Six-Cylinder Fun: 1965 Rambler American Convertible

This is one nicely styled, mostly overlooked car, a 1965 Rambler American convertible. It’s far from a perfect specimen, but it is quite representative of AMC’s wares and how it fought competition from Detroit’s Big Three back in the day.  This is a 440 trim level car, and it appears to have been refinished at some point in the not-too-distant past, but there are other things to consider, so let’s get into it. Hans H. gets the nod for this discovery; Millville, New Jersey, is its home, and here on eBay is where it can be found for an opening bid of $9,000. There is a BIN option of $14,500 available as well.

AMC’s sales brochure called the Rambler American 440 convertible its “Sauciest,” a typical ’60s adjective for sporty. The 440 trim graced two-door hardtops and four-door sedans too, but it’s the convertible that’s the rare one with only 3,882 seeing the light of day that year. Other Rambler American trim levels included the entry-level 220 and budget-minded 330, both of which included station wagons and two-door sedans.  As previously mentioned, this car appears to have been refinished, and the body is nice and straight with no evidence of rust or crash damage. The seller does mention that while the convertible top frame operated properly, the white fabric portion is uninstalled, but it is included in the sale. The aftermarket wheels are a matter of preference, I guess, but the seller does mention that three of the original four wheels go with the car.

Inside, the white fabric and vinyl upholstery look OK at first blush, but upon closer inspection, we’ll note, as the seller states, “The interior seats show some wear and some stains; they are the original from 1965.” Stained the upholstery is, and whether or not it can be deep cleaned will be a matter for further investigation. Other observations are an aftermarket steering tiller and a DIN replacement radio.

Originally responsible for generating 155 gross HP, the “freshly rebuilt” 232 CI in-line six-banger engine has undergone some upgrades, including “upgraded camshaft, HEI ignition, Weber 2-barrel carburetor, and new painless wiring harness.” Unfortunately, nothing is stated regarding operating characteristics. This Rambler utilizes a rebuilt automatic transmission, and the listing additionally states the inclusion of rebuilt trunions and replaced floor pans.

Rarity aside, this Rambler American has a lot of neat features going for it. It’s refreshing to see a six-cylinder engine that has been juiced up instead of being chucked in favor of a, wait for it…” put an LS in it!” Still, this car needs finishing and likely upholstery work. One thing not going for this little AMC is its BIN price, and that probably extends to its opening bid too, owing to the fact that no one’s anted up anything yet. Everything sells at some point – it’s just a matter of the numbers, right?