You know, I can recall a time when American Motor’s cars such as this 1963 Rambler Classic were subtly scorned. It was a time when the BIG Detroit Three sucked all of the air (and gasoline) out of the domestic automobile scene. But there was room for others, albeit not huge, that rolled in a more restrained and economical way. If fuel-swilling, chrome-laden, two tons of cruisin’ luxo-barge weren’t your thing, and you weren’t comfortable with the unusual little, air-cooled Sauerkraut Wagen from Germany, American Motor’s Rambler, such as today’s Classic 660 was just your ticket. What you see is what you’ll get with this plain Jane Fort Meyers, Florida resident – mostly, more on that to follow. It’s available, here on craigslist for $13,000.
First up, some time back we listed a similar BF Classified ’63 Rambler that was done up in the same color combination, this is not that car. This example is, however, not that common as it’s one of 11K Classic 660, four-door sedans that were born with a V8 engine – yes, that does seem to nullify the whole economy concept behind a Rambler but what a surprising find as the majority of 660s (71K) were outfitted with the more plebian six-cylinder motor. Rambler actually did pretty well in ’63, knocking out 464K units thereby placing them in the number six domestic production slot – not too bad. As a point of reference, number one Chevrolet managed about 2.2M copies that year. Back to that total Rambler statistic, it was spread across three separate lines, the Classic, such as our subject car, the Ambassador – a larger more upscale model, and the American which was the smaller, budget-friendly Rambler – the one that often comes to people’s minds when the Rambler name is mentioned.
The seller suggests that this Rambler “looks good and has been garage kept” – I’d have to agree with that sentiment, it presents quite well. It’s definitely intact with all of its stainless trim, original wheel covers, and a dent and rust-free body. “Upgraded paint and interior” is claimed in the listing but I don’t know if that means the finish is a respray or not. Whatever the case, the finish appears to be sound with some depth.
The odometer, which reads 14K miles, is said to have rolled over so that means at least 114K miles though the interior is amazingly crisp for that much usage and 60 years of life. Perhaps it has had some help along the way but whatever the case, it shows perfectly in a subtle, simple, economy car way. The instrument panel’s design projects some ChryCo design influences but that lack of instrumentation is more of a GM trait. Of note, the front seat is actually a split bench arrangement and seatbelts would be a welcome addition.
The pièce de ré·sis·tance is this ramblin’ Rambler’s 198 gross HP, 287 CI V8 engine – a surprising engine room find in a place generally inhabited by a six-cylinder prime mover. Claimed to be “serviced“, whatever that means, this diminutive V8 engine looks very original and is said to “run great“. The rear wheel connection is made via a Flash-O-Matic automatic transmission.
OK, so now it’s what to do with it time. My thought is nothing, leave it as it is – it’s not that common a find. And that leads to one final thought, the $13,000 price. What do you think, priced right or not quite?
This was our moment in the sun. Not mentioned, but incredibly important, 1963 Rambler was MTs Car of the Year. I always questioned that, as I felt there were much nicer cars,( ’63 Riv comes to mind) perhaps Romney paid MT off, we’ll never know, but what it did, was put Rambler ahead, briefly, but enough to keep 1/3 of Milwaukee working, overtime.
“Air cooled sauerkraut wagen”,,a bit harsh to VW fans, but VW was not their intent, Rambler offered a mid sized alternative, and didn’t want to appeal to big car fans, much like Studebaker. At about $1965 bucks new, comparable to Ford Fairlane or Dodge Dart, they appealed to middle class working family Joes( or Joanns) and generally a regional make. Just about everyone that had to be at the E. Capitol Dr. plant( now a Walmart) by 5am, drove a Rambler. How one got to Fla. is anyones guess, but I say, a “snowbird” that never came back, and about the only place you’ll find one, in any condition. Cars like this were cheap beaters by the 70s, and by the 3rd owner, there wasn’t much left. When a Rambler puked, that was usually curtains. An outstanding find, and with real Rambler fans that “were there” getting old, I’ve said before, the only way cars like this offer any attraction, is the obscurity and condition, not what a great car it was or that needs restoration. This is as good as it gets for the old “Kenosha Kadillac”, and I’m proud to say, made in my hometown, if that means anything today. It used to.
Seasons Greetings to you and yours Howard. Looking fwd to another year of your commentary. 🤝 🍻
Neat looking car here, never heard of the Flash-o-matic automatic before. Too cool 😎
I believe the Flash-O-Matic was a Borg-Warner unit. They were also used in Studebakers, Checkers, and for a while Rolls-Royce. I’m not sure but I think even Ford used these as well, Ford-O-Matic and Merc-O-Matic.
Had a 65 rambler , didn’t ger to drive it my father bought it for me.we replaced the head gasket the car was very solid and rust free.but like most teenagers were I was rebellious. Ha got angry with me.i came home from school one day and it was gone.he sold it to the coworker he bought it from ,and told me to respect my elders.i was angry but learned a valuable life lesson. Well years passed by and the sand of time passed.becoming a parent my self, I realized the reality of parenting. We became friends good friends. He is gone now and miss him terribly. But I still would love to have one of these again.
As I have said before my mother bought a 1964 classic 770 cross country 3 row wagon as a leftover in 1965 it had a 327 v8 and 3 on the tree with overdrive robins egg blue with a white roof they gave it to my brother when he got his license and we had custom headers and dual exhaust made and topped it with a Holley 4 barrel that thing was a sleeper looked like a mundane wagon with the two way tailgate but it would blow the doors off many pseudo muscle and pony cars he won a lot of stop light gran Prix with that car but traded it for a 57 Chevy Blair I tried to find another 64 770 cross country to buy for my brother before he passed away but couldn’t
Rambler got the MT “COTY” award based on innovation. Buick built nice cars, but Rambler had the first use of curved side glass in a volume production car, and the first use of one-piece side structure stampings, rather than a welded-up structure, which made a tighter, solider passenger cage with less production variance- they moved the bar for auto assembly processes. GM, incidentally, adopted BOTH of those improvements in 1965.
Yes, Rambler did alot of innovation in their time. My Dad bought a 63 Classis, was a nice car, I6, automatic, bucket seats and console, black with two tone interior. He bought the Rambler because they dipped them for corrosion protection while the others didn’t.
Howard, well stated. I am a proud owner of a 1961 Rambler Classic Cross Country in “Super” trim. While driving this wagon about or attending auto shows the Rambler always garners much attention. Many folks either had a Rambler or knew of the last independent automobile manufacturer (generally for the AMX, Javelin, Gremlin or Pacer models). Not many knew in 1960 & 1961 Rambler outsold Plymouth and was third in the sales race. Rambler/AMC has important place in the history of the American automotive industry and I am happy to keep that memory going.
My first car.
If my memory serves me correctly, my Dad had a 2dr 550 with the V8 and 3 on the tree when I was in my early teens.
I couldn’t wait to drive it like the idiot(adolescent) is was back then.
Fortunately/Unfortunately he sold it to my older cousin so he could destroy it.
I remember fitting 9 kids in it with mom driving us to the lake one summer.
Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Great comments Howard A. These cars simple, easy to fix and great on gas. AMC had vision, but unfortunately Americans wanted giant, gas sucking behemoths. And still do 60 years on. Just take a look in your rear view mirror tp see an Escalade driven by a woman with a 60 ounce coffee in one had and cell phone in the other. I see it every day. No sensors to drive you nuts on this great AMC.
I have a white Escalade.
I’m not a woman.
I don’t allow and beverages inside.
I never use my cell when driving.
But I do get your point.
The front wheels appear to be tilted in the photos. If so, the new (or current) owner will have to deal with AMCs unusual trunnion front suspension.
https://www.ramblerlore.com/AMC/Suspension-1962-1967-big/index.html
I took my drivers license test in one of these many moons ago
Looks like the emergency brake control is missing. My GF had all Cadillacs but he bought one of these for $50.00. It could hardly make it up the hills without a running start(6 cyl and compression problems). First car I ever saw that had an ALT light instead of a GEN. Most cars went to an alternator but kept the GEN light. I never liked the speedometer, no “0” after the numbers. Like it only went up to 12 mph.most of the time, that was true.
What a nice looking 660. The 287 V-8 makes it rare for a 63 Rambler. I currently own a 65 770 with the the common straight six and 3 speed manual. AMC engines were solid if not exciting in the early 60’s. I have owned mine 20 years and over time people at the car shows want to know more about it. The six is easy to work on, parts easy to find but not sure about the V-8. Looks like a car you could take to shows for years with little problem.
sorta off topic. The Browns GM said their replacement QB. Joe Flaco isn’t exciting but wins games…like your solid not exciting. he blew my bears out in the 4th. quarter.
Wrong forum Stan not even close to any topic on BR?
It must have sold, the craigslist post has been deleted by the seller.
I have a 1963 990 Ambassador with the 327 V8. Great car, very solid. Fortunately the trunnion suspension has been kept well lubed so no leaning wheels.
The interior is remarkable for a 60 yo car… not a rip not a stitch out of place. This 660 should make someone happy, and fortunately there’s a very lively forum when something is needed.
My younger brother had one of these for a brief period of time in the early seventies. He received it in trade for some “stuff” he provided for someone. I drove it on occasion and it was ok; just an old four door sedan with a six cylinder and three on the tree. Unfortunately, a few months after he got it something went awry brakes maybe can’t remember for sure; but he left it parked too long in our apartment complex and it got towed. He never bothered to reclaim it. I’m not seeing 13 large here but I think that there are Rambler fans who would disagree.
13k a bit much for a 4dr, don’t ya think? Cool car though.
My dad bought a ’64 American new with a 232/3-on-the-tree. The car was bulletproof and had an excellent heater. The air cleaner (or valve cover) had the sticker “Tri-Poised Power” on it.
If I remember correctly, a friend had a 60-something Rambler wagon and it had coil-spring rear suspension and the driveshaft was inside a torque tube. He got rid of it when one of the rear control arms developed a crack.
I own a 1963 Rambler Classic 660 ( among 14 other AMC cars) 2 door, 3 speed on the column and 232 six. It’s pretty peppy, believe it or not, and gets 25mpg. Won best in class at a 2023 Rambler Regional.
However, as much as I enjoy my car, I don’t believe it would be worth $13000. And it is in excellent condition. Neither is the car featured. Good car, but not the price.
I had a 1964, red, 2 door hardtop with a 287 V8. It was a 3 speed on the column w/OD.
It seemed to have a lot of mechanically issues. I actually thought it was a weird vehicle.
I think it had a Borg Warner transmission? Of course, it went bad and you couldn’t find a used replacement. Or, I couldn’t! I think 6 cylinders had a different transmission?
I have never regretted selling it!
I don’t understand why anyone would pay even half of this asking price for an even uglier one than i had, since it’s a 4 door.
Just my oponion!
I would still like to find the Ambassador 990 I drove after my brother went into the Army. Two door, red and white, buckets, consule, with twin stick, 327, and would blow away Chevy 327’s. Miss that car!