between both units over the transmission tunnel. The round floor shift base shared with 1968–1969 Javelins departed in favor of a new squared design. The bright rear panel got an aluminum-turned appearance and the taillight lenses featured a new larger backup light and side stripes. The grille was changed from aluminum to plastic and an updated hood latch appeared. The front sway bar became standard. The 1972 Rally engine was the VAM I6 producing at 4,600 rpm, 9.5:1 compression ratio, with a high-flow Carter RBS-PV1 single-barrel carburetor and the 266-degree camshaft, which was originally used in 1969–1970 VAM Javelins. The "232 SIX" emblems were replaced in favor of new "252" units. For 1973, VAM sought to standardize and consolidate as many parts and components to cut costs. Both the 232 and 252 engine series were discontinued in favor of the new 170 gross HP, 8.5:1 compression ratio AMC I6 with VAM's inhouse 266-degree camshaft and single-barrel Carter RBS or YF carburetor, which became the powerhouse of the Rambler American Rally of the year. The new engine shared the same crankshaft as VAM's also new I6 was introduced two years before in the VAM Javelin model, allowing VAM to optimize resources and reduce costs. With the engine came a change in the rear differential gear ratio from 3.54:1 to 3.31:1. Aside from the revised taillights, the first set of high-back bucket seats became present, which were shared with the second-generation VAM Javelin. Unlike all previous models, they were not available with a reclining mechanism. New side panel designs accompanied a now standard parcel shelf incorporating both courtesy lights. The front end was completely updated as in the standard Rambler American models except for the unique characteristic of the blackout grille. The engine displacement emblems got their last digit changed into number eight keeping the same design as last year's units. The rectangular "Rambler" rear emblem was removed and its place was taken by the manuscript "Rally" unit that was no longer on the front fenders. The 1974 Rallys were mostly unchanged from the 1973s. Just like on the Rambler American, their largest difference was the new rear five-mile-per-hour bumper and relocated rear license plate. These models incorporated the first set of VAM's original five-spoke wheels, which carried full volcano-shaped hubcaps and trim rings. Wheel covers were not available for this model. For the first time, a set of factory side stripes