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Posted by A-V on April 16, 2008, 11:29:34, in reply to "AMCs in Finland"
137.33.254.111
I don't think such a story exists yet. Might be a good idea to write it up for our magazine as well... I'll look into it later on.
Shortly put (just a quick note, sorry for any mistakes, I'm sure my clubmates will add in and correct me if needed):
There were 2 companies that imported Ramblers from the United States, another of these 2 also imported Rambler Classics from Belgium (Rambler Renaults badged back to Rambler Classics). Operations started early sixties but got into high gear in the mid-sixties.
First one of these dealers was SMK (Suomen Maatalouskauppa) sold cars and farming equipment and from Ramblers they mostly sold basic models like American 220, Classic 550, both including station wagon models. These cars were joint-marketed often with big investments into farming equipments, for example: buy tractor and a combine harvester and get a Rambler for half the price and other such ingenious schemes. Keep in mind that Rambler was an upscale marque as compared to 'normal brands' for a Rambler's cost you could buy 2-3 Fiats, Ladas or other similar cheaper cars (it was still the most reasonably priced American car at that time).
The second dealer was Wihuri which sold the full line including sportier models like Javelins, AMXs. Car sales being their main business area, they continued selling Ramblers up until mid seventies.
All American Motors cars were sold in Finland as Ramblers with a few rebadgings included. For example AMC Hornet name was never introduced - instead they sold American Rambler (after the Rambler American model) with Rambler badges replacing Hornet badges. This was done becouse the Rambler name was a trusted marque with positive name recognition and it would have costed too much to market a completely new brand. They did start to include AMC logos in their material in a few years later, but soon after AMC's became too expensive to sell in numbers (due to currencies and import/export duties) and soon after the marque was dropped from the lineup for cars. Last batch of AMCs that came to Finland were around ETYK meeting (big USA/Russia meeting held in Finland in 1974(?)) when US diplomats and secret service brought some 30 Matadors (coupes and 4d sedans) with them for transporting diplomats and such. After the big meet the basicly new cars were sold with a slight discount thru Wihuri (as far as I know). I don't think newer models like Concords, Pacers or Eagles were never sold in Finland thru the dealerships even though there are a few privately imported cars around.
These cars have had a strong following in Finland ever since they were sold as new. Americans were used as Taxis and got lots of good reputation thru carrying passengers whom had some cheaper car at home. People bought them used and thankfully kept a lot of the cars in good shape and they're still around today.
I formed AMC Club Finland in 2000 with a few mates whom thought it would be a good idea to do so. There had been a registry for Ramblers before this time but the club wasn't really active anymore in those days. Also a few diehard Rambler-fans had their own very active local clubs. We sort of just collected the hobbyists under one roof which has helped in parts finding and enjoying the car itself thru our meets and travels. It's all thanks to the numerous active club members we have.
A-V Nauha
AMC Club Finland (Founder)
http://www.amccf.com
--Previous Message--
: Is there a link that tells us the full story
: of how AMC cars got to be sold in Finland? I
: am writing from Canada, where many AMCs were
: built at Brampton, Ontario, and I have seen
: them in Europe in the past. But please tell
: us more. How did these cars ever gain a
: following in Finland?
:
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