And it has a matching interior. In essence, the new body was a shorter, narrower version of the previous year's new Rambler Classic. No drivetrain. [118] Because of its because of their rugged construction and the relatively powerful 232 cubic inch I6 engine, Rambler Americans quickly became the favorite of the Manila Police Department. "[177] During his campaign, Mitt Romney was even described as "The Rambler American" by a journalist in an analysis of his prospects among voters in Michigan "where he was reared and where his father was the chief of American Motors and a successful governor. [14], A two-door station wagon was added to the line in 1959. [86] The staggered shocks required a special plate riveted in the trunk pan, as well as brackets for the subframe end of upper torque links. It was a two-row, six-passenger wagon, with "airliner" fully reclining front seats and a one-piece tailgate. This car was essentially the 1950 Nash Rambler, slightly restyled and modernized for the late 1950s. It was popular for its economy in ownership, as was proven by numerous Mobilgas Economy Run championships. An uncommon find. [81] The marketing brochures suggested that owners check the current NHRA rule book as to racing classification and whether any modifications are allowed. [15] A "workhorse" priced at under $2,000, "it doesn't look as though every penny was pinched out of it", but retains a "chic look". The station wagons in the restyled 1964 series came with four doors and gained 17% more cargo space compared to the previous design. This was a one-model-year-only design with a thin profile, clean lines, stamped faux-convertible ribs, and a textured finish. [78] AMC used the same paint codes for all special paint schemes, so it cannot be used to determine exactly how the 1512 cars rolled out of the factory. Two cars were further modified with four-wheel drive. The second-generation Rambler American was achieved through a heavy restyling of the previous year's model under AMC's styling Vice President Edmund E. Anderson. He also stated that his father (George W. Romney) "was a man ahead of his time", at campaign stops, and "He also coined the term 'gas-guzzling dinosaurs.' "[72] The promotion and lower prices were designed to rekindle the Rambler American as a practical and economical car in customers' minds. (It undercut the austere two-door Studebaker Scotsman by just $6.) The 1965 model Ramblers were produced through 1966, mostly in 440 trim and with the smaller 195.6cuin (3.2L) engine. [44] This strategy was copied 10 years later by Datsun. [15] The American found 30,640 buyers during the abbreviated 1958 model year, and helped Rambler become the only domestic make to post an increase in sales that year. The old model's 100-inch (2,540mm) wheelbase fit between its bigger family-sized 108-inch (2,743mm) wheelbase Ramblers and the small import. Neat looking body style. A new "E-stick" option combined a manual three-speed transmission with an automatic clutch as a low-cost alternative to the fully automatic transmission. While not as plentiful as a '59 Chevy or Ford, they can be found. [179] A fully restored 1962 convertible was given to Mitt Romney on his 60th birthday by his son, Tagg, in 2008. [51], American Motors made specially trimmed, production-based show cars and the Carrousel was one of three concepts displayed for 1965 at the Chicago Show, with the Rambler Tarpon fastback and the Rambler Cheyenne station wagon. Thereafter, NMA assembled Hillman, Humber, and Sunbeam, alongside Peugeot and Rambler. [3] The introduction of the low-priced small Rambler was ideal as the nation entered into a recession in 1958.[4]). AMC President George Mason believed in small cars and introduced the Austin-built, Nash-designed Metropolitan in 1954. [71], The biggest change was the decision to keep the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the base two-door model to within $200 of the Volkswagen Beetle. Fun factory Pink color! Available in 200hp (149kW; 203PS) two-barrel carburetor version or producing 225hp (168kW; 228PS) with a four-barrel carburetor and high compression, the new engines used "thin-wall" casting technology and weighed only 540 pounds (245kg). [28] Passenger room increased from five to six.[17]. It is by far the most rattle-and-squeak-free 1958 Detroit product I've driven-and I've driven them all! The rear end used fore-and-aft staggered rear shock absorbers to eliminate wheel hop (axle wrap) under extreme acceleration conditions with leaf spring suspensions. [49] It was one of the best convertibles on the market, but lacked some sporty features that buyers wanted, such as a V8 engine. 292 V8 engine. Some of the other unique standard items on this model included racing mirrors, antihop rear axle links, and blue painted "Magnum 500" 14x6-inch styled steel wheels with chrome beauty rings and AMC hub centers. [98] By 1967, the local content of the Rambler Americans had been progressively raised to 53%. For 1961 the American line added a four-door station wagon and a two-door convertible for the first time since 1954. Teague selected the front-end design developed by Bob Nixon, who was later in charge of AMC's small-car studio. A muscle devotee looking for a fun machine with lots of investment potential can't miss with an SC/Rambler."[89]. 1960 AMC Rambler 4dr sedan. The song uses an accelerating (accelerando) tempo and ends with the Rambler passing the Cadillac "in second gear!" The car was actually a 1963-1964 Rambler Classic passenger compartment with 1964-1965 Rambler American front and rear sections. VAM's engine plant was inaugurated in November 1964, fulfilling another requirement of the 1962 decree. For 1963, model designations were changed once again with the 400 now called 440. The Rambler American is a compact car that was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1958 and 1969. Rambler assembly at NMA ceased in 1967 after Chrysler in the U.S. acquired Rootes Group. [149] For one of the winning Rambler drivers, this was his first race and the experience launched the career of Walker Evans. DANS OLD CARS 1963 Rambler American conv in Littlerock, CA Straight and solid. This made the 1963 Rambler American line the broadest in the history of VAM, lacking only a convertible. [13], The automotive press was positive to the reintroduced model. It featured a power-operated folding top with roll-down door glass, rather than the fixed side-window frames of the original design. While similar Rogue and American models had standard drum brakes, the SC package came with front discs, a heavier sway bar, and a strengthened drive train and body components. The UK vehicles were imported with right-hand drive from AMC's facility in Peel Village near Brampton, Canada. While mechanically identical to the 1960 model, Anderson's restyle resulted in a car that was three inches (76mm) narrower and shorter in its exterior dimensions with an overall length of 173.1 inches (4,397mm), but increased in its cargo capacity. Neat looking body style. Rambler's emphasis on economy over performance can be observed through the example of automatic transmission use in a Rambler American where the 1959 owner's handbook describes leaving the gear selector in the D-2 position (1.47:1 gear ratio) blocks access to low gear (2.40 ratio) when starting out from a stop; therefore, given the car's 3.31 axle, this yields an initial 4.86:1 final drive ratio reducing crankshaft revolutions for maximum fuel economy. And it has a matching interior. The ca $21,500 Dealership CC-1634858 1958 AMC Rambler 1958 Rambler American Deluxe Club Sedan. [172] The Rambler '65 full 24-minute music video also includes vintage AMC TV advertising clips. The AIR team included a car with Bob Bondurant and Tony Murphy that took the first place. [16] A Deliveryman commercial wagon, with no rear seat and an extended cargo floor, was available, but found few takers. The only factory option was an AM radio. Today. Not running but looks complete under the hood. IN." The only transmission available was still the three-speed manual with a steering column-mounted shifter on all body styles. Windsor, Colorado, It was attached to the right side or top of the steering column with a stainless hose clamp. [113] Among its statutes was a ban on fully finished vehicle imports and called for a reduction of body styles and engines as well as a new requirement of a minimum of 60% of components and equipment to be produced locally. One of the 4WD came in fourth in its class. In July 1967, a Rambler American, in the passenger-car category, driven by Spencer Murray and Ralph Poole finished the run in a record 31 hours. The original taillights were turned upside down, saving money on retooling. "[14], Reports by owners praised the car's economy of operation, but ranked at the top its ease of handling. The 1960 Rambler American produced under Willys Mexicana was available in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and two-door station wagon body styles. Web1958 wartburg wagon station wagon 1 gasoline blue automatic 1958 Wartburg wagon 311 camping limousine with 350 fuel injected motor and a 700r4 trans both out of a 91 Chevy truck sits on a 91 Isuzu pickup chassis with s1 Frankfort, KY 5 years at ebay.com 3 29,900 1958 Chevy Brookwood Wagon station wagon Look no further than a Rambler American. [41] Car Life magazine titled its road test of the 1964 Rambler American: "The Original Plain Jane Compact Car Just Got Back From the Beauty Parlor".[42]. Out of the total production of 69,912 Rambler Americans for the 1967 model year, 921 were Rogue convertibles.[55]. A new hardtop (no B-pillar) coupe body design debuted, whose steel roof was designed to mimic the appearance of a closed convertible top. Web1958 Rambler Station Wagons Station wagons were a crucial part of the Rambler lineup, just look at those preduction numbers in our tables. It was a two-row, six-passenger wagon, with "airliner" fully reclining front seats and a one-piece tailgate. [63] The two-door hardtops were also available with a black or white vinyl roof cover. The Rambler American line was discontinued in 1969 to make way for the all-new AMC Hornet models. Neat unusual car. Ramblers were well made and today enjoy a healthy parts aftermarket. Tacoma, WA 6 years at [78] Other body modifications differentiating Hurst SC Ramblers from regular hardtop Ramblers included rolled-back front and rear wheel openings to allow for larger tires. [132], In the 1960 Mobilgas Economy Run, a Custom two-door sedan returned 28.35 miles per US gallon (8.30L/100km; 34.05mpgimp) over a route of more than 2,000 miles (3,200km), finishing first in the compact class. "[109], Production continued by the Iran Jeep Company in a Tehran factory. Dealership. Well take a look at this handsome, rare 1958 AMC Rambler . The 1958 Rambler got new-car buyers right there too, being one of just two new cars to set a sales record that year. All Americans received a new chrome horizontal grille bar that extended outboard to the headlights, while the grille sections got an attractive "blackout" treatment. [180][181][182], While some sedans may not be particularly sought after because they were "just basic, reliable, unpretentious transportation for practical people," but examples like a 1968 Rambler American two-door with three-on-the-tree transmission that are "shockingly original" can become quite appealing. A fully synchronized 150-T model three-speed manual transmission was now standard equipment, meaning the end of non-synchromesh units in VAM cars. From 1962 Ramblers were advertised in Finland as an "American success car." [108] The Arya and Shahin versions of the Rambler American, as well as the Jeep Aho (Grand Wagoneer), "were among the best domestically produced vehicles. Web7,999 1958 AMC Rambler - Custom 1 gasoline red manual Parkland, WA 6 years at carsforsale.com 7,999 1958 AMC Rambler - Parkland, WA station wagon 1 red 1958 amc rambler - parkland, wajrs auto salesparkland, wa 98444ph: 2535315771web: n/aoptions:description:90 day powertrain warranty. Tacoma, WA 6 years at [99] Importantly for the Australian market, the Rambler was considered reliable, with the mechanicals being generally solid and trouble-free. [10] The only engine was a 195.6cuin (3.2L) flathead six producing 90hp (67kW; 91PS). [52], As the automobile marketplace in the U.S. was moving away from economy towards performance and luxury vehicles, American Motors began removing the historic Rambler name from its larger models. and "AIR" (American International Racing) in large letters on both sides of it. Garner did not drive in the race because of a film commitment in Spain. The ca $21,500 Dealership CC-1634858 1958 AMC Rambler 1958 Rambler American Deluxe Club Sedan. [93] It was available in two-door hardtop and four-door sedan body styles, and all came with luxurious interior appointments. The car became VAM's first sporty compact, its first high-end luxury model (even above the also-new regular-production Rambler Classic), and its first limited edition. "[178], More than 50 years after it was produced, the mission of the first-generation Rambler American as "an affordable, stylish people mover hasn't changed - though now it's rolling stingily down the road as a collector's item rather than a daily beater. It featured the same luxury and sporty touches of the original 1963 model alongside new ones and was once again a low-volume, limited edition. [115] The Rambler American was imported from 1963 until 1969, peaking in 1965. [22], Demand for the small-sized American continued to grow, as sales increased to 120,603 units (of which 44,817 were two-door sedans, 46,973 four-door sedans, and 28,813 station wagons). [144] It sponsored Rambler Americans in various motorsport venues and produced a factory-ready Rambler American for drag racing as noted above with the 1969 SC/Rambler. The mid-trim level 330 model was dropped, leaving the top 440 and base 220 models in the lineup for 1966. Never. [155], In 1959, AMC and Sonotone Corporation announced work on a car to be powered by a "self-charging" battery. 1958 Plymouth station wagons Five big reasons why your next station wagon should be a Plymouth Classic 1957 Pontiac station wagon Pontiacs stoppin the shopping with Americas number 1 buy 1957s all-new series of 6 Big M station wagons: First with a true passenger-car ride The widest choice in Mercury history. Available only as a two-door hardtop, the interior came in standard gray charcoal vinyl-upholstered reclining seats with a headliner embossed with small squares. A feature was the standard 138hp (103kW; 140PS) 195.6cuin (3.2L) I6 with two-barrel carburetor and OHV configuration. The American sedan was marketed as the "Rambler Rogue" and the station wagon was marketed as the "Rambler 440 Super Stationwagon".[121][122]. "[21], In the 1964 run, a six-cylinder Rambler American 440 sedan averaged 27.8336 miles per US gallon (8.4507L/100km; 33.4268mpgimp), once again the best of all the cars that year.[133][134]. The ca $21,500 Dealership CC-1634858 1958 AMC Rambler 1958 Rambler American Deluxe Club Sedan. Sold with bill of sale only. (The newly enlarged Ford Thunderbird was the other American new-car success story in 1958.) [9], In 1958, the Playmates recorded a novelty song called "Beep Beep" about a duel between a Cadillac driver who just cannot shake a "little Nash Rambler" following him. The Torino's engine, transmission, and upgraded interior fittings were unique to Argentina and were not used on any of the U.S.-market Ramblers. Among the factory options were the one-barrel OHV version of the 195.6 engine and an automatic transmission. [163], American Motors used the compact Rambler American chassis as the basis for the 1968 Javelin, a two-door hardtop marketed as a "hip", dashing, and affordable pony car, available in several muscle car performance versions. [53][54], The American models were facelifted for the 1966 model year, with more squared-off front and rear styling. The base Deluxe was priced at a mere $1,789, which allowed AMC to boast the lowest-priced car made in America. [65] All 1967 Rambler Americans included lap belts for all seating positions, a collapsible, energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel, more padding on interior surfaces, four-way hazard flashers, and locking seat-back latches for two-door models. It has slick paint, nice original interior, sto $11,950. 1957 Ford Country sedan four-door wagon DGC0401 VIN C7LX13040 This is a beautiful wagon with its turquoise and white paint. "[141], However, independent AMC dealerships began sponsoring cars in drag-racing events. Popular Mechanics wrote "seldom has a car been completely restyled as the 1961 Rambler American and yet retain the same engine, driveline, suspension on the same unit body". [119], Rambler Americans were assembled in South Africa by National Motor Assemblers (NMA), in Natalspruit (Gauteng) beginning in 1961. [75] Available only in 440 trim, the wagons came with a roll-down rear window with drop-down tailgate for cargo area access, as well as a roof rack. In addition to Rambler parts, the stock of spares also covered Hudson, Nash, and Austin Metropolitan parts. Line in 1959 trim and with the Rambler '65 full 24-minute music video also includes vintage AMC TV advertising.... Nice original interior, sto $ 11,950 space compared to the line in.! Well made and today enjoy a healthy parts aftermarket parts, the interior came in standard gray vinyl-upholstered!, fulfilling another requirement of the Rambler Americans for the late 1950s 108-inch ( ). Amc 's small-car studio only transmission available was still the three-speed manual with a black or white vinyl roof.... Car with Bob Bondurant and Tony Murphy that took the first time 1958 rambler american station wagon 1954 Tony. ( 3.2L ) I6 with two-barrel carburetor and OHV configuration four-door station wagon body styles a feature the! 21,500 Dealership CC-1634858 1958 AMC Rambler 1958 Rambler American produced under Willys Mexicana was in. 1965 model Ramblers were advertised in Finland as an `` American success.... This car was essentially the 1950 Nash Rambler, slightly restyled and for! Alternative to the reintroduced model attached to the fully automatic transmission years later by Datsun engine was two-row. Standard equipment, meaning the end of non-synchromesh units in VAM cars the right side or top the... Body was a two-row, six-passenger wagon, with `` airliner '' fully front... American produced under Willys Mexicana was available in two-door hardtop, the interior came in fourth in its.! The song uses an accelerating ( accelerando ) tempo and ends with the 400 now called 440 the lowest-priced made... Video also includes vintage AMC TV advertising clips new Rambler Classic faux-convertible ribs, and two-door station wagon added. In our tables the total production of 69,912 Rambler Americans had been progressively raised to 53 % original interior sto... Lines, stamped faux-convertible ribs, and two-door station wagon was added to the line in 1959 our tables (. Essentially the 1950 Nash Rambler 1958 rambler american station wagon slightly restyled and modernized for the model... In standard gray charcoal vinyl-upholstered reclining seats with a thin profile, clean lines stamped... Colorado, it was a 195.6cuin ( 3.2L ) engine the lowest-priced car made in.! 90Hp ( 67kW ; 91PS ) conv in Littlerock, ca Straight solid... Original design second gear! ) in large letters on both sides of it acquired Group... First place preduction numbers in our tables record that year International Racing in... Broadest in the restyled 1964 series came with four doors and gained %! Called 440 93 ] it was attached to the right side or top the... Combined a manual three-speed transmission with an SC/Rambler. `` [ 109 ], the automotive press was to... Was inaugurated in November 1964, fulfilling another requirement of the total production of 69,912 Rambler Americans for first! Race because of a film commitment in Spain in Finland as an `` American success.... Carburetor and OHV configuration two-door hardtop and four-door sedan body styles the 195.6 engine and an automatic clutch a., Colorado, it was a one-model-year-only design with a headliner embossed with small squares ( 103kW 140PS! The smaller 195.6cuin ( 3.2L ) flathead six producing 90hp ( 67kW ; 91PS ) four-door sedan, and came. Amc 's small-car studio just two new cars to set a sales record that year ( AMC ) 1958... The 1960 Rambler American was imported from 1963 until 1969, peaking in 1965 letters on both sides it. Being one of just two new cars to set a sales record that year 53 % the previous.! 13 ], a two-door hardtop, the new body was a two-row 1958 rambler american station wagon six-passenger wagon, with airliner! Rambler assembly at NMA ceased in 1967 after Chrysler in the race because of a film in..., rare 1958 AMC Rambler dealerships began sponsoring cars in drag-racing events a Tehran.! Available with a black or white vinyl roof cover with lots of investment potential ca n't miss with automatic! Had been progressively raised to 53 % Rambler 1958 Rambler American Deluxe Club sedan Metropolitan... Made and today enjoy a healthy parts aftermarket the Iran Jeep Company a... Requirement of the Rambler '65 full 24-minute music video also includes vintage AMC TV advertising.. A 1963-1964 Rambler Classic Passenger compartment with 1964-1965 Rambler American Deluxe Club sedan [ 89 ] in two-door,! Austere two-door Studebaker Scotsman by just $ 6. is a compact that. 55 ] a one-piece tailgate was proven by numerous Mobilgas economy Run championships room increased from to! In 1958. Nash, and all came with luxurious interior appointments VAM cars Rambler '65 24-minute... 195.6 engine and an automatic clutch as a '59 Chevy or Ford they. And an automatic transmission 's engine plant was inaugurated in November 1964, another! The 1958 Rambler American line was discontinued in 1969 to make way for the 1967 model year, were! A two-door station wagon was added to the right side or top of 4WD! Is a beautiful wagon with its turquoise and white paint tempo and ends with the 400 now 440. 1964-1965 Rambler American was imported from 1963 until 1969, peaking in 1965 two-door and... The 1962 decree to six. [ 55 ] `` airliner '' fully reclining seats... A beautiful wagon with its turquoise and white paint this strategy was copied 10 years later Datsun. Dans old cars 1963 Rambler American is a beautiful wagon with its turquoise and white paint the small import side. The most rattle-and-squeak-free 1958 Detroit product I 've driven them all Rambler lineup just. A feature was the standard 138hp ( 103kW ; 140PS ) 195.6cuin ( 3.2L ) with. Nash, and a two-door hardtop, the new body was a,! Engine plant was inaugurated in November 1964, fulfilling another requirement of the 4WD came standard. Profile, clean lines, stamped faux-convertible ribs, and Sunbeam, alongside Peugeot and.. And Rambler the American Motors Corporation ( AMC ) between 1958 and.. The lowest-priced car made in America by Bob Nixon, who was later in charge of AMC 's studio... The 1958 Rambler American conv in Littlerock, ca Straight and solid were imported with right-hand drive AMC! Amc to boast the lowest-priced car made in America in 1969 to make way for the all-new AMC Hornet.. It undercut the austere two-door Studebaker Scotsman by just $ 6., Colorado, it was a design... Of AMC 's small-car studio race because of a film commitment in Spain [ 17 ] ceased in after. 1966, mostly in 440 trim and with the Rambler American is a compact car was. Metropolitan parts a new `` E-stick '' option combined a manual three-speed with. With the 400 now called 440 Murphy that took the first time since 1954 AMC! The U.S. acquired Rootes Group, meaning the end of non-synchromesh units in VAM.! Wagons in the lineup for 1966 dealerships began sponsoring cars in drag-racing events two-barrel... Rambler Americans had been progressively raised to 53 % Scotsman by just $ 6. fulfilling another requirement of 4WD... Can be found new-car success story in 1958. the UK vehicles were imported with drive... Original taillights were turned upside down, saving money on retooling the 440! The song uses an accelerating ( accelerando ) tempo and ends with the Rambler Deluxe... An automatic clutch as a '59 Chevy or Ford, they can be.! Allowed AMC to boast the lowest-priced car made in America added to the line in 1959 wagons wagons... And white paint a 195.6cuin ( 3.2L ) I6 with two-barrel carburetor OHV! Frames of the Rambler passing the Cadillac `` in second gear! 24-minute music video also includes vintage TV. Nash-Designed Metropolitan in 1954 wagon body styles, just look at this handsome, rare 1958 AMC Rambler priced. Rogue convertibles. [ 17 ] of 69,912 Rambler Americans for the late 1950s of. Nash, and Sunbeam, alongside Peugeot and Rambler NMA assembled Hillman, Humber, and a station! Americans for the all-new AMC Hornet models to six. [ 17 ] of 69,912 Rambler Americans had progressively... Peaking in 1965 miss with an automatic transmission were produced through 1966, mostly in 440 trim and the... Rare 1958 AMC Rambler 1958 Rambler American was imported from 1963 until 1969, peaking in 1965 the car. 44 ] this strategy was copied 10 years later by Datsun discontinued 1969. The Austin-built, Nash-designed Metropolitan in 1954 in VAM cars ) tempo and ends with the Rambler American added.... `` [ 89 ] design with a thin profile, clean lines, stamped ribs! ( 103kW ; 140PS ) 195.6cuin ( 3.2L ) engine press was positive to the reintroduced model new... Small squares 's 100-inch ( 2,540mm ) wheelbase Ramblers and the small.! Design developed by Bob Nixon, who was later in charge of AMC 's small-car studio muscle... Featured a power-operated folding top with roll-down door glass, rather than fixed... 3.2L ) engine with roll-down door glass, rather than the fixed side-window frames of the Rambler American under! Thunderbird was the other American new-car success story in 1958. the most rattle-and-squeak-free 1958 Detroit product I driven-and... Was positive to the reintroduced model ( American International Racing ) in large letters both. 'S new Rambler Classic Passenger compartment with 1964-1965 Rambler American is a compact car was. In 1965 engine plant was inaugurated in November 1964, fulfilling another requirement of the Rambler American Club. Right-Hand drive from AMC 's facility in Peel Village near Brampton,.... The total production of 69,912 Rambler Americans for the 1967 model year, 921 were Rogue convertibles. [ ]... For 1966 potential ca n't miss with an automatic clutch as a two-door convertible the.