Brand Positioning:
AMC positioned itself as an innovator and provider of distinctive styling and value in the American automotive market during this era.
Competitors:
Competed with offerings from Ford (Maverick, Pinto, Torino), Chevrolet (Vega, Nova, Chevelle), Chrysler (Dart, Valiant, Satellite) in various segments.
Gremlin Appeal:
Subcompact, budget-friendly, distinctive 'short-deck' styling, fuel efficiency.
Matador Appeal:
Mid-size offering, available as sedan, coupe, and wagon, comfortable family transport.
Javelin Appeal:
Pony car, sporty styling, performance-oriented options, aimed at younger buyers.
Hornet Appeal:
Compact, versatile, available in various body styles (sedan, coupe, wagon, hatchback), practical and affordable.
Ambassador Appeal:
Full-size luxury/personal car, spacious interior, comfortable ride, often featured higher trim levels.
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including power assist and parking brake).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrumentation, accessories, power windows, power seats.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, trim, upholstery, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), seat belts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and their solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Gremlin Engine Options:
232 cu in (3.8L) Inline-6, 258 cu in (4.2L) Inline-6, 304 cu in (5.0L) V8, 360 cu in (5.9L) V8.
Hornet Engine Options:
199 cu in (3.3L) Inline-6, 232 cu in (3.8L) Inline-6, 258 cu in (4.2L) Inline-6, 304 cu in (5.0L) V8, 360 cu in (5.9L) V8.
Matador Engine Options:
258 cu in (4.2L) Inline-6, 304 cu in (5.0L) V8, 360 cu in (5.9L) V8, 401 cu in (6.6L) V8.
Javelin Engine Options:
258 cu in (4.2L) Inline-6, 304 cu in (5.0L) V8, 360 cu in (5.9L) V8, 401 cu in (6.6L) V8.
Ambassador Engine Options:
360 cu in (5.9L) V8, 401 cu in (6.6L) V8.
Typical Horsepower Range:
Approx. 100 HP (Inline-6) to 285 HP (401 V8, depending on tuning).
Carburetion:
Single-barrel (Inline-6, base V8), two-barrel (optional Inline-6, higher performance V8), four-barrel (performance V8).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Gremlin Standard Transmission:
3-speed manual (column or floor shift).
Hornet Standard Transmission:
3-speed manual.
Optional Transmission:
2-speed 'Flash-O-Matic' automatic, 3-speed 'Torque-Command' automatic (model dependent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon equivalent (refer to manual for specific type).
Crash Testing Era:
NHTSA testing was in its early stages; data for this specific year may be limited or vary.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes standard on many models (especially V8), rear drum brakes. Power assist often optional or standard on larger models.
Seat Belts:
Standard lap belts, shoulder belts often optional or standard on certain trims/models.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column was a feature mandated by federal safety regulations of the era.
Radio Options:
AM radio, AM/FM radio (often with optional multiplex stereo), 8-track tape player.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to features like power steering and power brakes on certain models; no electronic driver aids.
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-digital era).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs and ignition system check/replacement typically every 20,000-30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SE/CD classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (verify with manual).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with water. Check manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Gremlin Common Issues:
Rust, carburetor tuning, exhaust system issues, potential for oil leaks in older engines.
Matador Common Issues:
Rust, suspension wear, brake component wear, potential for electrical gremlins, engine overheating if cooling system is neglected.
Javelin Common Issues:
Rust, body trim integrity, suspension wear, drive train issues (especially with higher-performance engines), electrical wiring degradation.
Hornet Common Issues:
Rust, carburetor issues, ignition system component failure, exhaust leaks.
Ambassador Common Issues:
Rust (especially rear wheel wells and rocker panels), suspension component wear, cooling system efficiency, potential for transmission leaks.
Amc Origins:
AMC was formed in 1954 from the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Rambler. It was known for its distinct designs and economical yet capable vehicles.
Gremlin Introduction:
Introduced in April 1970 as a 1970 1/2 model, designed as an affordable, sporty subcompact.
Matador Evolution:
The Matador replaced the Rebel in 1974, but the 1973 model was still part of the Rebel lineage, with the 'Matador' name being introduced for the intermediate line in 1974.
Javelin Evolution:
The Javelin was AMC's entry into the pony car segment, introduced for the 1968 model year. The 1973 model featured significant styling updates.
Hornet Introduction:
Introduced for the 1970 model year, the Hornet was AMC's compact car offering, available in multiple body styles and served as a platform for the Gremlin.
Ambassador Evolution:
The Ambassador was AMC's flagship full-size car, with roots tracing back to the Nash Ambassador. The 1973 model represented the final year of this particular styling iteration before a major redesign.
Amc Production Period:
1954 - 1988
Design Awards:
While specific awards for these models in 1973 are not widely publicized, AMC vehicles of this era were often noted for their distinctive styling, particularly the Javelin and Gremlin.
Safety Ratings Era:
Safety ratings were not standardized or publicly released in the same manner as today. The manual will detail safety equipment and procedures relevant to the time.
Emission Standards:
The manual will contain specifications and procedures to meet 1973 Federal and California emission control standards.
