Want to launch into a fabulous hobby – one that will engage every sense, improve your skillset, and lead to meeting interesting people? Here’s a cheap ticket to the vintage car obsession that afflicts so many of us here at Barn Finds: this 1960 Rambler wants rescuing, and for only $2500, she can be yours. Find this early example of a compact car advertised on craigslist; haul her home from San Jose, California. Tracing this little Rambler’s roots takes us back to its Nash Motors predecessor, launched in 1950. Despite the intervening decade, the Rambler American’s bathtub looks didn’t drift far from its older sibling, nor did its mechanicals. This was a car better known for its fuel economy than speed – though in the former arena, it did distinguish itself admirably, with occasional wins at the Mobil Economy Run. But today’s example doesn’t run at all – that’s where you come in! Thanks to Zappenduster for the great tip.
AMC was offering an OHV six for its Custom Rambler in 1960, but this is the base 195.6 cu. in. flathead six serviced by a single carburetor and generating about 97 hp. The transmission is a three-speed manual with overdrive. New for 1960 was a 22-gallon gas tank, augmenting its already significant range at 30 mpg. The seller bought this car to build a gasser, but other than towing it home, he has done absolutely nothing with it. It does not run – a perfect opportunity to fit some other engine/tranny combination, right?
The cabin is chaotic, with the usual rips, tears, wrinkles and missing bits, but also several extra parts lying about. The trunk shows us hints of rust, but examining the photos both topside and underneath, I don’t think the tin-worm will be a big hurdle with this one. It’s a pretty dry car.
The body – judging by the few photos we have – seems relatively straight, though we aren’t given any rear views at all in this listing. The grille is spiffy, and the seller notes that the car comes with new tail lamp lenses and tires, so plans for some sort of resurrection were apparently underway. Rambler sold more than 120,000 copies of its miserly little compact in 1960 alone, so parts availability is decent. This model makes for a popular hot rod – for ideas, check here and here. Even a factory-spec restoration could be fun. Which path would you follow?
Chaotic cabin or not, the dashboard is worth the price of admission.
Almost identical to early 50s Rambler dashes.
My dad and my uncle bought a pair of these at the same time from their buddy who was a Rambler dealer. One went to my grandmother (a two tone green) and one to her old maid sister (a white over yellow). I eventually got to drive the green one to high school in 1970-71; it was less cool than many other cars but it was better than walking.
These are cute attractive cars, draw much attention at shows.
About installing a different engine, there’s so little room it would be a serious project, and that’s a unibody.. The old engine has to be pulled from the bottom, and if I had this car I would restore the stock engine or replace it with same. Hopefully this car has an overdrive to go with that 3-speed. It makes a big difference.
6 cyl. 4.0 AMC poked and stroked (.060 and 258 crankshaft) gives you 4.9 (approx) reliable lump. Add a cam, header and you can have a pretty peppy little ride. Upgrade the the brakes and suspension and it could be real fun! Light weight, different look and maybe spice up the interior. It could make you happy for a long time.
I only see 4 plug wires on this flathead 6.
No 4 banger available. The flathead six was the base engine.
Definitely only 4 plug wires. So if only flat 6s were available what gives??
If you look at the ad pics there are 6 plugs. 2 behind the carb
This was the six cylinder base model. To get the other two plug wires you had to choose the “Deluxe”
I had one just like it. I paid $125 for it in ’67. The only we did was replace the ball joints. The drive was surprisingly peppy for such a small engine, and the gas milage was spectacular. My Dad drove it a couple years after I gave it up.