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The first Rambler?

Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: American Motors Corp., its history and more.
Forum Name: In The Beginning..........
Forum Description: The formation of AMC - American Motors Corporation, discussion of how, when, what happened to form AMC
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56412
Printed Date: Mar/28/2024 at 11:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: The first Rambler?
Posted By: Pat
Subject: The first Rambler?
Date Posted: Dec/25/2013 at 1:30pm
This is where Rambler got its start. From Jeffery Company. This is an 1893 ad. Oldest one I've seen yet.




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'86 AMC Eagle wagon - BlackBird

'95 Jeep Cherokee - Bleep



Replies:
Posted By: d7javelin
Date Posted: Mar/20/2016 at 8:03pm
I believe you're right. I just finished a book by G. Wayne Miller called Car Crazy that chronicles the early auto industry. Many of the builders came from the bicycle business. Thomas B. Jeffery was one of them and his bicycles carried the name Rambler.

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                 Imported from Kenosha


Posted By: mymark
Date Posted: Mar/31/2016 at 11:12pm
The earliest known to exist rambler is here on Vancouver Island 1902,wood body leather fenders tool tray single cylinder tiller steering . I have seen the car many times,know the owner and it is a wonder to behold !

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Donohue


Posted By: Rambler Rookie
Date Posted: Apr/01/2016 at 6:49am
1902? Wow! Would love to see that in person.


Posted By: Low Buck 55
Date Posted: Apr/03/2016 at 7:13pm
Anyone have a picture of that?  I love learning about the early history of any American car manufacturer.


Posted By: WesternRed
Date Posted: Apr/14/2016 at 2:22am
AMC built some replicas of the original Rambler back in the 50's, we had one of the replicas at a show recently down here in Australia of all places, here is a photo and a bit of a write up on the car:



1902 Rambler

Genuine American Motors Corporation factory built replica

How's this for something different as part of the 3rd annual AMC/Rambler show. This was Gordon Pendlebury's ultra rare 1902 Rambler replica that was factory built by AMC back in the late 50’s.

Apparently there are only 4 known surviving examples of the original 1902 Rambler which is regarded as one of the first US production line cars.

Amazingly there is probably less known about the replicas then the originals but what is known is that employees, James Moore, Carl Chakmakian and John Pichurski, of the newly formed American Motors in 1954 (formed by the joining of NASH and Hudson) discovered the original drawings of the first Rambler and thought that it would make a great marketing tool to replicate that original Rambler which eventually lent its name to the new cars of AMC at the time. The idea was to have each of the dealers have one each in their showroom to promote the new Ramblers.

The car has a mid engine layout. Composite body construction. Automatic clutch. Which makes it almost sound hyper-modern for a new car available in late 50’s, but the Gaslight was anything but. (Gaslight became its company nickname). Rather, as part of the late 1950s trend of replicating turn-of-the-century cars, it aimed to resurrect the 1902 Rambler, but with a twist.

Actual construction of the replicas was done by the American Air Products Corporation of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which used a 4hp air-cooled Clinton single-cylinder engine, but built the rest of the car to the 1902 specifications. Though good for just 30 MPH (which is about 50km/h so you could still get booked in a school zone), it achieved fuel mileage of 60 to 70 MPG. The only option was a "Would you like a front window with that?" option to satisfy Californian licensing laws.

Their aim was to produce at least as many cars as the original 1902 Rambler of 1500 units but as for how many Rambler replica’s were actually sold (at $1,495 a piece), no-one is sure. But what we can be sure about is that they represent the dawn of modern motoring for future generations to enjoy


Posted By: mramc
Date Posted: Apr/15/2016 at 6:53pm
Ok, On the Rambler bicycle front the Jeffery company went back to 1878 or 1879 as the starting year of the Bicycle company. More information here at this web site: https://ramblercycles.wordpress.com/gormully-jeffery-rambler-cycles/ . Jeffery started out if I recall correctly with a patent right to build girls bicycles from the Pope Bicycle trust . Jeffery , as in Thomas B. , went  on to challenge the Bicycle trust and break up the trust of Pope up , in the same vain as Henry Ford did with the Selden Patent  automotive  trust , and in fact gave Ford money under the table in support of breaking the Auto trust. The irony is that  Jeffery  sold his bicycle company out to the "American Bicycle Company " along with a 1900 Car prototype to Pope. Pope made the Rambler bicycles until at least 1904 and put the Rambler 1900 model A & B car into production making a few hundred of the 1900 Jeffery designed cars under the "Hydro Car" name. Like most of Pope's late efforts this died out also. The only car that Pope made for any length of time was the Pope Hartford which stopped production a few years after Pope death in Aught early teens era.  LRDaum


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LRDaum


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Apr/30/2016 at 11:05am
30 MPH.... I highly doubt that as mine will only do 24 clocked it a few times with a digital vehicle behind me   But still very cool to drive and ride in

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Apr/30/2016 at 11:07am
this was the first trip of over 10 miles taken on my car then a 2 mile parade

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/08/2016 at 8:12pm
Hee Hee had the ole girl out for mothers day for a little bit

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/24/2016 at 2:30pm


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/24/2016 at 2:32pm
special car show held at the Ohio Veterans Home   for the Vets     invitation ONLY   Dad and I were invited to take our cars    Only 50 were invited    they served us lunch as well as a free Show   no awards given as we said the Award was  the Vets smiles and memories talking to all the car people



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: Cricket
Date Posted: Jul/24/2016 at 4:10pm
That is an awesome vehicle!


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/24/2016 at 5:13pm
CRICKET  Thanks   I have a riot with the ole Girl    

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Aug/16/2016 at 7:02pm


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Aug/16/2016 at 7:04pm
Got home from Rockford    the Generator and Battery issue is now taken care of     wished I could have run around more in Rockford but Oh Well the repair wasnt serious  but she is going again

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Sep/04/2016 at 1:31pm
the old Rambler on Old Woodward ave in Michigan



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Dec/03/2016 at 3:31pm
tucked away for the winter but a shot of the last show for the season





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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: 1969 BASE JAV
Date Posted: Dec/21/2016 at 6:32pm
There's 3 of these 1902 Rambler replicas in Kenosha.   My brother just bought one a few weeks ago.


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Dec/21/2016 at 6:40pm
I sure enjoy mine   Take it all over and have a great time with it

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: adrian9999
Date Posted: Jan/15/2017 at 8:27am
All of them looks awesome.


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jan/15/2017 at 8:36am
Good times with this every time it leaves the driveway weather it be for a show a cruise or just taking someone around the block

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Nov/20/2017 at 5:11am
trick or treat is always a blast as I sit on the 02 and pass out candy

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: kalve
Date Posted: Nov/28/2017 at 3:21pm
Nice vehicle & yea love the history of how all these companies got started. That is one thing I like about the old cars the history & the time periods before everything got computerized an crazy like it is today. For me its just relaxing to drive old car than a new one just a different state of mind driving these old cars. Have fun with the car like to see it in person one day.

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1964 T bird Landau

2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 430 convertible

1970 AMC Rebel SST Wagon


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Dec/04/2017 at 6:51pm
Depending on the summers happenings in 2018 I may even get to the Charleston area for a show sometime.   I worked down there a few years ago in Belle and cedar Grove  so I have a few friends in that area.
   I would imagine that Nitro has some good shows down there as well


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Feb/16/2018 at 2:11pm
KALVE    do you have any idea of some shows up coming this year?   let me know of a few and I can only try to make it for one

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jun/06/2018 at 6:57pm
had the ole Rambler out once this year for a show last weekend




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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Jul/27/2018 at 2:38pm
The "Main" annual car show here in Charleston WV is called the "Doo Wop", Oct. 3th - Oct. 7th, 2018,
link to the web page, but it still lacks any details...
It's on the Boulevard along the river downtown.
Would be honored to have you as a guest and the 1902 Rambler.

https://www.charlestonwvcarshow.com/index.php?nav=home" rel="nofollow - https://www.charlestonwvcarshow.com/index.php?nav=home

http://wvmetronews.com/2016/10/05/charleston-rod-run-and-doo-wop-event-ready-to-go/" rel="nofollow - http://wvmetronews.com/2016/10/05/charleston-rod-run-and-doo-wop-event-ready-to-go/


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Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video



Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/27/2018 at 5:14pm
very interesting and at a good time of the year too    I will see what is happening and hope to make it for part of that show
   more than likely friday saturday and sunday



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Sep/15/2018 at 9:47pm
Heritage Festival  

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Nov/12/2018 at 4:57am
well I did make it for the ROD RUN DOO WOP in charleston wv
great time




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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: 69AMXSGFMO
Date Posted: Jul/23/2019 at 9:58am
1902 Rambler replicar for sale near Tulsa OK for $5850.
 
https://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/d/wagoner-1902-rambler-replicar-priced/6932251557. - https://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/d/wagoner-1902-rambler-replicar-priced/6932251557.html
 
 


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Sep/05/2019 at 4:54pm
guess that as sold its no longer listed

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Oct/20/2019 at 7:50am
still a lot of fun with this car



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Nov/03/2019 at 6:44pm
this last show season the 02 had very little exposure  3 parades was it this year 

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jan/06/2020 at 2:12am
?

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Jan/10/2020 at 3:16pm
Hello amcglass - hope all is well - happy 2020 ! - what's in the plans for the 1902 in 2020 ?

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Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video



Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jan/10/2020 at 6:05pm
plans for 2020 are not set yet but for sure I will have the O2 out more than I did in 19  I only had it out a couple times spent more time out the the BBG Donohue 

plans do include the Rod Run Doo Wop just not sure what I will bring down this year  


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: Rambler Dan
Date Posted: Dec/26/2020 at 8:16am
There is one of the rambler replica cars listed for sale in Webster. NY. Thats near Rochester.   They are asking $5200 I think.    Add has been up on FB marketplace for some time now. 

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Dan G.
Lancaster, NY
1959 cross country wagon


Posted By: 1958 rambler super
Date Posted: Dec/29/2020 at 10:02pm
I think it's going to take a special person to buy that car for sure!


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Sep/26/2021 at 8:24pm
more than likely the last show of the season for the ole girl   Meadowdale Raceway IL

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jan/11/2022 at 4:46pm
the ole girl is in the shop for some cleaning  and decision making

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Mar/04/2022 at 8:36am
Would be nice to find enough drawings and/or detailed photos to recreate one. Wouldn't be terribly difficult...


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Frank Swygert


Posted By: mymark
Date Posted: Mar/04/2022 at 9:45am
I know the owner of the 02 (original ) well , they are here on the Island . If you want his contact info PM me .

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Donohue


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Apr/25/2022 at 9:11pm
guess lm addicted yes another one 

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: 70,71,72 AMXS
Date Posted: Apr/26/2022 at 11:59am
You are getting on in years, probably best that you concentrate on these instead of Javelins...Smile 

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Bruce in NW Ohio


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Apr/26/2022 at 4:39pm
70 71 72 AMX   give a little credit maybe 50s era  LOL lm not that OLD



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: blumontag
Date Posted: Nov/17/2022 at 9:56am
Came across this photo on Facebook of a Rambler bike shop in Baltimore, circa 1900.




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72 Gremlin X


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Dec/21/2022 at 10:50pm
too cool

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: American67
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 5:23am
There´s a 1902 in Finland too, driven on a regular basis as far as i know



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AMC Club Finland
1966 Rambler American 220
1969 AMC Rambler 440


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 4:14pm
nice one



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: sweatlock
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 5:13pm
So what is the lineage/connection between this 1902 Rambler and Nash, Hudson, Kelvinator, Wheel Horse, other than the commonality of the name ‘Rambler’? How is this car connected to AMC, or are they as connected as a 2023 Dodge Hornet and a 1970 AMC Hornet (name only)? 


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 7:06pm
    In 1987 Thomas B Jefferies  owner of the Jefferies  Bicycle company  Built his first Rambler Car,   He took the Rambler Name from his Top of the Line Bicycle that was called the Rambler.  In 1902 He went into production of his Rambler Runabout.    This place of production was the same 4 walls that eventually become the Nash automobile plant  when the business was sold to Charles Nash in 1917 .  which eventualy become the AMC Plant in Kenosha WI,  this is the Tie in connection and readers digest version.  so in my eyes and many other's eyes this connection is far FAR more connected to the AMC Family than the 2023 Dodge Hornet.

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 7:14pm
first Rambler  My 3 1902 Rambler Runabouts
My 3  1902 Rambler Runabouts


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: May/11/2023 at 10:32pm
sweatlock - In 1902 the Jeffrey Motor Company chose Kenosha, Wisconsin as it's manufacturing and corporate base of operations.  In 1916, while remaining in the same Kenosha Wisconsin location, the company changed it's name and became Nash Motors.  While still maintaining its Kenosha location, Nash purchased Kelvinator in 1937 and became Nash/Kelvinator.  Never relocating, Nash/Kelvinator became American Motors with the merger of Hudson Motors in 1954.  In 1960 Simmons Mattress sold there Lakefront Plant property to Kenosha Automotive Transport (KAT).  AMC entered into a long-term lease of the Lakefront Plant from KAT, located about 2 miles east from AMC Kenosha Main Plant, and converted it into a convoluted auto manufacturing facility.

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Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video



Posted By: farna
Date Posted: May/12/2023 at 7:07am
amcglass has a little typo.... "1987" should read "1897", but most of you caught that... it's obvious from the rest of the message that it's a simple typo.


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Frank Swygert


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/12/2023 at 5:38pm
Thanks Farna   gooefd up



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: Concours dude
Date Posted: May/13/2023 at 11:30pm
Originally posted by amcglass amcglass wrote:

 first Rambler  My 3 1902 Rambler Runabouts
My 3  1902 Rambler Runabouts
Those are replicas, right?

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Past owned:
62 Classic 400
1976 Hornet
65 440 H
61 Amb
59 Classic wagon
55 Ambassador Sedan
54 Ambassador Country Club
AMCRC #1929
AMO #10029


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: May/14/2023 at 6:36am
yes



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: May/15/2023 at 8:29am
Could you take some detailed photos of the replicas? Particularly how the drivetrain and axles are made? A few dimensions would be nice also. I'd like to sketch up some plans for one.


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Frank Swygert


Posted By: ArtHooligan
Date Posted: Jul/26/2023 at 11:53am
New member and just poured through this entire post. Amazing history lesson!


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/26/2023 at 5:14pm
welcome to you. glad to hear you had a history lesson



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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jul/26/2023 at 5:22pm
FARNA

if your going to the Nationals next summer in VA l will more than likely have one with me and you can take all the detail pics and measurments you care 
sorry i didnt see that message till now


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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin



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