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The Go package (or Go Pack[1]) was a factory option that included various performance equipment that was available on several muscle cars manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC).

Background

During the late-1960s and early-1970s, domestic automakers lines used "catchy marketing campaigns, such as Dodge's Scat Pack, AMC's Go Package, and Ford's Total Performance."[2]

American Motors Corporation planned a program to create a performance image that included a pulling-out from the antiquated Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) edict against supporting automobile racing that was no longer followed by General Motors. Ford, or Chrysler.[3][4] Managers at the automaker made a decision "to go after the youth market ... AMC muscle soon flourished, including not just AMX and Javelin pony cars, but other potent packages like the Hurst SC/Rambler of 1969, Rebel Machine in 1970..."[5]

Original window sticker of a 1970 AMX showing the Go Pac listed as "PP390V,TG,DB,HDC,HP,E70/WHT LETTR $371.41"

The 1968 model year Javelin was the first model to offer AMC's optional "Go" package.[6] The official name on the dealer vehicle order forms from AMC was "Performance Package" and called Go Package in the automaker's sales brochures.[7]

In contrast with high-performance versions – such as the 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler, 1970 Rebel Machine, and 1971 Hornet SC/360 – that had their own model number, only an original window sticker (Monroney sticker, factory order form, or a build sheet can authenticate whether a particular vehicle was originally factory equipped with a Go Pack because there is no identification code within the vehicle identification number (VIN) or on AMC's metal door tags to identify this option.[7]

Available models

Equipment

The actual contents of the Go Packs varied from year to year and according to specific models.

For example, the Go Pack on the 1968 AMX included either the 343 cu in (5.6 L) or 390 cu in (6.4 L) high-output four-barrel V8 engine with a dual exhaust system and chromed exhaust tips, heavy-duty cooling system, power front disc brakes, uprated suspension for improved handling, "Twin-Grip" limited-slip differential, wide-tread red striped tires mounted on five-spoke "Magnum 500" wheels, and over-the-top racing stripes.[8] Except for the racing stripes, the performance options could also be ordered individually on the 1968 and 1969 AMXs.

For the 1970 model year AMXs and Javelins, the ram-air intake hood was only available as part of the Go Package.[9]

The 1972 Go package was available only on the Javelin AMX models and included either a 360 cu in (5.9 L) or 401 cu in (6.6 L) high-output 4-bbl V8 with cowl air to carburetor induction system and dual exhausts, "Twin-Grip" differential, handling package, power disk brakes, heavy-duty cooling, a "T-stripe" on the hood, blacked out rear taillight panel, "Rally-Pac" instrumentation, E60x15 Polyglass raised while letter tires on 15"x7" styled steel wheels, and a "Space-Saver" spare tire.[10]

The 1974 Javelin required ordering the Go Package together with the 401 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engine.[11]

A form of continuing the 1970 Rebel Machine, which was a separate model, the 1971 Matador two-door hardtop had a Go Package option. It was offered only at the start of the model year and not even mentioned in AMC's full-line brochures. This Go Package was available with the 360 cu in (5.9 L) ($373 option) or the 401 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engine (for $461) with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.[12] It included 15x7-inch slot-styled steel wheels with white-lettered Goodyear Polyglas tires, dual exhaust system, a heavy-duty handling package, and power disk brakes.[13] The "Twin-Grip" rear differential was a recommended option and the limited-slip system and required in when in combination with a four-speed manual transmission and the optional 3.91 rear axle ratio.[13]

Notes

  1. ^ Holmes, Mark; Berg, Ivan (2013). Muscle cars: the legend lives on. Rosen Publishing. pp. 10–11. ISBN 9781448892167. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  2. ^ Rosenberg, Diego (2016). Selling the American Muscle Car: Marketing Detroit Iron in the 60s and 70s. CarTech. ISBN 9781613252031. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  3. ^ Mueller, Mike (2005). Classic Muscle: the evolution of the American musclecar. National Street Machine Club. p. 101. ISBN 9781581592382. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  4. ^ Schorr, Martyn L. (2009). Tales of a Motion Performance Muscle Car Builder. MotorBooks International. p. 15. ISBN 9780760335383. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  5. ^ Mueller, Mike (2010). Motor City Muscle: The High-Powered History of the American Musclecar. Motorbooks. p. 101. ISBN 9780760339442. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  6. ^ Johncock, Gordon (November 1967). "Gordon Johncock tests AMC's Javelin". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 128, no. 5. p. 130. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  7. ^ a b Stakes, Eddie. "AMC AMX & Javelin "Go Pack"". planethoustonamx. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  8. ^ "1969 AMC Full Line brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. pp. 33, 46, and 48. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  9. ^ "1970 AMC Full Line brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. pp. 20–21. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  10. ^ "1972 AMC Full Line brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 15. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  11. ^ Flory, J. Kelly (2012). American cars, 1973–1980: every model, year by year. McFarland. p. 124. ISBN 9780786456369.
  12. ^ Mitchell, Larry G. (2000). AMC Muscle Cars. MotorBooks/MBI Publishing. p. 104. ISBN 9780760307618.
  13. ^ a b "1971 AMC Matador brochure". oldcarbrochures.org. p. 6. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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