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The AMC Cub (Andersen Motor Company) is a Mini Moke inspired car whos design was penned by Charles Andersen. Charles decided while rebuilding an original Moke that he could try to make a rust free version.
So a prototype was finished in late 1984 and after a 12 month build, the Cub was born and shown at Kenilworth in April 1985.
At the begining of 1986 the Andersen Motor Company was formed to market it, Charles was joined by his brother David who handled the reconditioning of the engines and suspension parts at the companies premises in Bankhall, Liverpools docklands as demand for this great car grew.
The Cub was available in two levels of kit: The “Basic” which got you the complete body, roll bar, windscreen with frame, fuel tank, modified rear suspension arms (on exchange) and sundry small brackets.
With the “Special” kit got the “Basic” plus front & rear crash bars, tow hitch, floor, lighting kit and mud flaps. There was of course other options inc soft tops, wheels, mirrors to name a few. There was also an option of an extra set of rear wheels and rear seats this being the rare 6 wheel version.
To these kits you added a donor mini to supply engine/gearbox, front sub frame, brakes, wiring loom, gauges and wheels & tyres (or you could get 12 or 13 inch white Weller Wheels as an option from AMC) plus of course you need a coat of paint in a colour of your choice.
Unlike the Moke with its mini subframes and rust susceptible tin in between the Cub has a real chassis and frame made of 80 x 40 x 3mm and 40 x 40 x 3mm box section steel clad in 1mm hot dipped galvanised steel sheet – no rust in this baby.
In 1986 AMC's red demonstrator was stolen...at this time only 11 other cars had been delivered that means the 12th car in private ownership must be the nicked one! But we have no idea if the police used that logic and got it back for Mr Andersen.
I believe these cars were produced until 2004 but I have no idea how many were made. A lot of cars where exported at least a 14 went to Macau in China. The Macau Avis Rental Cars (see picture) where renting them out until in 2007 commercial rental of vehicles more than 10 years old was forbidden. We know that there are also Cubs driving in Germany, Spain, Ireland, Monaco, Japan, St Barts island and the Seychelles. In England there must be at least 20 or more CUB's around as we have spotted several on various Mini events.
By 1991 the “Special” kit was £1950 + Vat and you could buy a built up car for £5215 + Vat. Also in 1991 the British Army tested the Cub which passed with flying colours, unfortunatly the Army had no use for the Cub but its seal of approval would hopefully be useful, it is known the Greek Army postponed an order of 400 other vehicles and started talks for a 1000 Cubs after a Greek Army officer stopped the Cub's Greek agent and asked what he was driving, we do not know if this order was placed.
In 1992 Duncan Hamilton in Surrey was listed as the agent for built up cars with prices starting at £5215 + VAT.
This History is based on info collected from various reviews and other places, if it is incorrect or you can add to it please email to amc_cub@yahoo.co.uk
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