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AMC Project Wagon: 1960 Rambler Cross Country

Nash-Kelvinator Corp. and Hudson Motor Car Co. merged in 1954 to form American Motors. One of the first outputs from that partnership was the 1956-60 Rambler Six and Rambler Eight, cars with the same bodies but different engines. The Cross Country was the station wagon equivalent of these vehicles. This 1960 edition is said to have been in storage for years and runs well but needs some mechanical work and a lot of cosmetic attention. Located in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, this nifty little project is available here on craigslist for $3,500. Tips Finder T.J. is at it again!

The Six and Eight were mid-sized cars built by AMC at a time when the “Big Three” were producing a lot of land yachts. They would be followed up in 1958 by the compact American as AMC was trying to market “sensibly sized” cars to folks on a budget. In the earlier days, the cars were branded as both Nash and Hudson and sold through both dealer networks until they became one. In the beginning, the Cross Country name applied to just 4-door hardtop station wagons, but by 1958 the moniker applied to all Rambler wagons. The Six and Eight also became the Deluxe, Super, and Custom depending on trim.

This ’60 Cross Country likely has a 196 cubic inch inline-6 rated at 120 hp. It’s flanked by a “3-on-the-tree: manual transmission with overdrive. While the machine has 120,000 miles, the seller says it runs “good” thanks to a new starter. But it’s going to need a battery after being in the lock-up for an extended period. Fixing it up will mean working on the body which may have a little rust peeking through here and there. And the fender skirts probably were in storage longer than the rest, reflecting what may be the wagon’s original color.

The interior is okay, but the seats don’t match the rest of the stuff. And the Rambler will need some new carpeting for weekend cruising. Only a limited number of photos are provided, so the full extent of the condition of the wagon is hard to determine. For example, what does the undercarriage look like or the cargo area? This could be a nifty project for a line of automobiles that are seldom seen today, as long as the to-do list doesn’t get too long.

Comments

  1. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    The fender skirts are surely aftermarket Fox units.

    Like 9
    • Avatar Terrry

      on a wagon no less.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Steve

      And obviously, they were new, which made the car look even worse.

      Like 5
  2. Avatar alphasud Member

    This is one of those cars that has so many quirky lines it makes it cool. Big thumbs up for me.

    Like 25
  3. Avatar Terrry

    Believe you me, this car never came with those awful fender skirts. And when you see a restored Rambler of those years, you can see why they sold every one they built.

    Like 9
  4. Avatar Danny from Oz

    I love spats, (fender skirts), but not on this car.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Jerry Mullins

    My Father had a 64 Rambler American wagon the best car he ever owned!

    Like 8
  6. Avatar Bob19116

    Around 1959-1961 Rambler Classic Cross-Country wagons were station wagon king, outselling most if not all wagon models from the big 3. My dad had a 1962, beautiful metallic blue 3 on the tree (my 1st driving experience). It replaced his 1956 Chevy wagon. It had the optional 196 aluminum block engine. The freeze plugs popped because he was not into regular maintenance (oil change, proper anti-freeze mix etc.). We moved an entire card and gift shop with the Rambler wagon. Had 4 foot greeting card racks with drawers on the bottom on the roof and on the tailgate.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Dale L

      My dad ordered a metallic brown 1961 Rambler Classic Custom wagon, without telling anyone in the family. Surprise! It looks the same from the rear-end, but the front looked more modern with the headlights lowered into the grill. It was a 6 cyl. with an automatic transmission. He ordered it with a radio, power steering, full wheel covers, and blackwall tires. Our family of four loaded it up with camping gear (even a Coleman stove was included), and drove from Minnesota to the 1962 Worlds Fair in Seattle. We visited family along the way. On the way back, we were leaving ‘Old Faithful’ when the fan decided to penetrate the radiator. We finally made it home, three days later. It was a good car after that repair was done. I’ve heard it’s a sought after classic now. Who knew.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Dan Bolton

      My dad picked several of these American Motors cars up between 1966-69 for $25-50 fixed them and resold them to make rent. He bought and sold quite a few cars until he was overwhelmed with overtime at work for the next 20 years. Being an industrial millwright took all the fun out of dinking with cars.

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Greg Gustafson

    U.G.L.Y.
    Fortunately, they dolled it up with the fender skirts…just the finishing touch it needed.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Jimmy Novak

      I think it’s so important to share like/dislike opinions about styling here.

      Like 1
  8. Avatar Brian Halverson

    Based upon previous ownership of a ’60 Rambler – this one appears to be the “Super” model – the single stainless spear running the entire length and the original rubber floor mats. Mine ran a single-barrel Holley carburetor that had a glass float bowl – looked like Pyrex – and you good see gas entering the bowl when running. Driven lightly the 3-speed overdrive could deliver 25mpg.

    Like 4
  9. Avatar Rickirick

    One of my two besties in hs Dad had a ’63, I believe, that us three maniacs would treat like a Jeep & take into the woods & load up with firewood for our families in Northern Michigan. Ya couldn’t hurt that old station wagon. Tuff Stuff!!!

    Like 3
  10. Avatar Darrell

    How do I contact the seller of the blue 1960 Rambler wagon

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rickirick

      Look at 1st paragraph of article man. It states Craigslist in a town in Minnesota. Have a good one!

      Like 0
    • Avatar Jeff J

      I am the new owner, since about May. Jeff

      Like 2
  11. Avatar Robt

    Cool wagon.
    If closer to the northeast …

    Like 0

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