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?
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