American Motors Hall of Fame
The American Motors
Hall of Fame
Dedicated to the recognition of individuals, innovations and vehicles of American Motors Corporation and its subsidiaries from the years 1954 to 1987
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Hall of Fame winners are determined by votes cast by registered members of TheAMCForum.com in these four categories:
Category 1: Person of American Motors, an executive or employee of American Motors or subsidiary company instrumental to the success of the company.
Category 2: Person/Organization, non-AMC, not directly employed by AMC but known for their contribution to the American Motors legacy or aftermarket.
Category 3: American Motors Innovation, significant engineering, feature, option or policy pioneered or popularized by American Motors.
Category 4: Significant Vehicle, an American Motors or related vehicle noteworthy for its concept, design, engineering, utility or volume of sales.
Presenting the Inaugural Class of 2012:
Category 1 - Person of American Motors
Richard A. Teague, Vice President of Design for American Motors from 1964-83. The first AMC models influenced by Teague's styling were the 1963 Ambassador and Classic, Motor Trend's Car of the Year. He was also responsible for designing the AMX, Javelin, Gremlin, Pacer and Jeep XJ Cherokee. His skill and creativity allowed AMC to introduce fresh designs on a tight budget. Teague died in 1991.
Also nominated: George W. Mason and Roy D. Chapin, Jr.
Category 2 - Person/Organization, non-AMC
Mark Donohue, a talented driver and 1972 Indy 500 winner, Donohue would drive many types of racing cars before representing American Motors in the Trans-Am and NASCAR series. Highly successful during the "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" era, Donohue died a day after a 1975 crash during practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. He is immortalized with the special edition 1970 Mark Donohue Javelin which bears his signature on the rear spoiler.
Also nominated: J.M. Productions' Astro Spiral Javelin Jump and Mary Wells Lawrence of the Wells Rich Greene advertising agency.
Category 3 - American Motors Innovation
4 Wheel Drive Eagle, under the direction of Jeep engineer Roy Lunn, the groundbreaking 1980-88 Eagle line combined AMC's proven Concord and Spirit bodies with a durable Jeep type running gear in order to create the first civilized 4-wheel-drive passenger cars.
Also nominated: Standard Air Conditioning for the 1968 Ambassador and AMC's Buyer Protection Plan.
Category 4 - Significant Vehicle
1970 AMC Gremlin, America's first modern subcompact, the Gremlin was brought to market before the competing Ford Pinto or Chevrolet Vega. Basically a shortened AMC Hornet, the Gremlin was known for its unique rear end styling and became a strong seller for AMC. Later versions would feature optional V8 engines and Levi's denim interiors.
Also nominated: 1957 Rambler Rebel and 1984 Jeep Cherokee.
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