When it was introduced in the late 1950s, the AMC Rambler American appealed mostly to buyers seeking economical, practical transportation in a compact package. However, by the time the third generation rolled around in 1964, many consumers were beginning to explore larger and more luxurious cars. The Rambler American increased in size, but just slightly, with the wheelbase growing by 6 inches. By today’s standards, it looks pretty petite, but there’s plenty of fun to be had here, even if it comes in a small dimension. Reader Curvette spotted this 1966 AMC Rambler American here on Craigslist in Mead, Washington, and we’d like to thank him for sending in the tip! The seller is hoping for $13,700, but says he might consider a reasonable offer.
The number 440 denotes the trim level here, which is an upscale offering, though it’s still fairly basic overall. However, the Rambler American was considered one of the more appealing designs among compacts of the period, and choosing a convertible roof provided some added fun on sunny days. The seller doesn’t go into any details about the body, but the sheet metal appears solid and straight for the most part, although he reports that the ragtop’s canvas will eventually need to be replaced. The whitewall tires and spinner-type hubcaps look classy here, and I’d probably leave the exterior just like it is.
Power is provided by an inline-6 engine, and it’s mated to an automatic transmission. Mechanically, the owner reports that this one’s in fine shape, and says it recently made a nearly 200-mile drive with no issues. A few other items are said to need some TLC, such as installing a new horn relay and repairing the dash lights. The driver’s-side window roller also needs replacement, but it sounds like most of the issues here are minor.
This is the closest-up shot we get of the interior, and it appears to be in good condition, with no obvious tears in the upholstery and only minimal wear on the inside door panels. For those in the market for a small mid-sixties convertible, this 1966 AMC Rambler American 440 seems to offer plenty of positives, and the seller doesn’t think it would take much effort for a skilled gearhead to bring it up to mint condition. Is this compact convertible one you’d be interested in pursuing?
Nice tidy little convertible not a bad price. Oddly, I just got one last week, a 65 convertible, with a 327 motor. First thing I’m not fond of is there are no door buttons. You have to push the interior door handle forward, to unlock, then pull it back to open door. Sounds nice on paper, until your door won’t open…
Usually that is a very dependable feature. I’ve owned my Rambler for 55 years and it has always worked. Something needs repaired . Should be pretty easy
to fix. I prefer this to my other car with the button.
Tidy little convertible but slightly overpriced. AMCs can be challenging to service, as parts are disappearing for many models. That said, if you’re interested in AMC cars, come to the Rendezvous this weekend, see here:
https://www.rosecityramblerclub.com/home
It’s in Washington, and I’ll be judging cars. Maybe this Rambler American will show up!
Looks like the ad is down, sold maybe? But the one thing I noticed is the small brake pedal and no shift indicator on the steering column. No clutch pedal either. I wonder if this was a 3 on the tree at one time and someone changed it to an automatic? Otherwise it looks like a nice little car. I don’t know about the price though, seems like for that kinda dough it should be perfect.
Yes, I spotted the small brake pedal right off and it looked like something had been swapped or switched.
If I can’t have the Metro, I’d be happy with this.
Is this ”tidy” convertible overpriced?
I miss AMC.
Nice one…….I like iit.
In a word, charming.
I owned a 66’ in 1966 and drove it for 4 years. It was a great car and at 25 cents a gallon I could drive back in forth to school for about $2.00 a week. Purchase price was $1,7900. It had a 3 on the tree, 6 cylinder, 2 door, no radio, rubber mats, no carpet. Great economy car. I think it is priced a little high but the convertible is a nice touch.
The link to the Craigslist ad is broken, so it’s probably been sold already!
Must be a lot of bondo along the sides as all the stainless trim pieces that run along the top edges are missing. Had to fill the holes some how. Makes me wonder what other things are patched up.
Looks like a great opportunity to own a rarely seen car. I had a 69 2 door American that had such great options as a heater and a radio—and that was it. The six cylinder in the late 70’s was good on gas, but the vacuum wipers were always a challenge and this one has them based on the mechanism seen on the fire wall / windshield area. Scooted along pretty well in traffic to be able to keep up with reasonable other vehicles. This one looks to be in above average condition.