Regarding the 'brochures are printed early' scenario, the 1972 brochure also specifically states buckets are a two- door-only option. So it didn't change between early in the 1971 model year and early in the 1972 model year. I'd say it's safe to assume it remained that way through the entire 1971 model year.
I'm forced to side with the brochures, as they are from 'the source', over the book. Besides, Larry Daum (who wrote the AMC/Rambler section) never states the buckets ARE available in non-two-doors. He simply never states they weren't...but then he never states the cars can't float! ;)
The possibility exists, too, that Larry's contribution to the book was edited down and lost a specific mention of the bucket seat exclusion. The book is written by many and edited by one, so if space became an issue, cuts of perceived 'less-important' info may have happened.
Heck, Larry is on this list. What say you, dude?
But AMC does specify the exclusion. So until I see a factory build-sheet indicating buckets in a four-door or wagon, I have to stick with factory documentation that says it wasn't available. The reverse is 'conjecture' based on something someone didn't say.
Side-note....between this and my private 'gauge pod ' discussion with Eddie Stakes today, I've got every damn brochure, stockholder's report and TSM I own spread all over my office floor!! What a MESS!!!
John W Rosa http://www.JavelinAMX.com
-----Original Message----- From: John McEwen [mailto:moparrr@xxxxxxx] Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 7:22 PM To: John W Rosa Subject: Re: Is this **THE** Matador Machine?
Hi John:
I got out a magnifying glass to see what the hell I've been quoting and must apologize regarding the four speed situation. It was available on both Go-Machine packages. I think I read two lines at once or something as there is a reference to the 401 in the previous line..
However, I still don't see anything forbidding bucket seats and console with Command Shift in any model of Matador - or even in the Ambassador. Only the four speed was restricted to Go-Machine cars which had to be hardtops. It looks like I was half right.
One thing I've learned about information from brochures and factory order books is that they were printed before production began and that they were modified as demand indicated. Dealers received updates as to change ordering situations. Brochures didn't reflect any of these changes unless a part-season brochure was released.
We know that we can never be certain that something was or was not done by the factory.