VAM Lerma

The VAM Lerma is an automobile that was designed and manufactured by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos from 1981 to 1983. The Lerma shared parts with other vehicles by VAM's license partner American Motors (AMC) to cut down manufacturing costs. It was VAM's top-of-the-line flagship model, which the company did not have since the discontinuation of the Classic (Matador) line in 1976. The VAM Lerma was unusual in offering a hatchback design focused at the top end luxury market.

History

The name for the cars was taken from Lerma, a city in the state of Mexico, where VAM engines were manufactured.

The made in Mexico Lerma was a unique hybrid since it used a chassis and some body panels from a sedan similar to the AMC Concord, but the rear of the car featured a hatchback design. Although the Lerma was a single unit body design (monocoque), a British newspaper article described it as "a bolt-together kit of a car".

There were two body styles available, a 3-door hatchback and a 5-door hatchback (a body style not available for any of AMC's models at that time). The designs were presented to AMC's management as a potential model, but it would have less cargo capacity than the Concord wagon. Considered for other international markets, the Lerma was marketed only in Mexico starting in 1981, and competed in an expanding market segment. The Lerma's most remarkable and striking hatchback design feature also proved to be its biggest drawback, because the shortened rear end resulted in a car with a limited space for storage. Nevertheless, between 1981 and 1983 it was the best selling car in Mexico.

Lerma

Lerma may refer to:

Places

 Argentina

 Italy

 Mexico

 Spain

People

Other

Lerma, Province of Burgos

Lerma is a village in the province of Burgos, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. It has important monuments dating from the 17th century, which were built by the Duke of Lerma.

Gallery

Collegiate church of San Pedro.

Collegiate church of San Pedro.

Ducal palace at Lerma, by Francisco de Mora.

Ducal palace at Lerma, by Francisco de Mora.

Monastery of la Ascensión de Nuestro Señor, also known as the Convento de Santa Clara.

Monastery of la Ascensión de Nuestro Señor, also known as the Convento de Santa Clara.

References