1967 AMC Marlin Hardtop Fastback

American Motors built compact, economical cars for families and value shoppers. In the early sixties, AMC management began to move to larger, more luxurious designs in order to go toe-to-toe, feature-for-feature with the competition across town. The concept car, the Tarpon, debuted at the 1964 SAE convention in Detroit. It promised excitement, sportiness, and a distinctive fastback style. It was intended as a flashy, mid-size entry at a time when the Big Three were promoting powerful muscle cars as their intermediate image vehicles.

AMC press releases targeted buyers wanting a sporty yet roomy fastback. It was to outflank Ford, GM, and Chrysler pony-car competitors with comfort and spaciousness. The production car was called the Rambler Marlin and was introduced in February 1965. It sold 10,327 in its first year.

A major redesign in 1967 resulted in a new, longer Ambassador-based full-size chassis. The result was an elegant, well-balanced Marlin; longer, wider and lower. Aimed at the evolving personal luxury segment, it had a long list of standard equipment and plenty of options. Engines included a base 290 cubic-inch 2-barrel V8. Two 343 cubic-inch V8s were optional; a 2-barrel that ran on regular gas and a high-compression (10.2:1) premium-fuel 4-barrel dual exhaust version that produced 280 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A 232 cubic-inch six was also available.

This car was built late in 1966, near the end of the Marlin's three year run. It features the 343 CID V8, bucket seats, and factory air.