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Aussie Burnout Oddity: A Rambler Hornet Having A Go On The Skidpad!


Aussie Burnout Oddity: A Rambler Hornet Having A Go On The Skidpad!

If you have been following any kind of Aussie automotive news we’ve put up, you’ve seen the local flavor. Ford Falcons, Holden Toranas and Monaros, Valiants, and imports of both the JDM and V8-swapped variety tend to rule down there. But of all of the cars to have ever graced a burnout pad Down Under, would you have expected to see a four-door AMC Hornet? You shouldn’t be that surprised: AMC did knock-down kits for Mexico, Europe and Australia. Mexican AMCs were branded VAM (Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos)European cars were built by Karmann, and in Australia, Australian Motor Industries took care of piecing the cars together for the market, including the swap to right-hand drive. That explains why this car, dubbed a Rambler Hornet, is down under. AMC fans will no doubt be disappointed at that tiny bowtie badge in the grille, but take solace in the fact that the Aussies dig these cars as much as you do and probably more so, since they were, for a long time, the only American vehicle sold in Australia.


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4 thoughts on “Aussie Burnout Oddity: A Rambler Hornet Having A Go On The Skidpad!

  1. 75Duster

    I never knew that AMC sold cars overseas in kits. I’d like to know if any ’68-’70 AMXs were built overseas with right hand drive.

    1. Dave T

      Yes, there were 24 RHD AMX’s built in Melbourne for the Aussie market. Just 24. Very sought after. All had 343 auto’s, power disc brakes, power steering and available in only three colours, yellow, red and white. They were twice the price of a similar GM car so didn’t sell quickly. The last few had back seats fitted to help sales. I have an AMX here in my garage

  2. John T

    they sold Matadors as well, and AMI built a bunch of other stuff too. My dad had a late 60’s Toyota Corona that had AMI badges…

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