Re: [Amc-list] American 440 Hardtop Deluxe

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Correct. 1958-61 designations were:
Deluxe - base model
Custom - mid trim
Super - top of the line*

In 62 it changed a little:
Deluxe - base model
Custom - mid trim
400 - top of the line*

*None of the top of the line cars had the upper chrome (on top of spear), just the lower with a single chrome strip across the trunk lid. Not even convertibles had the "spear" painted a different color. Of course 58-60 models had no "spear". 

In 63-69** it changed up again:
220 - base model
330 - mid trim
440 - top of the line 
440H - top of the line hardtop 

** mid trim (330) was dropped after 65, Rogue took the place of the 440H at the same time. There was a Rogue and an American 440 hardtop and convertible for 66 & 67. In 68 & 69 the 220 designation was dropped for the base model, it was just the Rambler American, with American being dropped for 69. There was only one model 1969 Rambler, as everything else made by AMC was sold under the AMC make -- the 68 AMC Rambler American became the 69 AMC Rambler. 


Only the 1963 440H and convertible had the upper "spear" chrome with the stripe continued across the trunk (w/chrome). The "spear" was painted roof color on the 440H only (not the 440 hardtop, just the H -- which DOES NOT stand for "Hurst" or "hardtop"). The 330 and 440 had the lower chrome only. The 440 hardtop had the regular 440 interior, bucket seats were optional. The 440H had buckets and console standard, and used a special rear seat with wide armrest "boxes" on the sides that extended to the floor. The narrow convertible rear seat lower cushion was used with a 440H only back cushion that was notched to fit around the armrests. It was originally thought that the "H" was for "hardtop", but then there was the standard 440 hardtop too. Might have been intended to stand for hardtop and the regular interior hardtop was a last minute thought, but that's just a guess. In 63 there might have been some people who liked the hardtop look but were turned off by the seat arrangement
 s and console. None of the 58-63 Americans ever came with a floor shifter for any trans, the console was just for decoration but did have a storage compartment between the seats, no arm rest. 



---------------
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:20:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Smith <know_ware@xxxxxxxxx>

If?I have read the?American information properly, the Deluxe designation meant NO chrome other than the bumpers.? And because my car was re-VIN-ed, with a 62 number, I am considering putting in my '62 grille.? I know that a 440 Hardtop Deluxe was an improbable package, and a 62 440 Hardtop never existed.? (big smile, but it does now) If I decide later that no chrome is too plain, I can add it all back, paint the top pearl white and the interior of the arrows pearl white also.? 
?http://360.yahoo.com/karl_haart

-- 
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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