AMC Amitron: The Revolutionary EV Ahead of Its Time

Visionary Innovation - In the 1960s, the automotive world was captivated by the allure of bold designs and powerful engines. Amidst this era of grandeur, a quiet revolution was brewing—a movement toward innovation and efficiency that would one day shape the future of transportation. One remarkable outcome of this foresight was the AMC Amitron, a small but mighty electric car created by American Motors Corporation (AMC). Although it never reached mass production, its legacy as a pioneer in electric vehicle design remains a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.

The AMC Amitron was an experimental electric subcompact car built in 1967 by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in collaboration with battery manufacturer Gulton Industries. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)

The AMC Amitron was introduced in 1967, a direct result of the Electric Vehicle Development Act of 1966 in collaboration with Gulton Industries, which aimed to encourage research into electric vehicles. Unlike its competitors, AMC chose not to retrofit an existing model but instead designed a vehicle from scratch. The Amitron stood out not just for its futuristic concept but for its trailblazing approach to urban mobility. At only 85 inches (2.16 meters) long and weighing a mere 1,100 pounds, the car was a compact marvel, offering efficiency without compromising functionality.

The 1967 AMC Amitron EV concept was a compact marvel, measuring just 85 inches (2.16 meters) in length and weighing only 1,100 lbs, offering efficiency without sacrificing functionality. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

What set the Amitron apart from other vehicles of its time was its bold design and advanced engineering. The polygonal shape and clamshell-style canopy were strikingly unconventional. Unlike traditional doors, the canopy opened upward and backward, giving the vehicle a distinct appearance. Despite its compact size, the Amitron was designed with practicality in mind. The wheels were placed at each corner, maximizing interior space and providing stability. Its near-square footprint allowed three passengers to sit side-by-side in comfort—a feat remarkable for a car shorter than today's Smart car. Even the seats were innovative; they could be deflated when not in use, creating additional storage space.

The AMC Amitron EV concept featured a groundbreaking power system that combined lithium-nickel-fluoride batteries with nickel-cadmium batteries. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Technologically, the Amitron was light-years ahead of its peers. It featured a groundbreaking power system that combined lithium-nickel-fluoride batteries with nickel-cadmium batteries, a configuration that was unheard of at the time. The lithium-nickel-fluoride batteries recharged the nickel-cadmium units while the vehicle was in motion, enhancing its range and efficiency.

The AMC Amitron EV concept faced insurmountable battery costs and technical challenges, leading to its cancellation despite plans for a 1972 production model. (Picture from: Noticias.Coches)

Moreover, the Amitron was the first American car to incorporate regenerative braking, a feature now standard in modern electric vehicles. This technology allowed the car to recover energy during braking, further extending its range—a reported 150 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph.

The 1977 rebadged AMC Amitron EV concept, now called the AMC Electron, was updated with rear-view side mirrors. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Despite its many innovations, the Amitron faced significant challenges that ultimately prevented it from reaching production. The high cost of battery technology and technical hurdles proved insurmountable in the late 1960s. AMC had initially hoped to bring a production model to market by 1972, but these obstacles, combined with limited consumer interest in electric vehicles at the time, led to the project's cancellation.

 

The Amitron did not disappear entirely. It made a reappearance in 1977 under a new name, the Electron, at the Chicago Auto Show, showcasing a fresh coat of paint and reminding the public of its potential. Its story, however, took an unusual turn when Chuck Mashigan, head of the AMC design studio, decided to preserve the vehicle.

The 1967 AMC Amitron EV concept scale model discovered in a barn alongside its full-sized prototype. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Rather than letting it fade into obscurity, Mashigan took the Amitron home, ensuring its survival for decades. The car was eventually passed down to his grandson, Justin, who kept it safe until it found a new home at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Today, the AMC Amitron stands as a symbol of visionary engineering and a reminder of how far electric vehicle technology has come. 

The 1967 AMC Amitron Concept electric car was discovered in a barn after Chuck Mashigan, head of AMC's design studio at the time, decided to preserve it in his garage. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Currently undergoing a light restoration at the Petersen Museum, it will soon take its rightful place on display, allowing visitors to marvel at this unique piece of automotive history. From its futuristic design to its innovative technology, the Amitron serves as a beacon of creativity and ambition from a time when such ideas were often ahead of their era.

The story of the AMC Amitron is not just about a car but about the power of vision and perseverance. It highlights how daring innovation can leave a lasting impact, even if it doesn't achieve immediate success. For those who see it today, the Amitron is more than just a relic—it is a source of inspiration, a reminder that progress often begins with bold, unconventional ideas. Its legacy continues to fuel the imagination of those dreaming of a sustainable, electrified future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | AUTOEVOLUTION | HEMMINGS | NOTICIAS.COCHES | AUTOS.YAHOO | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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