If you’re poking around on eBay and see something unique, it might be that you found this 1965 AMC Rambler Marlin Fastback. With an early couple of bids nudging the car just over $1000, the price is cheap. The reserve is not met, but you’ve got a couple of days to push the number up to sales territory, if you’ve got the ability to do a major resto. What that off-reserve number is will be interesting to see. And if you win the day, you’ll be sending a transporter to Waukon, Iowa to collect your Marlin.
The Rambler Marlin was a 1965 offering, and the “Rambler” part of the name was dropped for the last two model years of production, 1966 and 1967. The car was marketed as a personal luxury car, but the last-year Marlin wasn’t built on the same chassis as had been used in years one and two. Those versions were built on the mid-sized Rambler Classic chassis. The 1967s were sitting on the full-sized AMC Ambassador underpinnings. When it was launched, the Rambler Marlin was marketed as a sporty fastback with lots of room inside, larger than the ponycar offerings of the Mustang, which invented the segment, and the Plymouth Barracuda, which had not-dissimilar styling to the AMC offering. In all, fewer than 15,000 Marlins were built in its three-year run.
This 1965 AMC Rambler Marlin Fastback makes for an intriguing possibility. Sure, everyone (except Chevy guys) loves Mustangs, while some others prefer the Camaro or Firebird. But if you want a mid-60s collectible that’s not seen on every block, then this would be worth thinking over. But realize that you’re going to be the third owner, at least, who has had it in this condition. Apparently the first one is moving away to Arkansas. The current owner has laid all the pieces and parts out and decided to sell. That’s where you come in.
You’ll need an engine, as that’s long gone. You’ll need to do bodywork around and behind the rear wheels, and in the trunk. Possibly elsewhere, too, like underneath. You’ll be sourcing an interior, as the front seats, at least, are thrashed. Little stuff, like the horn button, needs attention. The car appears to be in primer, and someone’s collected a number of body parts, like doors. It’s not really clear why those are needed, and so I might raise a bit of a red flag here. If the body (aside from the rear sheetmetal) is as clean as it looks, why did someone find new sheetmetal? You really need to assess this project before you commit. Forget value—you’re probably going to be upside down. But if you decide to restore this Marlin for love, you need to know what you’re getting into before you make the bid that cracks this car’s reserve.
No other car i can think of looks so sleek from one camera angle, and completely mis-proportioned and odd from another.
Barn finds is probably correct that this build will be for love, desire, and/or enjoyment, and sadly, not a sound investment. I hope it finds a worthy home.
The Marlin was a nice looking if different car.This one needs a lot of love to put her right.
I’ve recently been accused of being negative,,,duh, how long did it take to figure that out, but my views are shared by some, they just don’t have the chutzpah to say it( thanks, dad) I feel I add a little “character”( I’m a character, alright) to the site. Here, like the ’58 Buick, is another of “those” examples. While it’s wishful thinking, and possibly a bit of denial, NOBODY is going to fix this. Get with the times( I should talk) but my gripes are the costs and hassles involved in something like this, and not the general lack of interest, so much. The only hope for “these” types of cars, is if they are turnkey, a buyer swipes the card, and are enjoying their obscure classic that very evening. Few , if any care what a Marlin really was, it’s just so unusual, its clear appeal today.
I say, with no motor, it would be a perfect time to graft in some fuel efficient 4 cylinder, or V6, for economy, nobody going to ever know( remember the lady that had one, and nobody knew how to open the hood?) and you’d have a cool car and get 30 mpg to boot. Again,,,,ain’t gonna happen,,
Yup. I was thinkin’ the same thing. Too much work involved (plenty before you even pick up a tool) for folks without patience. Cool car, buts it’s a parts car now. Treasure trove for someone who was involved in a minor accident while driving their pristine restored model. I know from experience, ya gotta have a good selection of parts standing by if you drive a classic. Those parts can be sold to a body shop repairing your car should the unthinkable occur. Hate to see another classic that will never be driven again. But it will bring joy to an owner who is getting one back on the road. ~Keep on Keepin’ on.
No engine or trans but it does have the optional electric window wipers that are rare in 1965! Also, the AMC midsize platform through 1966 (Classic, Ambassador, Marlin) had a torque tube rear suspension. the rear axle/wheels seem in place without an engine which probably means that a new rear end and suspension have been fabricated. If not then the torque tube would require an AMC engine/ trans that can bolt to the torque tube.
Back looks like a first gen Cuda or Charger. Good thing there were more generations. lol
Fastbacks were “in” and every company jumped on the band wagon during this time… Though I dont see much Barracuda resemblance ,they had a large curved rear glass
“This car is almost complete. It is missing the engine.”
It’s nice to meet an “honest” seller for once. Geesh……..
Car did not sell with $1300 bid. Apparently comes with a lot of parts, but I just don’t get a seller who calls a car without a motor “mostly complete”. That’s kind of an understatement. I think he needs to get more realistic on the price; the market has spoken.
since U guys have been promoting a few AMX here, that’s all I wanna see.
(said good naturedly) “Dont show me no Marlins chased by Javelins or the same, Brian.” LOL (a chant is heard in the background) “…AMX!!, AMX!, AMX, amx…