American Motors Marlin: From shutter to screen to t-shirt

Bearded man wearing a navy blue t-shirt featuring a 1967 AMC Marlin in a 1960s Grand Prix poster style, beside New Brighton Pier.

December 4, 2024 / magentadotbrands.com / No Comments

Hey there! I’m just starting a project that’s close to my heart as a child of the 60s and a Graphic Designer. It involves a big, flashy 1967 American Motors car, the Marlin. This two-door fastback car produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1965 to 1967 is not your everyday car. The automakers really wanted to make something special, something that stood out. That’s how the 1967 American Motors Marlin was born. It came equipped with a powerful 343 cubic inch V8 engine to boot, which was a statement in itself. It was initially launched as the Rambler Marlin in 1965, but in 1966 and 1967 it was rebranded as the AMC Marlin.

1967 was the last year of production for the Marlin and is considered by many to be the most desirable due to its culmination of Marlin styling and beautiful proportions.

Man in navy blue t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin graphic standing next to New Brighton Pier. — *Marlin Magic: This navy t-shirt brings the sleek design of the 1967 AMC Marlin to life, set against the iconic, concrete expanse of New Brighton Pier under a clear blue sky.*

What I’ve achieved:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of classic American style. Explore our latest t-shirt collection, inspired by the sleek lines and bold statement of the 1967 American Motors Rambler Marlin. These shirts capture the essence of this iconic fastback. They blend the car’s dynamic design with American Motors’ advertising from back in the day. The spirited energy of New Brighton’s pier and beach is also woven into the design. Our models showcase these vibrant tees, where the red, white, and blue aren’t just colours—they’re a statement. Whether you’re cruising the coast or strolling by the shore, these shirts offer you a piece of automotive history. They have been reimagined for everyday wear.

Man wearing a navy blue AMC Marlin long-sleeve t-shirt beside New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky. — Drive the classic style of the 1967 AMC Marlin right into your wardrobe. This navy long-sleeve t-shirt, photographed against the iconic concrete structure of New Brighton Pier, brings a piece of automotive history to life under a clear blue sky.

Back view of a man in navy blue AMC Marlin 1967 printed hoodie standing by New Brighton Pier with clear blue sky. — *Showcase your love for classic cars with this 1967 AMC Marlin themed hoodie. The bold design stands out against the iconic, concrete-structured New Brighton Pier under a bright, blue sky.*

Bearded man in grey marle t-shirt showcasing a 1967 AMC Marlin 'Grand Prix' print with a faded top edge.

Man in grey marle t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin Pop art design, featuring halftone dot edges.

Back view of man in grey marle t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin design, featuring a round AMC badge print.

Bearded man in grey marle t-shirt displaying 1967 AMC Marlin ‘Grand Prix’ themed graphic design, posed at New Brighton Pier.

Man in navy blue AMC Marlin long-sleeve t-shirt beside New Brighton Pier.

Close-up of man wearing grey marle t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin front three-quarter view print, beside New Brighton Pier.

Man in navy blue t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin graphic in front three-quarter view.

Smiling woman in navy blue t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin text, beside New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky.

Back view of a man wearing a navy blue t-shirt with a 1967 AMC Marlin graphic, beside New Brighton Pier.

Man wearing navy blue long-sleeve t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin typographic arm print, standing by New Brighton Pier.

Man wearing navy blue hoodie with 1967 AMC Marlin graphic beside New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky.

Back three-quarter view of woman in navy blue hoodie with 1967 AMC Marlin front view graphic, standing by New Brighton's concrete pier under clear blue sky.

Back view of navy blue hoodie with 1967 AMC Marlin graphic beside New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky.

Person wearing a navy blue hoodie with 1967 AMC Marlin Sport Fastback print, standing in front of New Brighton Pier with a clear blue sky.

Man in navy blue t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin Fastback design, standing by the concrete structure of New Brighton Pier under a clear blue sky.

Man in navy blue 1967 AMC Marlin sport fastback hoodie beside New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky.

Woman in white t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin front view design, beside New Brighton Pier under a clear blue sky.

Woman wearing a white AMC Marlin t-shirt beside New Brighton Pier with clear blue sky.

Woman wearing white t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin typography, standing beside the concrete New Brighton Pier with blue sky background.

Back view of a man wearing navy blue t-shirt with 1967 AMC Marlin typography, standing by New Brighton's concrete pier under a clear blue sky.

Revive the spirit of the 1967 AMC Marlin with this chic navy blue t-shirt. The iconic round AMC logo badge takes centre stage, celebrating automotive heritage in contemporary fashion.

Here’s a glimpse into the design process:

• Initial Photos: The raw shots, capturing the Marlin’s grace.
• Visual and historical research: I should learn how the Marlin was shown off back in the day. This will help me turn my photos into art successfully. I need to understand how it was presented in its time. This knowledge will help.
Understanding the back story of its design is also important. Learning how it impacted popular culture through print media, movies, and TV is essential. To get a proper feel for the car.
• T-Shirt Design Process: Research themes for the first set of draft artwork concepts. I find these themes exciting. They might have a good chance of exciting the client and the public.

I ventured to The Richmond Workingmens Club at the end of October. I attended the AGM of The NZ Essex-Hudson-Terraplane club there. During the event, I caught this rare gem in its full glory. I took some photos and developed them in Lightroom. I wanted to show the Marlin in all its Classic American splendour. Each shot was about capturing not just the car but something of its spirit.

“You’re looking at the most exciting Rambler ever built—Marlin! A car unlike anything else on the scene today. Here’s too much automobile to be just another fastback—too much luxury to be just another sport car—too much solid value to be anything but a Rambler.…”

Marlin on my mind…

Now the Marlin wasn‘t just any car. It was a concept vehicle. It was designed to show off new ideas and styles. It all started with the 1964 Rambler Tarpon show car, which was a small, sporty fastback that got people talking. But, instead of sticking with that compact idea, AMC decided to go bigger. They took the Tarpon’s cool fastback design but built it on the larger chassis of the AMC Ambassador. Richard Teague, the car design wizard at AMC, aimed to create a car that was both luxurious and sporty. He wanted something that would catch the eye of those who wanted a bit of everything in one vehicle.

American Motors Tarpon compact fastback compact car. — *PUBLIC REACTION to American-based Tarpon crystallised AMC’s decision to produce Marlin. After all sketching and modelling proposals were evaluated, a sleek cantilever roof line resulted (below).*

American Motors Marlin concept car in development. — *ADAPTION OF lower window molding* kickup was first used on Tarpon. It was a seriously considered proposal right up until late in the design project.

From shooting the photographs of the car, the fun begins. Out of interest, I use my phone to research Marlin magazine advertising from the mid 60s. I also look into dynamic automotive art from back in the day. I review these designs and ideas for headline slogans. Then, I work on paper sketching thumbnails of a handful of new design ideas for custom t-shirt prints.

Next I go to work on my phone. I create clear-cut images of the car from photos taken at different angles. I use Grok-2 in X (formerly known as Twitter). It helps me create a set of concept designs. I also generate image backgrounds in various styles.

Once a final design is selected for development, I will work in Photoshop on my MacBook Pro. I will use airbrushing and illustrating techniques to bring the car image and background together seamlessly. This process is like translating the car’s story into a new language—graphic design. I wanted to make something that would resonate with both the car’s owners and automotive art t-shirt enthusiasts.

I experimented with different styles. Sometimes I opt for imagery developed from the magazine advertising for the Marlin from back in the day. I also use more abstract representations of the car. These highlight its iconic features like the fastback. The fastback styling gives the impression the car is moving fast even when it is standing still. Other times, I create oil painting & vector art illustrations that closely resemble the original. I ensure every detail is accurate.

Here’s a glimpse into the process:

• Initial Photos: The raw shots from Christchurch, capturing the Marlin’s grace.
• Digital Sketching: I sketched the car against different backgrounds. I experimented with image and type. I turned photos into illustrative art.
• T-Shirt Design: The final artwork ready for print.

Below, you’ll find the launch of these stages of the design process “pipeline”. This provides you an inside look at how a classic car can inspire modern fashion.

Marlin in the Mad Men Media

Get ready to take a groovy trip back to the 60s. The ads were bold. The colours were vibrant. The cars were as cool as a cucumber in a martini glass! Here’s a gallery of full-page colour magazine ads for the American Motors Marlin from 1964-67. The advertising is even more eye-catching than the car itself. It made you want to drive one off the page. These ads aren’t just a blast from the past. They’re a testament to the creative genius of yesteryear’s ad men. They knew how to sell a dream on four wheels. They might seem a bit over the top to some contemporary eyes. Let’s not judge the Mad Men of Madison Avenue by today’s standards. Instead, let’s appreciate the aesthetic merit and the craftsmanship that went into these well-designed, well-made pieces of automotive history. Buckle up for a ride through time, where very page turn is like shifting into a new gear of nostalgia. It’s a journey of style!

American Motors Marlin 1966 magazine advertising, masonry tiled image gallery layout.

American Motors Marlin 1966 magazine advertising. Headline reads: “new Marlin! swinging sports-fastback! here’s performance! here‘s luxury! here's the roomiest! where? at Rambler dealers”

American Motors Marlin 1964 magazine advertising. Headline reads: “new Marlin! swinging sports-fastback! here’s performance! here‘s luxury! here's the roomiest! where? at Rambler dealers”

American Motors Marlin 1966 magazine advertising. Headline reads: “See the new Marlin! See the sports-fastback! see the big room? See how exciting! (See your Rambler Dealer.)”

1966 American Motors Marlin: By Rambler, full page magazine advertisement.

MARLIN, meet AI, my art-savvy helper

Creating t-shirt designs of classic cars is way more fun with AI. It’s like having an art genius working with me in the studio. I give this AI illustrator very specific instructions. I also provide a detailed design brief. It helps me create awesome backgrounds that make the images I take of the cars pop. For example, if I take a picture of a classic car, I can use AI to create different scenes. These scenes can be dynamic comic book backdrops to go behind the car. The scenes might include a steep road up a pass in the Southern Alps. Alternatively, they could display a conceptual image of a leaping Blue Marlin. Then, I can cherry-pick the ones I like best and blend these into one cool image using Photoshop. If my custom AI-generated images aren’t big enough, AI can enlarge them. This process keeps everything crystal clear for printing.