Catch a Marlin: 1965 AMC Rambler

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The AMC Rambler Marlin is perhaps one of the more distinctive cars of its era, and this non-running example here on eBay sports a 4-barrel 327 V8 under the hood. Said to just need a starter in order to re-awaken the beast, it’s available in Nebraska with no reserve and just one bid at $1,000.

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That rust may be ugly, but it doesn’t appear terminal. Given the prominence of the unusual rear tail design, I’d want to clean that area up rather than going for a rat-rod look. The Marlin was an interesting study in creating a viable alternative for buyers of personal luxury models that placed an emphasis on interior space and comfort. The fastback design is still distinctive, too, all these years later.

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The 4-barrel V8 was a popular engine choice among customers, accounting for 42% of Marlin production. This example shown here supposedly ran well at one time, and the seller has added new tires, a new battery and a new dual exhaust. No word on whether corrosion will pose a headache for the next owner. While the photos do show some rot-through, it’s hard to tell how bad it is.

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What might make a difference in this Marlin selling for peanuts versus a good price is whether it features any desirable factory options, ranging from heavy-duty suspension components to a limited-slip rear end. The seller does not go to any great lengths to fill us in on what – if any – options this car has. Good news? The interior does look savable and a replacement starter is a fairly easy job. Will this one be parted out or returned to the roads?

Comments

  1. Seth J

    There is one like this, just a ’66 in the Grand Rapids MI Craigslist site. https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/5646250437.html

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  2. PaulG

    Worth at least a sympathetic restoration, and has A/C to boot..

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  3. Blindmarc

    I do see a/c, power brakes & steering. Looks like the rear has weak springs, even if the jack stands were gone. This would be a total redo, but I’d try getting it started first.

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  4. Rick

    Sick! (and not the good kind of sick, either)

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  5. Dodge Fan

    I would love to have it. I dont know how far i would go, but im guessing till the money run out. These are sharp in two tone.
    http://car-from-uk.com/sale.php?id=8838

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    • BMW/Tundra Guy

      Dodge Fan, that one is in 98% better shape than either of the other examples shown and only $5500’ish more (if the others were to get full asking price which is not going to happen) than the other examples shown!!! I cannot see getting the others up to that level for less than that kind of money! Unless it’s a labor of love, buy the one that is done and ready to drive!!!
      That body style for some reason grows on me?? Not enough to buy any of them though!

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  6. AMCSTEVE

    That car is what I call “Clapped Out”. It will need more work than its worth and the worm has taken hold. Not to mention that parts are hard to come by. Something is wrong with the suspension more than springs.

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  7. JW454

    One of these just sold last Wednesday at the Dayton Ohio Copart auction for $2200.00. It was red and in ten times better condition than this one. It was a turn key driver that didn’t need much at all. A good clean up and some polish and it would have been ready for a cruise in.
    I thought about biding on it but, I have no more room for cars at this time.

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  8. cyclemikey

    Pretty munched. Hard to see how you could save it and keep your head above water. What decade was that exactly when the starter went out?

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  9. Mark S

    CThis is a POS, now that we got that cleared up I see this as a blank canvas for a great restomod with a more common brand under the hood. I’d strip it down inside and out, roll and fit new metal where needed than work my way back to a usable car I’d go with a dodge 318 4bbl attached to a 4 speed and 3.5 rear gears. I know! not a drag racer but instead a reliable cruiser that you can get parts for. If you do your own work this could be done without a second mortgage on your home. ( I’m 80% through a full body on frame resto on a 51 dodge Mayfair Canadian exclusive 2 door hard top and I’m still under 3k ) I’m a big fan of the single stage paint job mostly because there easy to do and cost a lot less. I could redo this car for myself if it were mine for under 6k as long as I could get it for under 1k. Then go on the scrounge for parts.

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  10. Pfk1106

    A neighbor had one of these in same color, with white two tone. It and she was beautiful.

    Like 0

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