AMC was formed in 1954 when Hudson and Nash-Kelvinator merged. It wasn’t until 1956 that the new AMC produced it’s first V8, the 250, which was available from model year 1956 through the end of either 1961 or 1962, depending on the source material referenced. It was available with either a 2 barrel or 4 barrel carburetor, rated at 200 and 215 Hp, respectively.

In the same engine family, were the 327, which was introduced in the 1958 model year, and the 287 which came in the 1963 model year. Both engines were available through the 1966 model year. Horsepower ratings included 198, 250, 255, 270, depending on year and application. The 287-198 was only available with a 2 barrel carb for its entire production run; the 327 was available with either a two or four barrel.

In 1966, AMC introduced an all new short deck V8, the 290. It was joined by the 343 in 1967, and the 390 in 1968. The short decks remained in production through 1969.

In 1970, the tall deck V8’s came out, of 304, 360, and 401 CI’s, and closed out the AMC contribution to the First Golden Age of the American V8’s.