During its time in the American Motors line-up (1961 to 1966), the Rambler Classic was considered the manufacturer’s mid-size car. It was positioned above the compact American and below the Ambassador (at least in terms of trim). The 1966 model year would be the Classic’s last before becoming the Rebel in 1967 with a redesign. The seller’s 770 model was the top-of-the-line Classic and has been treated to new upholstery and a rebuilt engine. Located in Mechanic Falls, Maine, this AMC was offered here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500 (or $4,500), but that was some time ago and may have changed hands.
The 1965-66 Classics got fresh sheet metal, but the underpinnings were the same as the 1963-64s (of which the former won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award). A little larger than before (same wheelbase), the Classic was closer to size to the main competition, the Chevy Chevelle and Ford Fairlane. In 1965, the Classic had three levels of trim, 550, 660, and 770, with the 660 dropped in ’66. A 232 cubic inch inline-6 was standard (145 hp), and we assume that’s what was rebuilt in the seller’s car. 46,000 of the 770 4-door sedans came out of Kenosha, Wisconsin that year.
We’re told this Rambler has been well-maintained and has a few new goodies at 77,000 miles. It comes with an automatic transmission which we assume works as it should. The gold paint looks okay in places but is tired overall and could be redone. We’re told all the car needs is a new set of tires to be a daily driver. Whether or not it would be “one hell of a conversation piece” is up to the buyer to decide.
The seller mentions that this car has been in several films (nine, to be specific) but doesn’t indicate which ones in case you want to do some YouTube surfing. And its roles were probably not prominent like the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am in the original Smokey and the Bandit flick. If you’re into that sort of thing, then you could include it in the poster you’d have made up to stand in front of the car at Cars & Coffee, with the hood open, of course!
Uncommon and cool, even if only because they’re statistically not around anymore. Last one i saw around here “in the wild” was about 20 years ago.
thought all major domestic manufacturers had gone to electric windshield wipers, this AMC shows a vacuum wiper unit on the firewall. That’s an indicator of how $ squeezed American Motors was to minimize upgrade designs and moving forward. Ever drive with vacuum wipers? Throw in bald tires and mechanical brakes, will be all set for disaster in today’s typical rainy day driving.
I had a 66 and I loved it. Wished I still had it
Just in case you were wondering about the vehicle’s pedigree, note the pack of Marlboros on the seat.
If that engine was rebuilt it must have been in the last century.