1964. A remarkable year for American automobiles–for example, the Ford Mustang was introduced, the split-window Corvette went away, and Chrysler showed it’s Turbine Car at the New York World’s Fair. But what about those cars that weren’t exceptional — like this Rambler American 330? I would argue this one is exceptional now based on it’s originality and condition, but let’s see what you think. It’s located in Prescott, Wisconsin and has been listed for sale here on eBay, with a reasonable buy-it-now but lower offers welcomed.
The Rambler was restyled for 1964, with relatively clean but admittedly bland lines. One car magazine subtitled its article on the new car “The original plain Jane compact car just got back from the beauty parlor,” so apparently it was well-received at the time. This is the 330 model, slotting between the 220 and 440.
Although there appears to be a few bends in the rear bumper, the chrome in general really looks great and given the collector plates and appearance, I suppose the 45,744 documented miles may well be accurate. The seller also notes that it’s only been driven 450 miles in the last ten years. They also state that there is no rust or body filler present, and that the car has been resprayed once.
I like the simple but clear dash, with the rounded motifs echoing the tunneled headlights in the front of the car. I wish the seller had included pictures of the seats as well, as the little bit we can see of the driver’s door panel is really interesting, but they state the seats need reupholstering. The “Fasten Seat Belts” badge on the dash is original and reflects the auto industry’s growing awareness of safety at the time.
Speaking of seat belts, isn’t this crested buckle cool! And the nylon webbing almost looks new as well–surprising as that stuff seems to fade if you look cross-eyed at it.
The seller lets us know that this is the 195.6 cubic inch version of the AMC six-cylinder. That was the smallest engine available in this series, so you probably aren’t going to burn much rubber while you are driving. Nothing else is stated about the running condition of the car apart from that gauges and the heater work well. I see a lot of deposits around the top of the radiator, which can be a sign of overheating, so you might want to check in person. I do think this would be a fun, unusual four-door classic and would research its history as much as possible if it were mine. Interested?
I’ve had several Ramblers over the years, the oldest being a 1961. Great running cars, even the 196.5. I’m wondering why anyone would ask this much and not even take the time to at least move the car from where there was an obvious anti-freeze on the ground issue, before taking & using those pics in an ad. See the 3rd & 4th pics. Anyway, it’s a nice color combo & look’s to be a clean example.
On top of that, they let the dog walk in it and now it on his feet. Hasn’t it been pretty well documented that antifreeze is bad for pets?
The Nash Motor Company (later American Motors) was the first to offer seat belts, in 1949–well before the national ad campaigns. They were largely seen as a nuisance, and many customers unbolted them from the frame–or cut them out with razor blades. They were not offered on the 1950 models. Seat belts became standard about fifty years ago, 1966-ish.
I wonder if that is the original AMC paint color and what they called it…looks exactly like GM’s Evening Orchid / Iris Mist which was 1965 only on Chevies and Pontiacs.
I don’t think it’s the original paint. The door jambs, engine compartment, and trunk all show it to be originally a white car.
I like this car. It appears well maintained and very useful today. The amazing thing is that this car survived like this. Compacts from the 60’s tended to be used hard and not well cared for. Hence, so few nice examples like this one.
It also has what appears to be early ’70’s Gremlin/Hornet hubcaps. :-)
Elliot..i believe you are correct. 74 or 75 Gremlin wheel covers.. good call!
Good eye! I believe you are correct, they are Hornet sourced. I’m looking out at the neighboring business where I work at a 72 Hornet with those hubcaps. And, before anyone asks, it’s not for sale. I’ve already made numerous offers to the woman who drives it. Apparently she’s been driving the Hornet since her father ‘gave’ it to her back in the 80’s to send her off to college – must be nice!
I think thats a STEAL for under 5K for anyone who wants to enter the foray of owning a classic car. body and interior looks good.. bullet proof 6 cylinder.. low miles (if the ODO is correct..which by looking at the pedals, etc..I assume it is). good source’s for spares.. i never encountered ANYTHING i could not locate thru the 3 AMC vendors.. or from members on the AMC forum.. when i restored my 65 Marlin (I know..WHY would anyone restore a Marlin..a family thing).
if i had a spare parking place.. i would snatch this fun little driver up. i would wager 4k buys it..perhaps even $3900
“completely original and unmolested (one respray)” Nice repaint, but it looks to have been all white from the factory. So, not completely original… but very nice looking. Although why make everything else look great and ignore the engine compartment? Only 450 miles on the 10 year old tires… They can’t put on new tires for that price? First thing needed!