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.)
Maybe if you already had a complete but rusty and possibly untitled donor car.
I like it. I have a spare Volvo b230 and transmission that would drop in. Just figure out the torque tube, grill, throw in some random boneyard seat and go. It would be a blast.
That first picture would make a cool page for a old car calander
Only correct answer.
A collector car? I bought a 62 4 door hardtop in 1974 that ran for a hundred bucks! $1295 seems awful steep……..
Any relation to Everett(Red) Soderberg? I used to work for him 50+ years ago.
What town and place Wayne?
If you had a bent runner and were good at body prep and painting. It MIGHT be worth the money. The fact that this desert relic has a title is 3/4 the battle. (At least the scrapper will take it!) I think the car looks solid, so maybe a diamond in the rough. I don’t believe that it sat in its pictured spot very long. As I see no evidence of bullet holes.
parts car but who is restoring 1?
You might get $100 – $ 1.000 from a scrap yard that’ If your lucky.
not worth restoring.
Any relation to Everett(Red) Soderberg? I used to work for him 50+ years ago.
Mark Soderberg Chicago Heights Illinois. NAPA auto parts.
Most of my relatives are around Minneapolis/St. Paul. The name Red though does sound familiar!
Thanks for the reply. He retired to Florida before his passing. He and my Dad were also good friends. The old NAPA is long gone. (Even the building) Only 3 of us left of the “old gang ” and one is in a home. He had the sweetest wife and 2 gorgeous daughters. (A whole different story that can’t be repeated here lol).
I’ve tried 3 times know to leave a comment no luck.
You keep changing your username so the system thinks your a first time commenter.