AMC Show: Kenosha Homecoming 2014

An AMC National Convention

American Motors produced cars at their Kenosha, Wisconsin plant near Lake Michigan from 1958 through 1988. It was a classic David and Goliath struggle between the big three aut0 manufacturers (GM, Ford and Chrylser) and tiny little American Motors Corporation (AMC.)  It is an amazing story when you think about it. In 1954, the Nash Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company merged to form American Motors Corporation.  That merger of “orphan” automotive manufacturers represented the remnants of the small auto manufacturers that survived the World War II economy. They say it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history up to that time. AMC is an historic company which deserves much credit for fullfilling the needs of the American family through its great growth period during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

The  American Motors Owners Association celebrates that fact each year with the Kenosha Homecoming: Great Cars on a Great Lake. This year, beginning July 22nd, fans of AMC collector cars took part in multiple cruise nights, swap meets, movies and more. The events were sponsored by the Kenosha History Center. It all culminated on the weekend, with an AMC car show at Kennedy Park on Saturday, July 26th and AMC racing at the Great Lakes Dragaway on Sunday, July 27th.

Here’s some of the picures captured by car buff Doug Bennett at the show.

1969 SC/Rambler

John Mckee of Tempe, Arizona brought this Scrambler and told us it’s powered by a 390ci V8 engine with a Borg Warner T-10 4-speed transmission. The factory produced only 1,512 units, and this one has been in Mckee’s possession since the beginning in 1969!

1972 AMX Javelin

Diligent owner, Rick Larson was there with a 1972 AMX Javelin. It’s had the kind of life that every collector car should have, given a lot of love and regular use from day one. Rick is the original owner, and said ran it for 7 years while running his business, driving it all year. When he didn’t want to use it for everyday driving anymore, he turned it into a racer. In only a few years, he became a regular winner, pushing out even modern Corvettes. That’s only the beginning of the story!

1940 Nash Lafayette

This one came out of Germantown, Wisconsin, courtesy of Gary and Susan Kielisch. It’s in Dove Grey with a 235 Flathead 6-cylinder engine and 3-speed overdrive transmission.

1955 Metropolitan Truck

A 1,500cc Austin Healey 55 horsepower engine powers the 1955 Metropolitan Truck from Ken Ledman of Rossville, Indiana. It featured a custom trailer build out of  a door.

1955 Nash Ambassador Custom Country Club

Jeff Meyer of Mequon, Wisconsin was there with a beutiful Nash Ambassador. It’s said to have a 140 horsepower “LeMans Dual carbureted Jetfire” 6-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic transmission with Overdrive.

1959 Rambler 6 Custom

Out of Bristol, Road Island came a 1959 Ramble 6 Custom Police Car. The owner, Peter Cambrola told us it was a tribute to Buford Pusser of Walking Tall.

1966 AMX Prototype

Lee Hagerty brought something special to the AMC show, a 1966 AMX Prototype, said to have been purchased directly from Mr. Luneburg, President of AMC after the car missed it’s date with the demolition team tasked with destroying it. It features a 343 ci V8 engine, 4-speed transmission, power steering, power brakes and a rumble seat.

1969 AMX Superstock

AMC built only 52 of these factory race cars and owner David Pearce of Elkton, Maryland tells us this one is armed with a 390 ci V8 engine and Borg Warner T-10 4-speed transmission.

1969 Javelin Funny Car

Gordy Chilson of Pennsylvania brought a 1969 Javelin Funny Car to the AMC show and told us it had a 401 AMC engine and is raced with a 439 ci V8.

1971 Javelin SST

This Javelin SST made it to the AMC show with a 360 ci V8 engine and is said to have been owned by Mitchel Biller of Northwood, Ohio for the last 33 years. He’s only the second owner, and has a restoration job underway.

1979 AMC Pacer Wagon

You won’t see many of these around. It’s a 1979 Pacer Wagon from Gary Belvins of Denver, Colorado. Features include a 304ci V8 engine, leather interior and 17-inch American Racing wheels.