In the late 1950s, U.S. automakers began to notice that buyers didn’t always want land yachts as their primary mode of transportation. Hence, the Volkswagen Beetle’s growing popularity took shape. American Motors dusted off the Nash Rambler from the Nash-Hudson merger and launched the American in 1958. It would be another two years before Detroit would respond. This 1962 American is a convertible, unusual for its size, and just 13,500 were built that model year. It’s been languishing for years (maybe decades) and may only be a parts car now. Located in Deming, New Mexico, this sad drop-top is available here on eBay for $1,295.
The American would enjoy a 12-year run through 1969, when it was the last AMC car to carry Rambler badging. The second generation was in production from 1961 to 196,3 when this little open-air machine was put together. AMC sold a lot of these (by their standards) until the rest of the industry got on board with the notion that smaller could be better. The American consistently won the Mobil Economy Run for fuel consumption (back when gasoline was a quarter per gallon).
Under the hood of this Rambler lies what’s probably left of a 196 cubic inch inline-6. Its companion is likely a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. We don’t know the history of this ride, but you can easily surmise it’s been picked for some parts and has been out in the sun for a long, long time.
The seller admits this is a project or parts car and has priced it as such. Whether the “clean title adds to its authenticity and appeal” is up for debate, but at least there is one. A stash of loose trim parts is included, should you take the huge leap of faith and invest in a restoration. A plus for this car may be the notion that almost none of them are probably still left out there.
Leave it alone…..RIP.
$1295 seems a little optimistic
Indeed. That thing looks like its owner should be paying someone a couple of hundred dollars to haul it to the scrapyard. (Maybe some unrusted body panels could be salvaged.)