VAM Model History

Mexico · founded 1946

Mexico's homegrown AMC licensee (1946–1987) — assembled Ramblers, Javelins, and Gremlins with locally sourced content, and built one wholly original Mexican model, the Lerma.

Models

Rambler American

VAM's foundational compact — the Mexican-assembled Rambler American offered in 2-door, 4-door, wagon, and a one-year hardtop body, VAM's bestselling nameplate.

Compact car · 1963–1969
American (VAM)

The long-running Mexican compact built on AMC Hornet then AMC Concord platforms — sold as 'Rambler American' until 1974, then 'American' — VAM's most-produced model overall.

Compact car · 1970–1983
Javelin

VAM's Mexican-assembled pony car (1968–1973) — built under AMC license with locally made trim and the first VAM model to drop the Rambler name.

Pony car · 1968–1973
Gremlin

VAM's subcompact (1974–1983) — the Gremlin nameplate outlived the US by five years in Mexico, extending to cover the AMC Spirit-based car, and became VAM's second-bestselling line ever.

Subcompact car · 1974–1983
Classic (VAM)

VAM's mid-size line — sold as the Rambler Classic through the 1960s and as the 'Classic DPL' (AMC Matador-based sedan) through 1983, Mexico's AMC intermediate.

Mid-size car · 1963–1983
Pacer

The wide-body AMC Pacer assembled in Mexico (1976–1979) — powered by VAM's 4.6-liter inline-six and positioned as a luxury car; only 619 built in its final year.

Compact car · 1976–1979
Lerma

VAM's only wholly original model — a 1981–1983 luxury hatchback blending AMC Concord and Spirit components into a body style never offered in the United States.

Compact car · 1981–1983

Other makes