video as examples.

    • @hiteris224
      @hiteris224 2 года назад

      Pp

    • @hiteris224
      @hiteris224 2 года назад

      @@robertkeyes258 lmoo
      Okm

  • @JouzuJohn
    @JouzuJohn 3 года назад +28

    As a resident of Kenosha and a neighbor to two AMC owners. I can say that our town will always remember the days of AMC. There is an little shop down the road that is dedicated to working on them. I always see really pristine AMC cars rolling in and out. Car shows downtown are always chalk full of them. Ill never forget the day when I was 5 and my neighbor ripped a fat burnout down his driveway In his Rebel the Machine.

  • @lanegarrison2920
    @lanegarrison2920 Год назад +1

    What an amazing job you did. Best documentary I’ve seen on RUclips!

  • @jdnelms62
    @jdnelms62 Год назад +2

    An excellent piece, that I listened to all the way through, more than I watched. I've always been fascinated by the rise and fall of corporate empires and you narrated this story well. My family had a 58 Rambler wagon back in the early 70's and while I was ashamed to be seen in it as a kid then, I dearly wish we had kept it. My best friend in high school had a Javelin Supreme which he called the Havelina Suprema in a mock Spanish accent. Ironically that same friend would go on to sell Jeeps and AMCs during the 80's and would manage a Jeep dealership after the fall of AMC.

  • @chasegilmond5637
    @chasegilmond5637 3 года назад +29

    My grandfather used to sell AMCs at his father's dealership. They will always have a special place in my heart for that at very least

  • @mzwandilenzimande4621
    @mzwandilenzimande4621 3 года назад +31

    I Love RCR Stories, I've watched the VW Dieselgate and Daimler/Chrysler ones about 4 times now. I was about to watch the Daimler/Chrysler one again, then this popped up in my feed.

  • @headmonkeyboy
    @headmonkeyboy Год назад +3

    Wow what an a concise look at an old favorite car company! The work and time invested in research paid high dividends for this viewer, WELL DONE SIR.

  • @scottsatterthwaite4073
    @scottsatterthwaite4073 2 года назад +54

    One thing you didn't mention: When Romney left, GM and to a lesser extent Ford, took advantage of the perceived instability in the AMC hierarchy, and approached AMC dealers to convince them that AMC was dying and that the dealer should change brands. GM has played no holes bared business since day one and always sparing no expense to destroy other companies, especially start-ups. (Tucker)

    • @alexwilsonpottery3733
      @alexwilsonpottery3733 2 года назад +13

      “No holes bared”, hahahahaha!

    • @anthonybha4510
      @anthonybha4510 2 года назад +4

      GM is now headed to death by killing its own EV!

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад +4

      capitalism...that's how it works...

    • @jamescrane4050
      @jamescrane4050 2 года назад +4

      "No holds barred" means that no regulations, rules or restrictions are applied to a situation or contest - it is literally a free-for-all where no judges or referees are needed. Famous examples: wrestling, boxing, etc.

    • @AG-bq1fm
      @AG-bq1fm 2 года назад +1

      @@jamescrane4050 Its also the title of the Classic Wrasslin' movie where the Hulkster fights Deebo

  • @floridabeef3652
    @floridabeef3652 3 года назад +21

    Those old Ramblers were just ahead of their time, I smile every time I see one

    • @markmiller3279
      @markmiller3279 3 года назад +4

      They were very popular from the late 50s through mid-60s. I spent many a car pool ride in a Rambler wagon. They were always the choice of people who valued thrifty practicality over style or luxury. Sort of the Subaru of their day (minus the AWD, of course).

  • @dutchking9440
    @dutchking9440 3 года назад +26

    I'm a Javelin owner and I gotta say thank you for the video.

    • @jessep3079
      @jessep3079 3 года назад +6

      Also own a javelin. Aren't they just great?

    • @lauranardoni5626
      @lauranardoni5626 3 года назад +1

      I used to own a 1972 Javelin SST back in the day, fun to drive!

    • @plymouthduster2252
      @plymouthduster2252 3 года назад +2

      I got a buddy that has a 1969 Javelin in Big Bad Orange with a 343 and a automatic with the SST package. They are really nice looking cars.

    • @8avexp
      @8avexp 3 года назад +1

      I'm an AMX owner now!

  • @dallasdorrington7449
    @dallasdorrington7449 Год назад +1

    Hi, I just started watching this busy working from home and just happened to watch this video. Always wondered what happened to AMC. After all, they did make some wonderful cars and 4x4s.
    Thank you for this almost 2.5-hour video on the rise and fall of a truly American car.
    Recently I came across a 1966 Rebal fully restored. Damn, I left my phone at home.
    It's getting rare now to see any car more than 20 years old in my city.
    My car (Not from the classic era) is 33 years old (Modern Classic) and has been in my family 29 of those 33 years. I think you would call it a survivor or a time capsule as it is a late 1980s design. It's been kept in the cosmetic condition it was when my dad brought the car.
    It's had minor work done to make it safe to drive in the 21st century road conditions. Only safety devices are seat belts.
    I love the car, but its now too rare to drive it to much and it spends most of its days locked in a shed with a car cover over it. Everything is still factory and numbers matching.

  • @SolamenteVees
    @SolamenteVees 8 месяцев назад

    Bravo, Roman. This epic presentation is an achievement worthy of some kind of RUclips award. I can’t imagine the colossal amount of research you undertook to put this together.

  • @RichardinNC1
    @RichardinNC1 3 года назад +12

    My now ex brother in-law's family were big AMC fans. Apparently starting back in the Hudson days, they had an Ambassador in the 60s and early 70s. My brother in-law had a '68 AMX for a while. It was a great handling car and good looking.

    • @4stetson2
      @4stetson2 2 года назад +1

      My first new car was a 1961 Rambler! Push button transmission!

  • @MoultrieGeek
    @MoultrieGeek 3 года назад +22

    I'm about 25 minutes into this and I've already cleared my morning for the rest. Outstanding work lads.

  • @connorhutton9526
    @connorhutton9526 Год назад +1

    This was a great piece of work. Thank you. I learned how to drive a standard shift car in a 1972 Gremlin, and my grandparents lived next door to a guy who worked at a local AMC dealership and he always drove the latest AMC cars home in the 1970s.

  • @toddbonin6926
    @toddbonin6926 3 месяца назад +1

    Just FYI ... I'm back for my THIRD viewing of this awesome documentary. I love AMC and its lineage, and this is the BEST video on the company. BRAVO!

  • @cacline72
    @cacline72 3 года назад +53

    I consider the official end of AMC when the 4.0 was put out to pasture in 2006 when the TJ Wrangler was succeeded by the JK Wrangler. Also god speed XJ Cherokee.

    • @dakotagist7526
      @dakotagist7526 3 года назад +23

      @@floydblandston108 what the fuck are you on about? The 4.0 was a excellent engine

    • @dakotagist7526
      @dakotagist7526 3 года назад +6

      @@floydblandston108 so are you contradicting yourself and saying the 4.0 was good or are you saying there was other amc motors they made until 2006, because the only other motor Chrysler retained from amc was the 2.5 l4, and that didn’t make it past 2002

    • @dakotagist7526
      @dakotagist7526 3 года назад +9

      @@floydblandston108 you need to put together a comprehensive argument, I can’t tell if your shitting on Chrysler for retaining the two amc motors or not

    • @MrIh8hondas
      @MrIh8hondas 3 года назад +3

      @@floydblandston108 No. You're just being too lazy to form a coherent argument one way or the other.

    • @branon6565
      @branon6565 3 года назад

      The real Jeep died when AMC bought the brand name from Kaiser/Willys Motor Corp....the last really good Jeep ever built is the Kaiser Cj5 Renegade I, and this is comin from someone who owns both a 1943 Ford GP (with a pumped up 289 K-Code, it's a scary fast) and a 1985 AMC Cj7....from the square headlight Wranglers on, in 1987, Jeeps have been garbage....

  • @CarsandCats
    @CarsandCats 3 года назад +28

    I worked for a Jeep/Eagle dealer back in the 80's. I remember the Sahara Edition Jeeps and how cool they looked. As a broke young man, I couldn't afford one but I sure did drive a lot of new ones! I really liked the Grand Wagoneer's too. They were so solidly built and the wood and stainless trim on the interiors was beautiful.

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад

      restored ones are going for a bundle these days....let mine go to a guy who said he planned to do that...

  • @redfonzie21
    @redfonzie21 2 года назад

    As I sit here watching and listening to this video, it took me full on into memories of riding around in my grandpa's AMC Eagle wagon, and his Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Which is where my love and appreciation for these vehicles began. I've wanted an Eagle wagon forever since the mid 80s. The closest to either of these I've had the opportunity to own was my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 4.0L in-line 6, but it was the 2wd automatic.
    I GREATLY enjoyed this video, and being "feature length" at over 2 hours, it was extremely entertaining, educational, in-depth to an extent that is sadly missing in many modern video uploads today.
    Further, I really appreciate your little personality quirks being inserted by way of your little comments and "I don't know why I said that..." and such things. I actually make such side comments as well.
    Several of the cars I have a connection to are, as I previously mentioned, the Jeeps and the Eagle wagon. I almost bought an Eagle Premier sometime back in the late 90's or early 2000s. I also have a real appreciation for the Ambassador sedans and I saw a really nice example that, had I been able to figure out which of my co-workers owned it, I would have made an offer on.
    I look forward to viewing more videos of this caliber, if not this length. Probably very soon because I'm sitting here trying to get over Covid again. It's not fun, but I'm happy to have such interesting material to keep my brain focused through the fog.
    THANK YOU for your efforts to bring out these educational and fun video productions.

  • @doctormccarty4137
    @doctormccarty4137 Год назад +1

    Well done research my Friend. Thank you for your insight and patience to document the transitions from 1909 to 1990+

  • @stephenh5166
    @stephenh5166 3 года назад +33

    Roman I gotta say, I've been watching RCR since like 2014, and these documentaries are quickly becoming my favorite part of the channel. It seems you've really hit your stride, and I can't wait for more!

  • @timpalmer7934
    @timpalmer7934 3 года назад +11

    Excellent. I've owned a number of AMCs over the years. Today my wife drives a 2016 Jeep Compass. The AMC DNA is still there in a small way. If you've forgotten, when AMC bought Jeep, they changed the logo to match the font used on the AMC logo. To this day, Jeeps still say 'Jeep' in the AMC font!

  • @1114BONES
    @1114BONES 2 года назад

    That was literally the best video I have ever watched on RUclips thank you for putting it together.

  • @ScottDKohler
    @ScottDKohler Год назад

    This was absolutely excellent. The attention to detail is really impressive. I learned a ton. Please keep the contact coming. I will be sure to check out your other contributions

  • @pacocase
    @pacocase 3 года назад +13

    After watching this, I just can't get over how far ahead of their time they were in design. Their interiors focused on ergonomics decades before anyone else, and that bold, basic print of their logo and other text items is everywhere today. Look at the lock screen in Windows or the keyboard on your phone. These guys were literally 40-50 years ahead of their time.
    Thanks for the great video!

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад

      Eagle was very comfortable on a long trip...rode like a small Buick......

  • @snailer06
    @snailer06 3 года назад +17

    As a '65 AMC Rambler Cross Country Classic owner- you, sir, just added some more lore to my AMC knowledge. You're such a good writer, and I love your scatologic sense of humor as usual. Thank you

  • @bobtreiber8556
    @bobtreiber8556 2 года назад

    Excellent story. Thanks can not imagine how much time you spent creating this you tube. Really enjoyed.

  • @ianpatterson3471
    @ianpatterson3471 2 года назад +6

    Hiya mate - I've no idea who you are, or indeed what RCR is, but it was an impressive video to keep my attention almost continuously for 2.5 hours! . Great story, and great commentary (pleasant speed, tone, accent - and I love the few personal asides, that lighten the tone, and keep my interest.). . Thanks for educating AND entertaining me. Good on ya!

  • @brialdridge
    @brialdridge 3 года назад +12

    I feel suprisingly emotional hearing a fan talk about them. Thank you.

  • @Sinnistral
    @Sinnistral 3 года назад +11

    I legitimately didn't realise this was 2 n a half hours long. Enjoyable as always Roman, thank you.

  • @heyjoe9267
    @heyjoe9267 4 месяца назад

    I’m a Mopar guy with of course a passing interest in AMC stuff being family n all. You sir have created something quite wonderful, the longer I watched and listened the more I want you to do this treatment to my beloved Dodge and Plymouth. I’ve listened and watched now 3 times. Your a very talented man.

  • @keithirtenkauf5563
    @keithirtenkauf5563 2 года назад +54

    What a nice job and a fascinating story. Well done! I would love to see your take on the International Harvester corporation.

    • @kristophergalland8358
      @kristophergalland8358 2 года назад +6

      i'd like tosee that, too, at least the passenger vehicle division;
      i'm mainly interested in what drove the company to create the Scout in the first place. they were absolute beasts in the 4wd consumer vehicles. class.

    • @BriteFrog
      @BriteFrog 2 года назад +4

      @@kristophergalland8358 Their (IH) pickups were pretty awesome too. I remember a friend of my father had one in the early '70's, and that thing was extremely well-built and durable.

    • @coreygolphenee9633
      @coreygolphenee9633 2 года назад

      @@kristophergalland8358 I've read that it was to fill a whole in very rural America like rural enough to where the tractor dealership was there and the Ford dealership wasn't

    • @user-br1up5vw4h
      @user-br1up5vw4h 14 дней назад

      @@kristophergalland8358the runaway success of the Bronco coupled in with a baked in dealer network across the Midwest made them take the shot, when ford sold a million farm trucks i e the Bronco they jumped.

    • @user-br1up5vw4h
      @user-br1up5vw4h 14 дней назад

      @@BriteFrogtruly agricultural running gear.

  • @RedPop4
    @RedPop4 3 года назад +22

    Thank you for such a well done documentary. We owned and Ambassador, a Matador Barcelona Coupe and two Pacers. I am still sorry to see them gone, and still would love to own another before my demise. RIP AMC, you are missed.

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад +1

      somebody around this town owns a really nice Marlin...seen it once or twice...

  • @wingedhorsegarage473
    @wingedhorsegarage473 3 года назад +15

    Thanks for telling this story. 👍 My Uncle worked at the AMC plant in Kenosha so my brothers and I got his hand me down cars. My brothers got a Gremlin, Hornet wagon and a Concord and I was the proud owner of a 68 Rambler American and an 80 Concord. I loved my AMCs! ❤️

  • @MrJommins
    @MrJommins 6 месяцев назад

    And once again I have completed watching this video. I think this might be my fourth or possibly the fifth time I have watched the entire episode. It’s truly one of my favorites Roman. I love what you do.

  • @davidswift7776
    @davidswift7776 2 года назад

    Absolutely loved this insightful and pleasantly narrated documentary of AMC.
    The genesis and historical development and eventual demise continued to hold interest from the beginning to the end.
    It never seemed to ramble !
    We had an excellent experience with our new Spirit.
    I suppose it’s lasting legacy is going strong with the Jeep.
    Thank you for an excellent RUclips post 👍
    The French 11/17/86 Georges Besse assignation story description was simply chilling.

  • @embe9645
    @embe9645 3 года назад +30

    2:27:05, I absolutely love these deep-dives by Roman. Good early morning from North Idaho...

    • @gamershadow1
      @gamershadow1 3 года назад +4

      Good early morning from Southwest Idaho.

    • @embe9645
      @embe9645 3 года назад

      @@gamershadow1 Hayden Lake, ID here...

    • @grantobrien3396
      @grantobrien3396 3 года назад +2

      @@embe9645 no way, same brother. I live near the country club. what a small world.

    • @jeffatturbofish
      @jeffatturbofish 3 года назад +1

      A perfect combination. Want a fun to listen 20 minute slot, listen to the normal NCR. Want something to keep you entertained with fun and knowledge while the mother-in-law is downstairs while trying to work out a database issue that no computer in a two county radius could handle, Roman is the King while I keep trying to understand why 128 GB of ram is not enough along with 24 cores....

    • @embe9645
      @embe9645 3 года назад +1

      @@jeffatturbofish you sure your mother-in-law isn't downstairs running exploits?

  • @msmoniz
    @msmoniz 3 года назад +21

    As a 47 year old car nut since I was a 11year old, ripping out car ads from the public library copies of Car and Driver, I seriously love and dig these RCR Stories. Please never stop!

  • @jergervasi3331
    @jergervasi3331 2 месяца назад

    The true definition of "an epic video". What an achievement! Thank you, I watched every second!

  • @howardjohnson6189
    @howardjohnson6189 2 года назад +1

    Liked and subscribed. Had no idea why I started listening, except that I remember a few families in my old neighborhood who owns AMC cars, but I’m glad that I did. Very informative and well done.

  • @ekalenak
    @ekalenak 3 года назад +4

    My brother's first car was a 67 Rambler American, which he drove to college. 3 on the tree, man.

    • @oldpolak5203
      @oldpolak5203 3 года назад

      Mine was a 66 Rambler American Convertible . My dad bought it for 400 bucks for me when I got my drivers back in 78 . It was white with a red interior. I miss it deeply.

  • @dannyobradovic1261
    @dannyobradovic1261 3 года назад +7

    Without RCR, I'd have no idea its Monday whilst being stuck at home during Covid times. Thank you guys for helping me keep a bit sane!!

  • @Whispers0f0blivion
    @Whispers0f0blivion 2 года назад +2

    I discovered AMCs when I was 19 and had been running my shop for nearly 2 years. I will always consider them the best. I think they had some of the most creative & influential designs and features. Tailgate tents, factory car seats, automotive primer, car warranties, Eagle front suspension that other manufacturers now use their own versions of in many of their trucks. I've been lucky to have owned multiples over the years and only wish for more. Just in Matadors alone, so far I've had 13 4drs & 2 wagons. When people start talking about their favorite American auto manufacturer, AMC is still always my answer.

  • @fuzzyworld3
    @fuzzyworld3 2 года назад

    I've had this in my Watch Later for quite a while. Excellent video, glad I committed to watch it!

  • @poitjp
    @poitjp 3 года назад +26

    Thank you so much for bringing this very detailed history of AMC to those of us that are interested. This company obviously overcame many, many obstacles (some through no fault of their own) but had tremendous successes as well. Through all of these trials and tribulations, it still managed to survive for a very long time. For that reason, we must be grateful.

  • @williambrakefield7578
    @williambrakefield7578 2 года назад +21

    It was a great presentation. You added the human element into the story and made it very personal. My family almost bought an orange Gremlin X in 1977. It was between that, a VW Rabbit (1st year of production) and an Audi Fox. My dad chose the Audi, later to his chagrin. A friend of his ended up buying that orange Gremlin X and drove it for a few years before his daughter took over and drove it into the mid 80s, through her high school years.

    • @FRLN500
      @FRLN500 Год назад

      I owned a Gremlin X, much to my sorrow. Be glad that your dad didn't buy one.

  • @davidmason1032
    @davidmason1032 2 года назад

    Watched it all, and it was fabulous. The research, your style, and my interest in AMC made it most enjoyable. Learned to drive a manual in our family's '69 Rambler Rogue coupe which was a fun, fast car. Then bought my first brand new car - a 1983 Renault Alliance coupe (nicknamed "FiFi") for $6300 in central PA from a dealer who had a gorgeous, tricked out Eagle wagon which I know is still in town!

  • @dionisiotato4730
    @dionisiotato4730 Год назад

    Excellent Documentary! Professional, educational and entertaining. Please keep producing more like this one. THANK YOU!!

  • @sleepyhollow783
    @sleepyhollow783 3 года назад +14

    AMC is honored with this video & would be proud. Thank you.

  • @Newgrassrock
    @Newgrassrock 3 года назад +8

    You two have got to come out with a book. Roman, you're killing this all these historical accounts. Absolutely incredible.

  • @GordonBeckles
    @GordonBeckles 2 года назад

    Thank You. This was truly a fascinating, intriguing and DEFINITELY enjoyable program. AWESOME!👍🏾

  • @gdlonborg
    @gdlonborg 2 года назад

    I've watched this vid to the end...twice. My first car was a 62Rambler classic, originally bought new by my father's father. I really wish I could have that car now, it had a style of it's own, and was awesome on the road. Alas, it would be underused, and mostly garage art. They ships are safest in the harbor, but that's not where ships were made to sail. I digress, your devotion to this and any subject is why we stay, and your choice to speak in the muted tone makes the long road trip worth the ride. I'll listen to ALL your stories, I like your style.

  • @paulhooson6850
    @paulhooson6850 3 года назад +21

    Wow. An incredible history for superfans like myself of the great little carmaker.

  • @jasondallas7147
    @jasondallas7147 3 года назад +12

    A more complex story than the death of the Australian Ford Falcon. The nostalgic feelings of what could've been are always there at the bottom of my fifth pint.

  • @worksbydandeprez
    @worksbydandeprez 2 года назад

    We had two Ramblers when I was a kid in the '60's and my folks had a Renault Alliance in the mid-'80's. I owned a 1974 Oleg Cassini Matador from '79-'80, while I was living in LA. People in Beverly Hills and Hollywood had no idea what it was but it looked important and in that world people are so tuned into not missing out that it gave me a lot more status there than it should have. That $1000 car would cost me $11,000-$14,000 today. AMC was a big part of my youth and I'll sing their praises to anyone who will listen. Thanks for this tribute.

  • @justinschubbe5707
    @justinschubbe5707 5 месяцев назад

    I wanna say thank you for all the effort you put into these videos, I know the base story about most of the brands but you go so far into detail that I didn't know it was possible

  • @Emurselovic
    @Emurselovic 3 года назад +16

    I almost never post on youtube videos, but just wanted to tell you guys that I absolutely love these. Great job, Roman!

  • @marcscordato4385
    @marcscordato4385 3 года назад +11

    This channel is an interesting paradox as it has low budget feel that makes it rather charming in contrast the documentaries are elegant and sophisticated. Great stuff Rest In Peace AMC

  • @pawncheaux
    @pawncheaux 2 года назад

    Thanks for making this. What a labor of love

  • @ohiohammerandleversme6875
    @ohiohammerandleversme6875 Год назад +4

    Very interesting documentary and thank you so much for sharing it with us. Some years back I had a 1967 Rambler American 220 2 door Sport Sedan with the 232 inline 6. Everyone that seen this car was thrilled to death to have seen an AMC on the road again. Now I'm in the process of restoreing the last of the "true Hudson's", before Nash and Hudson merged, a 1953 Hudson Super Wasp 4 door with the 262 inline 6, 3 speed Borg Warner transmission with overdrive and with 62,000 original miles on her. It's kinda cool knowing I have had and now have automobiles linked together in American automobile history, AMC and Hudson.

  • @dopey473
    @dopey473 3 года назад +58

    I know this story but I'm still gonna watch it because I know this is the best version of it

  • @ACarriere117
    @ACarriere117 3 года назад +13

    This is approaching hardcore history levels of length. I love it.

  • @MyDarkmarc
    @MyDarkmarc 2 года назад

    WOW!! What a great video and thank you for all your research on American Motors and its history. I remember my great aunt loved her 1979 Spirit AMX Lift-back since moving to Bennington, Vermont in the early 1970's. The car never stranded her in the snow.

  • @seiph80
    @seiph80 2 года назад +2

    Excellent documentary, my friend. Had me hooked all the way, even though I knew the story of AMC since I was a teenager, it still very refreshing to hear others keeping the story alive. Thank you very much for this awesome video.

    • @frankpienkosky5688
      @frankpienkosky5688 2 года назад

      nice build-up to the Eagle...they had to make money on that one...seems like everybody and his brother once owned one....