From muscle automotive to fashionista.
What American Motors lacked in scale and monetary depth, it made up for in pluck and creativity. The Kenosha, Wisconsin based mostly carmaker appeared to all the time be on the point of disaster, but someway managed to maintain issues fascinating available in the market place.
1972 AMC Javelin Pierre Cardin
One dollar-efficient maneuver employed by the AMC advertising workforce was a collection of licensed “designer” packages provided on sure fashions. Amongst them:
And a variety of Levi’s Version autos replete with, in some instances, real-denim upholstery.
Additionally provided, and seen within the advert under, was the Pierre Cardin Javelin. Obtainable for the 1972 and 1973 years, the $84.95 (1972) bundle introduced with it particular inside colours and patterns, and a restricted exterior coloration pallet.
Cardin Javelins could possibly be had in Snow White, Stardust Silver, Trans Am Crimson, Wild Plum, and Diamond Blue.
Whereas AMC was by no means generally known as an trade fashion chief, the designer-series vehicles had been truly properly obtained, although gross sales had been fairly gradual. All instructed, the carmaker cranked out roughly 60,000 Javelins in 1972 and 1973, although solely 4100 or so got here geared up with the Pierre Cardin bundle. That’s a couple of 6.5-percent take charge.
The designer-series effort made sense in 1972, because the muscle-car period—due to low-lead fuel and rising insurance coverage prices—had come to an in depth, and carmakers had been scrambling to seek out methods to promote sporty vehicles with out promoting horsepower or drag-strip-performance figures.
For extra co-branded and designer enjoyable, take a look at these traditional designer Lincolns, and these largely forgotten licensed-vehicle trim ranges.
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
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