Re: [Amc-list] AMC V8s cast by Renault?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

That's not entirely true Ralph! AMC has connections with Renault going back to the sixties. In the late sixties AMC and Renault partnered in a project to develop a rotary engine. In the early 60s (around 64) Renault built Ambassadors in a plant in Belgium. The first were assembled, but later models were built there, body and all. I assume they imported the engines and other running gear though. It was really a Classic with Ambassador nameplates and trim, with the 232. Renault also bought out IKA (Industries Kaiser Argentina) in the 70s and inherited the IKA Torino and the Kaiser Jeep Tornado OHC six. The Torino was built through 1982. IKA also built other AMC based cars. The 66 Classic/Ambo was built there through the early to mid 70s.

As fas as I know, however, none of those cars ever had V-8s. All the Belgian built cars had 199 or 232 sixes, mainly because taxes were paid by engine size. It was a large car for Europe and marketed against Mercedes "fintail" (58-65 190/220/300) sedans. They used the Classic body for a little weight advantage and Ambassador trim to move it more upscale. All the Argentine cars used the Tornado OHC six. 

It's possible that Renault built some AMC V-8s in France, but there would have to have been a use for them in substantial volume. Even if it were used as an industrial engine I would think we would have heard about it! It would have most likely been more cost effective for Renault to ship them from the US since they owned the plant anyway. But then one French company did cast Ford L-head V-8s through the early 80s for the French military (wonder what it was used in?), so maybe there were some AMC V-8s cast over there. Hmmm... through the early 80s... about the time Renault took over AMC... I wonder if an AMC based 304 took the place of the Ford flathead V-8?? Could be! And if it's a military only application, that would be why it's not general knowledge. Anybody know any car buffs in France? See if they know what the Ford flathead V-8 was used in, then if they know what replaced it.


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Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:49:37 -0700
From: "RetroRalph" <retroralph@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Sure don't see how.  Renault wasn't around AMC before about 1980 as I recall.
______________________________________________________________
Ralph Ausmann  -  Hillsboro, OR - > <ralph.ausmann@xxxxxxxxx>
http://mysite.verizon.net/res79g4m/ 
----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Blair 
  To: amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 8:08 AM
  
  Just the facts man! Yes or no?

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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