Welcome to the "American Motors Cars
Magazine" website! The main editor and
production manager is myself, Frank Swygert. I have been an AMC enthusiast since
1979. I have previously self-published two books on AMC ("The Unheralded
Rambler", 1987, and "The Compact Chronicles", 1992, sold only through
AMC clubs) as well as several "classic" home computer related books and
a home computer hobby magazine. I retired from the USAF after 24 years
of service in August of 2007 and currently reside at the magazine
address below.
The purpose of AMC (formerly "AIM" -- see note
near bottom of page) is to support the American Motors/Rambler hobby
with technical information and interesting stories concerning the
history and cars produced by the company, including related companies
(Jeffery, Nash, Hudson, Jeep, IKA, VAM, etc.). I view the magazine as a
supplement to local and national clubs, not a replacement! I support all
the clubs by publishing contact information at least once yearly and
promoting membership and free advertising for meets and other club
functions.
"AMC" is available in two formats: printed and
electronic. The printed version is in black and white on standard U.S.size paper (8.5"x11"), side stapled
and three hole punched technical journal style. This makes it easier to
publish and easy for readers to store and preserve their copies. The
electronic version is sent via e-mail in the form of a PDF file created
from the print master. It is, however, in full color. The printed
version averages 24 pages, the PDF file averages 4 MB. The contents of all issues vary with a
balance among year, model, and type vehicles covered.
Currently, four issues
are published
each year in roughly three month intervals. I allow myself a 30 day window for
production and mailing. The projected schedule is
as
follows (subject to change without notice):
Issue 1 -- 1-30 December
Issue 2 -- 1-30 March
Issue 3 -- 1-30 June
Issue 4 -- 1-30 September
It is the publisher's
policy to be as open and honest with the operation of the magazine as
practical. If there are any inordinate delays or problems, subscribers
will get explanations directly from the publisher, in advance if
possible (so read the editorials!).
Subscriptions have grown
steadily and the renewal rate is in excess of
75%. Flyers will be provided for anyone interested in handing them
out at local car shows. Request flyers through the e-mail link or US
Mail address below. I provide door
prizes for AMC related car shows upon request as well.
I encourage you to give AMC a chance by
requesting or downloading the sample copy. I look forward to providing
you with the best support possible! While you are writing, let me know
what your personal interests are, and what vehicles you own. This will
provide me with valuable information for planning future issues. I
am always interested in articles for AMC as well, please share your
experiences with others!
To subscribe, please
send the required amount to:
FARNA Systems/AMC
147 Tom Moore Road
B-L, SC 29070-7140
(town is Batesburg-Leesville)
Printed Version:
$22 per year US and Mexico, $26 per year Canada
$36 per year Overseas air
mail delivery
Individual issues can be
purchased for the cover price of $6.00 each (overseas add $2 for air
mail).
Electronic Version:
$15 per year, all locations
Individual issues are $5 each
*** ALL PRICES IN
U.S. FUNDS
***
*** ALL CHECKS
MUST BE IN U.S. FUNDS DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK ***
*** INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDERS ACCEPTED IN U.S. FUNDS ONLY
***
Credit Cards Accepted on website only, no
call-in orders. Click here
to use your Credit Card.
Direct all inquiries and
submissions to the above address or via e-mail:
farna@att.net
You may also phone Frank
at 803-604-6548 9am-9pm Eastern Standard Time.
If no answer leave a message and number -- I have free long distance
in the US and Canada and will return your call.
I produce AMC as a service
to the AMC hobby, putting in at least 240 hours a year.
I make about $2.50 an hour for the trouble. I could easily find better
things to do with my time, so please don't make it not worth my time and
effort to continue. I ask that the files not be posted or passed around
unless specific permission is granted -- it's a lot of work to produce a
magazine! Please first ask to use an article in a club publication or
on a website.
NOTE: "American Motors Cars" (AMC) was
printed from 1997 through October 2006 as "American
Independent
Magazine".
The name change occurred in December 2006 to let people
know that this magazine covers only American Motors related vehicles.
The original title reflected the intent to include coverage of other independent makes,
but I was unable to generate adequate interest.
There were nine volumes of AIM, all still available as back issues. Volume numbering
started over with the new name.