[Amc-list] Overseas built AMCs (was Karmann Javelin)

["Swygert, Francis G MSgt 436 CES/CECM" <Francis.Swygert3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've managed to collect a good bit of verified data on overseas AMCs.
Smaller operations, and all to start with, only assembled CKD kits,
usually with as much local content as possible. The local content was to
reduce import duties -- in the 60s (even in Canada!) most countries
taxed imports by the amount of the product imported. It was easy to
substitute things like tires, belts, and batteries with locally produced
items (when there was such a thing). Many (South Africa and Australia in
particular) also had their own upholstery made -- frames and springs
were shipped bare. 

Some of the larger operations actually produced the bodies on site.
Argentina did (not just the Torino -- they built a Classic as well),
along with South Africa, Iran, Belgium (Renault) and Mexico. Even those
started with CKD kits for a couple years, then started building a body
that would stay in production for years after AMC stopped making it --
sometimes AMC sold the actual dies to a body they just stopped making. I
believe (but can't confirm!) that was the case with Iran -- they
produced the 69 Rambler from 1970-74 or so (again, can't confirm the
ending date -- 72-75 time frame is the best I can do!). The Iranian
operation is the most difficult to nail down! In Argentina the 66
Classic body was built through 73 and of course the Torino (a
Classic/American hybrid -- Classic passenger section (and wheelbase),
American front and rear clips) through 82 or 83. This is another that I
believe AMC sold body dies to (for the 66 Classic/Ambo) when the AMC
body changed. IKA/Renault never sold the Classic/Ambo in large enough
numbers to warrant local production of bodies without some kind of
really good deal, and AMC certainly didn't continue making the 66 body
for CKD kits! 62-66 Argentine Classics/Ambos were CKD kits, so it is a
logical conclusion to think that AMC sold or transferred the body dies
to IKA/Renault (they had contracts with them for other parts and Jeeps).
The IKA/Renault cars all used the Kaiser Tornado OHC six, the same one
American mechanics balked at in 63! By the early 70s it had gained seven
main bearings, but kept the SOHC single lobe cam (one lobe for both the
intake and exhaust valves per cylinder -- only six lobes!).
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