[Amc-list] AMC miniature dealership Topels Rambler Kenosha Wisconsin

["Eddie Stakes" <eddiestakes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is the legendary Topel's Rambler AMC Dealership in Kenosha Wisconsin. A
small place with big history. It is a one of a kind hand built AMC miniature
dealership me & the boys put together in November 2008. It will be going
onto ebay Monday night, december 8th with no reserve. Below is the
description, while the links to check it out are at bottom. The tiny ads,
posters & what not are actual AMC ads and posters. The cars shown were
removed from their NOS/MIB (mint in blaster pack) cases in Nov 2008. Thanks
for looking and again, this Topels Rambler, the Kenosha Siesta Motal and
Dick Allen Motors all go on ebay 12-8-2008 no reserve.
===============================

Earl C. Topel's Rambler Dealership started out Nash but evolved as AMC did.
Topel Rambler Sales, located at 1020 60th Street in Kenosha, was well known,
and respected. Topel also had a inside line on some of American Motors
"skunkwork" cars, that is, cars AMC specifically built to be heavily
modified by AMC's engineers in Kenosha. AMC's headquarters were in Detroit,
not Kenosha. Most of the actual design and development was off Plymouth Road
in Detroit, however, in Kenosha proper, you had the engineers that were
close to actual product. The cars. And Production. But more importantly, the
test, or proving grounds close by in Burlington Wisconsin where a modified
vehicle could be put thru all sorts of tests. Carl Chakmakian at the time,
1966 thru 1970 was head of AMC's Performance Activities and thought what
better place to build "hot rods" and "test vehicles" from pre production and
actual production vehicles...and test them....than out of Kenosha where the
finished product would originate? Enter Topel who gladly obliged by letting
AMC, and Carl, use his well know Rambler Dealership as a front in a win/win
situation simply due to the sheer publicity it would bring to Topel's when
Rambler Hot Rods made a showing at area drag strips like Union Grove. More
traffic at Topel's and AMC got to play! And gearheads from Milwaukee to
Chicago came out to check out the mighty Ramblers. This miniature dealership
sports some of that factory muscl from decades ago. There is a formidable
amount of AMC Firepower on Topel's lot, even local Kenoshans are coming out.
Off to the side is a extremely rare solid colored Matador Red Rebel Machine.
Of the 2308 Machines built in 1970, it is estimated less than 30 were this
solid color. There is 340 horses hiding under that factory Shadow Mask hood
also. Next to it is a sparkling new 73 Hornet Hatchback in "chrome
tangerine/orange' the paint is a mirror and must be some new Di-Noc paint
AMC is experimenting with, you know, the stuff they used on AMX prototypes,
as the paint is "color shifting" which changes colors with different
lighting. Sure is a nice looking car and one legendary Wally Booth would
shortly break all sorts of records in for AMC in NHRA. This might be a WHITE
LIGHTNING perhaps, check out that bright white interior, rather striking
against the chrome orange paint. Next to it is a beautiful 69 Javelin, 343,
AT in Forest Green Metallic. This sports a Go Pack and looks like it is a
real low miler and extremely well taken care of. With 280hp under the hood
you will have no trouble hanging with the big boys. A Hurst SC/Rambler in
"A" paint sits next to the Javelin, It has it's hood up showing it's hot
stock 390V8. Basically a factory built drag car, the Rambler went out with a
bang and 1512 made. I'm sure this "Hot Rod Rambler" has pulled more than
it's share of curious car buffs into Topel's to take a closer look. Don't be
surprised if you see it on the track on weekends whupping up brand x cars
either. To it's right is a 69 Big Bad Orange AMX. slightly modified with a
SS/AMX hood scoop and Cragars this is one bad boy. The engine bay alone is
extremely detailed and crawling under the car, there is no way that this
rolled off the Kenosha Assembly Line a mile away like this! Only 284 made in
1969, this one has indeed been taken to another level by Topel's! There is a
small hydraulic jack next to it, possibly someone will be putting on drag
slicks for a few runs later, testing out those various Group 19 parts.
Inside there is a green Machine. Not sure why but possibly this is a Topel
'Skunkworks' car in the making perhaps like others. Maybe painted horizontal
red, white and blue, the American Motors corporate colors, and then
drivetrain yanked, modified and Chakmakian and Topel take it out to Union
Grove over the weekend, along with AMC execs, and make a few passes perhaps?
This miniature AMC dealership was built by me and sons in November 2008.
Dedicated to all AM Dealers, large and small that made a difference. The
garage doors open and close, this one sports a small Coke machine, hydraulic
jack, miniature gas pumps too. The cars are all NOS/MIB (new old stock &
mint in box) taken out of original blister pack to build this dealership.
Inside and outside Topel's there is a variety of signs, banners and original
AMC ads! Some of the cars feature opening hoods, real rubber tires and some
are LIMITED PRODUCTION, including Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning. This AMC
Miniature Dealership IS HAND BUILT AND ONE OF ONE.

http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amcdealerships/topels_1.jpg

http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amcdealerships/topels_2.jpg

http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amcdealerships/topels_3.jpg

http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amcdealerships/topels_4.jpg

http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amcdealerships/topels_5.jpg

Thanks for looking and spreading the word, maybe bid and make this part of
your collection!
Eddie Stakes
713.464.8825
eddiestakes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.planethoustonamx.com

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