Like the Dodge Charger that soon followed, the Rambler Marlin was positioned in the growing luxury personal segment of the car market but really wasn’t one. At least not like a Ford Thunderbird or Buick Riviera. It was more of a “pony car” on steroids since it used the mid-size platform of the Classic and was one from the cowl forward. The Marlin would only be a three-year experiment as sales declined from one year to the next. This ’65 Marlin is a three-owner automobile that has been well-maintained and cared for, calling Wenatchee, Washington home for the past 11 years. This “big fish” is available here on craigslist for $13,500 OBO. Thanks for the cool AMC tip, T.J.!
American Motors became experts at taking one car and turning it into another. The Marlin was one of them, as was the AMX (Javelin) and Gremlin (Hornet). The expansive rear glass of the 1965 Marlin is reminiscent of the Plymouth Barracuda and the Ford Mustang 2+2 fastback of the same era. It was created to capitalize on the youth movement of the mid-1960s, but the later Javelin would step in to better fill those shoes. Only 17,000 Marlin’s were built between 1965-67, 2,000 fewer than the AMX of 1968-70. It was known as the Rambler Marlin for the first year, just Marlin for the second, and then AMC Marlin for its last year when it rode on a bigger Ambassador chassis.
This ’65 Marlin looks original, although it has had one repaint and a few part exchanges. The current repaint has a few scratches and the usual wear, so the seller suggests another respray might be in the cards. Its first owner had the car for 36 years, followed by 11 with the second, and a decade with the seller. During this time, just 52,000 miles have been added to the odometer, so the car has likely never been a daily driver. The body and two-tone paint look nice enough as does most of the interior. While an aftermarket radio, wheels, and carburetor are present, we’re told the Rambler will come with the original equipment as well.
Under the hood resides a 327 cubic inch V8, which was optional on the Classic and Marlin, but standard on the Ambassador. Joining it are an automatic transmission, power steering, bucket seats with a center console, and even power front disc brakes (a conversion?). We’re told this automobile is stout mechanically and needs nothing to be driven from car show to car show. Considering how crazy prices have gotten in the vintage car market, this Marlin almost sounds like a bargain. And it’s a car that you won’t see every day (unless you go to a Rambler convention).
Seller seems to be forthright as he shows the driver seat and even describes the paint as less than perfect. Not always the case. These never got the love, this one is probably a good deal. It has the bigger engine so should perform well and agree not seen too often.
It is a nice one, I would certainly drive it.
These things were even uglier that the 66-67 Chargers. Amazing what a year can do.
Gary, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
“…even power front disc brakes (a conversion?)”
For 1965 the Marlin came with power front disc brakes as standard equipment. They are 4-piston Bendix fixed calipers with solid rotors.
Front disc brakes were an option on the Classic and Ambassador starting that year. They became optional on the Marlin for 1966 in order to lower the price, a failed attempt at generating more sales.
https://mcrfb.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1965-Rambler-Marlin-MCRFB.jpg
Unfortunately paired with the front discs are rear drums that are a bizarro “non-servo” type designed to work without a proportioning valve. At this late date parts are 100% unobtainium.
When I was a high school freshman, a young couple moved in our block. The wife drove an aqua and white Marlin. It was a really nice looking car. She was even nicer looking.
Beautiful car. I used to know someone who had one. He took me for a ride in it. It was an awesome ride.
I’m old enough to recognize this car, but don’t. At a glance I thought “is that an early Barracuda?”.
The low mileage is probably due to folks not wanting to drive it with a paper bag over their heads. U G L Y!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there’s no accounting for taste. I’d prefer a Marlin to just about anything from GM.
Since Marlins don’t come across often, I can repeat this story. Last year, a small car club puts on a car show every Aug. and one of the cars was a Marlin, ’67, I think. beautiful car, and the woman showing it said it was her late mothers car, who bought it new. Here’s the kicker. I was the only one, again,,who asked if I could see the motor. “Sure”, she said reluctantly. Then the search began for the hood release. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but NOBODY knew where the hood release was. They looked under the dash, in front, finally, I said,, excuse me, it’s right here ( pointing to center of grill), obviously, she never had to open the hood. It had a slimey 327, but a very cool car. Ugly? Pacer, maybe, Matador, for sure, but a Marlin? Never!!
Yes, those were trusting days when the bonnet release was in the grille and anyone could open it – other than the dork who tried to spring the bonnet of my 63 Ambo with a chisel or the like because he couldn’t find the release. Bent the grille in the process.
This Marlin looks like the same colour as mine – Concord maroon. Handsome car.
“slimey 327” ?????
I really like this car…
It is different and somewhat rare
I agree , I think these are fantastic , don’t know MUCH about em , but always thought they were cool. That might have something to do with the box art on the Jo-han kit I never got growing up. Even the kit was rare by the 70s , only saw it on the side panel of other kits
Think I read somewhere…..this was the last car with the Rambler name.
I believe one old guy on the street….a ww2 refugee from Europe….had a white one. Guy was a nutcase, tried to poison our cats. Everyone hated him. lol
The 1969 American was the last “Rambler” to use the name. I think it was also the last car to use vacuum wipers.
I believe the 1970 Hornet and Gremlin also had vacuum wipers
Is the steering wheel in the correct position? It looks upside down to me.
Another example of an AMC product desperately signed on a limited budget. Can’t blame them for trying. I for one, miss them.
* designed
This car might have the largest size rolling-all-the-way-down rear side windows of all! & the modern Camaro has the tinyest – & they dont even open! Imagine sitting in the back seat of the Chevy, trying to look out – if you can fit back there – better be a small child.
Just noticed the CL picture of the trunk – gives a hew meaning to the term ‘spare wheel’.
I bought this car and am now the 4th owner. It is beautiful! I upgraded the exhaust so the 327 sounds very strong with a nice rumble. The paint was polished professionally and while it could do with a full paint job it is a very attractive car. Much better than a 20 footer. The car was originally a Canadian car, one of 272 sold in Canada in /65 and it is now back home. It is by far and away the biggest attraction at any car show I’ve entered. And, its provided me with some nice awards too!