It isn’t unusual for an owner to become so devoted to a classic that they name it. Therefore, meet Rosie. She is a 1966 AMC Rambler American Rogue that looks great and has some desirable factory options. The seller is its fourth owner, confirming that its maintenance has followed a “money is no object” philosophy. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jim Q for spotting the Rogue listed here on eBay in Vancouver, Washington. The bidding sits below the reserve at $3,550, with a week remaining in the auction.
AMC released its Third Generation American range in 1964, with the Rogue released in 1966. This first-year example has an interesting history, having been owned by several genuine AMC enthusiasts. Its story is easy to trace, thanks to documentation that includes the original Sales Receipt. Finished in Antigua Red and Frost White, this car makes a positive first impression. It doesn’t have a rust-free history, with a previous owner eliminating its minor issues by replacing both lower rear quarter panels. There are a couple of slightly rough spots, and the color match isn’t perfect. However, the car is presentable, and addressing those couple of shortcomings would be relatively cheap and easy. Otherwise, the seller says that this Rogue is rock-solid. The contrasting hood stripes are a later addition, applied by the previous owner to recreate the look from that year’s promotional brochure. The seller took that concept a step further by sourcing a spotless set of genuine Turbo-Cast wheel covers. They look great, but the original wire covers are also included for enthusiasts preferring authenticity. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
AMC marketed the Rogue as a sporting variant for the budget-conscious, but this car’s first owner added a few desirable factory options. They equipped the vehicle with the optional 232ci six, a three-speed Flash-O-Matic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 232 was a willing performer, with power and torque figures of 155hp and 222 ft/lbs that were considered quite respectable in 1966. There’s plenty of positive news about this mechanically original classic. The previous owner pulled the motor, resealed it, painted it, and refreshed the engine bay before bolting the six back in. The seller replaced virtually the entire braking system, so the car stops on a dime. They also rebuilt the original carburetor and fuel pump, confirming that this beauty runs and drives extremely well. The tires have plenty of tread, but they recommend replacing them due to age. Otherwise, this beauty is ready to hit the road with its new owner at the controls.
This Rogue’s interior is extremely tidy, with only one tiny tear on the driver’s seat that could be blind-patched. The Red vinyl isn’t badly worn, with only mild seat stretching. The dash looks excellent, although the wheel exhibits typical rim wear. However, it remains very presentable, and with air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, and a pushbutton radio, it should be quite comfortable. The A/C requires some attention, but it sounds like there are no severe problems. The previous owner replaced the condenser and dryer, and had the compressor professionally rebuilt. They removed the belt and the wire to prevent excessive wear until they recharged the system, which never happened. Therefore, a recharge and refitting those two items might be all that is required for the system to blow ice-cold.
I think I like Rosie because it reflects a history of devoted ownership. The desire to recreate the look from that year’s promotional literature is admirable and helps this classic stand out. Its needs appear fairly minor and could be addressed at the winning bidder’s leisure. The 1966 Rambler American Rogue isn’t the most desirable car on the planet, and the reserve will probably be relatively low. Monitoring the auction could be worthwhile, because you might have the chance to become the new owner of an affordable classic.
Sheesh, and you thought I prattled on,,,always appreciate a concise listing, but SHE went on and on. Reason I say she, is men, generally don’t name their vehicles, especially “Rosie”. I always chuckled when I saw some guy with a woman’s name on the hood of their truck, like some lost love. The exception there were funny names, like “Miss Behaven”. It’s just a machine, pally.
From what I gathered from the novel she wrote, a woman named Margaret bought the car new in Merritt Island, Fl. Been there many times, and didn’t skimp none. I think Ken is from thereabouts. I read, this car cost her just over $2500, or the most expensive American, when a base 220 was about $1849. Obviously, this was the top of the line, and looking at it, nothing was spared. If anyone needs to see what an original, low mileage car is like, it doesn’t get any better than this. Once again, almost 300 viewers, and 12 bids to a sorry bid of $3550( going up in $50 increments). The seller sure seems genuine, but sadly the wrong time to try and make a bundle on “Rosie”. Regardless, it’s a fantastic find.
Neat car but I don’t buy the AC story. ‘Just needs a charge’ seems to be the standard reply for broken AC these days – something that is often very expensive to fix. The seller went to all the trouble to have the compressor ‘rebuilt’ and several components replaced but simply couldn’t install the belt and get the system charged (and tested!). If I were interested in this car I would look at it as its AC is non-working and I don’t know why or what it will cost to fix. and I bid accordingly.
Or, they just never made it a priority to get it working because it rarely gets hot enough where they’re located.
Obviously, it should be considered non-working because it isn’t working.
The reality is, this isn’t a newer, computer-controlled climate system or anything. It’s a really simple mechanical system. If all three of the major components were changed out, it wouldn’t take rocket science to get it working again. If it didn’t pass a vacuum test, it would more than likely just need some O-rings.
Not exactly difficult or expensive stuff.
Yes, I suspect that something else is wrong. The AC system on these cars is very basic so aside from parts under the dash (evaporator) it should not be tough to work on. However if it comes down to replacing the system a modern Vintage Air setup might be a better bet than keeping the ancient 2-cylinder York “paint shaker” compressor.
I stopped to take a nap and eat dinner while reading the owners write up on eBay. Incredibly long.
Nice car, this is about as fancy as a six-cylinder Rambler American gets unless you want to find and import an IKA Torino from Argentina. Gotta love the racing stripe on the hood to alert your fellow drivers about the fire-breathing Rambler 232 six lurking underneath! (Truthfully if the car weren’t on the wrong coast I’d be really tempted!)
Even with the paint flaws which the owner took pains to point out along with taking pains to write a novel that I don’t think any of us has seen on BF.
It’s certainly interesting, though, how the guy has pointed everything out in detail, both good & bad.
And a unique car in as being more loaded up than some Ambassadors.
Be interesting to see what the final winning bid is.
I’m returning the book to Rosie’s library tomorrow.
Who cares what she said……if you can get this for under $5K I think it would be a steal…..IMHO
Merritt Island, Cocoa & Cocoa Beach, and Titusville were all home to Space Coast workers at Cape Kennedy. Therefore there was a lot of money in this market during the 1960’s, buying well optioned automobiles. We bought two well optioned new Oldsmobile Station wagons in the early 1960’s from this area. Margaret M. Martinsen moved up from the cheapest Rambler American in 1960, to the most expensive Rambler American in 1966. My sixth-grade teacher had done nearly the same, trading her 1960 Metropolitan for a new 1968 Ambassador [first American production car with standard factory AC]! Original rust in the rear quarters living so close to the beach would be expected, yet Ms. Margaret took the best care of the car because the car was special to her. If you like this car, don’t you wish you were the one to buy it from Ms. Margaret when she partied with it some years later? I do.
neat looking with that interior. that stripe on the hood looks pretty stupid. i would put the wire caps back on it i feel they would look better than what is on there now.
I am probably crazy but after reading Rosie’s life story I would love to be her caretaker. I would make the effort to correct all the minor flaws and then just enjoy the ride.
I had a white one when I was in the Marine Corps. It was cool…lol
Yes. If I were not so far away in Ohio I would go for this one. Beautiful car.
The A/C I can live without. Wife’s family were long time dealers of AMC and Hudson etc. They have a Rogue in the “Inventory” which is nice; but this one is a winner.
Auction ended at $7,100.
Reserve Not Met.
30 bids.