Johnny Lightning 1969 AMC SC/Rambler

In the 1960's, muscle cars designed for the track were very popular not only with enthusiast, but with drag racers as well.  Even more so is one that is decked out as a race car straight from the production line!  The AMC SC/Rambler is one of them.

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Built for the track!

390 CID V8 producing 315hp. from the AMX, four-speed manual with Hurst shifter, and modified exhaust to give a nice Flowmaster-style exhaust note was just the start for a basic Rambler American model.  The suspension gets enhancements including a stronger drivetrain, anti-axle hop links in the rear, enlarged wheel openings to allow for bigger tires to fit, Magnum 500 wheels on Goodyear tires, and a hood scoop that is open and closed by the engine vacuum-powered flap.  The interior is striped clean with no radio, ventilation, headliner (it's paper thin!), includes Sun add-on tachometer, and seats with red, white, or blue head rests.  Finally the exterior adds white with blue and red accents and, on some models, racing decals.  There's more additional modifications that I have room to mention, but it's a lot for a basic street car to prepare for the track.  The limited run was prompted by NHRA F-class stock car rules with 1,512 built in A or B trim levels.  The SC/Rambler was a beast on the track with it's powerful engine and lightweight body, matching 1/4 mile times only Cobra Jet's and Hemi's could reach!  Starting price was affordable back then; nowadays one of these at auction would fetch up prices three-to-four times the original price after inflation!

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The sleek J.L. version

Despite the lack of details on the base and the rather chunky tires, this casting is the finest of the late 1990's Johnny Lightning models.  The wheels have Mags and the correct Goodyear lettering, the hood scoop is correct and stands proud with AIR on scoop and blue arrow the tell the air where to feed to.  The red stripe is occupied with racing decals all over the vehicle.  The interior is ok, though some more detailing would be nice.  The hood opens to an engine that is nicely detailed in the bare metal.

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It's not often I run across castings like this one, heck only the very first release of the Hot Wheels 1968 Dodge Dart in the 2003 Auto Affinity line came close to matching the attention of details this SC/Rambler provides, but man what a looker this 1/4 mile 'rambler can be!

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