muscular VAM Javelin and personal luxury VAM Rambler Classic SST (Rebel SST hardtop). With the arrival of the new Hornet-based models for 1970, the package was continued and improved, containing not just more regular production accessories but also all-new exclusive ones. The Rambler American Rally model was available a full year ahead of AMC's Hornet SC/360 and two years ahead of the Hornet X and Hornet Rallye-X models, making it the first-ever performance product based on the Hornet. The package started with an exclusive engine, the high-performance 9.8:1 compression ratio I6 with Carter WCD carburetor and 266-degree camshaft designed by VAM's own engineering department. Other features included a black two-spoke sports steering wheel with a central bullseye emblem, wide reclining individual front seats, floor-mounted Hurst Performance shifter 150-T three-speed manual transmission with a locking mechanism connected to the steering wheel ignition switch, full bright molding package including rear panel overlay between the taillights and two courtesy lights. Unlike the 1969 version, power drum brakes were no longer included, but optional. The Rambler American Rally for 1971 was almost equal to the previous year's counterpart. Changes and novelties were limited to the script "American" fender emblems being replaced by new script "Rally" units, which are the only way to tell differentiate 1971 from 1970 models from the outside. The front seat controls were revised with a new knob placed on the outer side of each seatback, new "mushroom"-shaped armrests with a central horizontal bright molding, new side panels with simulated stitches, and a steering wheel design similar to the previous one but incorporating three false spokes per arm instead of the smooth soft surface. A new AM monaural radio model replaced the previous unit that was used since 1966 Rambler American and Classic models. The success of the Rally package made VAM use it as a trim level for 1972 along with improvements. The safety mechanism connecting the shifter to the ignition switch was discontinued and replaced with a small safety lever on the side of the column to keep the ignition switch from accidentally turning into the lock position with the vehicle still in motion. The previously optional 8000 RPM tachometer became standard equipment along with AMC's new three-arm three-spoke sports steering wheel with a round center horn button. Low-back, smaller more bucket-like front reclining seats replaced the wide units of the previous two years, which meant a free space