Rambler American - Mexican Production

Mexican Production

The Rambler American was introduced to the Mexican market in 1958 through direct importation from the US. Early in the year, American Motors signed an agreement with an assembly plant based in Monterrey, Nuevo León that produced a number of vehicles for different makes and having its own dealership network. Virtually, the whole Rambler line was available. However, the production and sales volumes were fairly low and the agreement was terminated in late 1959. American Motors resumed the importation of its products into the country until a new partner was located. Early in 1960, the company signed a new agreement with Willys Mexicana S.A. de C.V. and the first model produced was none other than the Rambler American, becoming the first American Motors product made and sold by what would become Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos S.A.

The 1960 Rambler American produced under Willys Mexicana was available in two-door sedan, four-door sedan and station wagon body styles. They were powered by a 90 hp L-head 195.6 cubic inches six cylinder engine with 8.0:1 compression ratio and single-barrel carburetor coupled to a three speed manual transmission with column shift. Among its characteristics it featured a built-in flow through ventilation, four-wheel drum brakes, standard suspension, pull-handle parking brake, front parking lights, marker lights, bench seats, four side armrests, vacuum wipers, cigarette lighter, front ashtray, hood ornament, glove box, driver's side remote mirror and hubcaps over standard wheels.

For 1961 the Rambler American for Mexico was available as the new second generation of the line, growing from three to four body styles with the introduction of the four-door station wagon. Wipers and washers changed to electric units, an Motorola AM radio with antenna and twin-circuit brakes became standard. The line continued with minor changes in 1962 and 1963. The most important aspect came in 1963 with the introduction of a fifth body style (two-door hardtop) that would become VAM's first limited edition; the Rambler American Hardtop, Mexican equivalent to the Rambler American 440H model in the US. The car became the company's first sporty compact as well as its first luxury one.

For 1964, the third generation Rambler American debuted in Mexico. The year's line can be described as consolidated since it was available only as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan and four-door station wagon. The only engine available was still the L-head 90 hp 195.6 cubic inches inline six cylinder, but not much later it was replaced by the one-barrel 127 hp OHV version. The Rambler American line for 1965 switched to the new one-barrel 145 hp 232 cubic inches inline six cylinder engine, an aspect that was hidden from the public. The cars were advertised as being equipped with the also new 199 cubic inches six cylinder series, which wouldn't be available until the midyear. The 232 engine series was already being produced in Mexico while the 195.6 engine series was imported from the US. In terms of product line volumes, warrantly claims among others, having those two engines available was not a cost-effective procedure. The company intended to consolidate and standardize production as much as possible, which was achieved by terminating the 195.6 engines and offer both the Rambler Classic and Rambler American lines with the 232 engines until the 199 was available for the latter. Had VAM announced the 232 six cylinder engine from the beginning in the Rambler American line and subsequently announcing the change to smaller less powerful engine would have taken its toll on the company's image among the public. Also, announcing the 232 in the Rambler American from the beginning would most probably reduce any reasons to buy a Rambler Classic instead; a problem American Motors had to bear with under Roy Abernethy when the 287 cubic inch V8 was offered in the 1963 Rambler Classic, drawing several customers away from the more profitable Rambler Ambassador models that shared the same styling.

The two new engines were not the only outstaing novelties of the year, the Rambler American Hardtop was resurrected. The model kept the same luxury and sporty touches of the 1963 model and was once again a low volume limited edition. The cars came standard with the two-barrel 155 hp version of the 232 engine coupled to a Borg-Warner "Flash-o-Matic" three speed automatic transmission with floor shift. This was followed by individual reclining seats, high-trim upholstery, center console with locking compartment, two-point front seatbelts, custom wheel covers and bright molding package.

The Mexican Rambler American for 1966 and 1967 saw mostly the same cosmetic changes as its US counterparts. The hardtop model departed once more and the line was restricted to the 199 six cylinder with three speed manual transmission on the column. The 1968 models saw stronger changes in the form of the 232 engine as included standard equipment in the station wagon while becoming optional equipment in both sedan models. The 1969 models were almost the same with only minor changes. The most important aspect of the year for the line was the creation of VAM's own original performance model in the form of an optional package for the two-door sedan. The model in question being the Rambler American Rally. This model was inspired by VAM's successful 1965 racing season using Rambler American sedans and hardtop as well as the still building enthusiasm for the new muscle cars. The Rambler American Rally coincided in several aspects with the 1965 Rambler American Hardtop model. The package consisted of a two-barrel 155 hp 232 six cylinder, power front disk brakes, fender-mounted "232 SIX" rectangular emblems and individual reclining front seats with center folding armrest. The only transmission available was still the three-speed manual with column-mounted shifter, even though a floor-mounted gearshift was available as an option. Other optional items applicable to performance included an over-dash 8,000 RPM tachometer and the sport steering wheel used in the Javelin models. The closest probable equivalent to this model in the US is the Rambler American Rogue, despite being a hardtop instead of a sedan and the lack of a V8 engine.

Like in the US, the Rambler American line was discontinued in 1969 in Mexico to make way for the all-new Hornet models. While the line was changed, the "Rambler American" name lived on the new Mexican-made compact. The Rambler American in Mexico always kept a high popularity and positive image among the Mexican public. For these reasons, the relatively similar styling and overall appearance between the old and the new model, and because VAM felt that the name "Hornet" would have no connotation whatsoever in the local market it was decided keep the predecessor's name for the new line. The Rambler American model lived on as a "fourth generation" until its discontinuation in 1974; replaced with the updated and expanded new VAM American line for 1975.

The last hurrah for the true original Rambler American models in Mexico came in 1970 in the form of the four-door station wagon. While American Motors had two station wagons models to offer in 1970, the Rebel and Ambassador units, VAM had no station wagon other than the Rambler American-based unit. With the introduction of the new Hornet-based Rambler American that did not have a station wagon body style available, VAM could not afford the luxury of not offering one. The company decided to carry over the third generation station wagon for one more full year. The 1970 Camioneta Rambler American became the first VAM regular production compact model to offer a three speed automatic transmission as an option. Among other unique options was a bright molding package that included "440" emblems, even though there really were no different trim levels or versions that existed. The model was replaced in 1971 with the equivalent Hornet Sportabout version.