American Motors conceived the Marlin as something of a personal luxury car. But it looked a bit like a large Plymouth Barracuda (1964-66) and a lot like the Dodge Charger (1966-67) that would follow it. It was in production for less than three model years and only saw 17,000+ assemblies, making it one of AMC’s least successful products (from a sales standpoint). Located in a carport of sorts in Latham, New York, this 1965 Marlin has been out of commission for more than 30 years. It comes as a roller but does have a separate powertrain and is available here on eBay where the no-reserve auction stands at $787.
The first generation of the Marlin was based on the mid-size Classic chassis and took its looks from a 1964 concept car called the Tarpon. Debuting mid-year for 1965, the Marlin was a fastback with 2+2 seating (that Dodge would copy with the Charger a year later). In ’65, it was labeled as the Rambler Marlin, then just Marlin in ’66, and finally AMC Marlin in ’67 as the company was moving away from the Rambler name. It was a roomy car for its size, and AMC president Roy Abernethy, who was 6’4”, could fit in the back seat.
Consumer response was best in 1965 when more than 10,000 Marlins were sold. After that, sales dropped by half and then half again in 1967. The product was not renewed for ‘68. This seller’s vehicle is from the first year but has been in dry storage (or so we’re told) since the early 1990s or longer. The V8 engine and automatic transmission were pulled at some point but were running at the time. We can’t tell if the engine is a 287 or a 327 based on the VIN the seller provides.
The body looks to be pretty solid with no major issues that we can see. What we can’t see is a bad passenger-side rear floorboard that may need patching or replacement. Whatever chrome or trim bits you don’t see in the photos have survived and will go with the car. The seller refers to a Buy It Now feature for $3,500 but doesn’t make it official on eBay, so the highest bidder will take the Rambler, even if bidding doesn’t go any higher than $787. Could be a costly mistake made by the seller.
I really like the Marlin. By the numbers it is a rare car, but it isn’t all that desirable, especially in this condition. Clearly it needs a full restoration, which would cost probably 50K plus, and I’m sure a nice roadworthy Marlin could be bought for half that.
The no-reserve auction may not benefit the seller in the end, but it will probably reflect the reality of this model in this condition.
A quick check of Hemmings proves my math correct:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/rambler/marlin/2737305.html
Nah, the Marlin was just too far out there from a company on shaky ground to begin with.The Marlin became the butt of all jokes, and consequently, saw we very few., even in Wisconsin. How many Avantis graced South Bend? I’m surprised they sold as many Marlins as they did. Wasn’t a bad car, had all the quality of a Rambler, sort of going with the trend, Charger, Barracuda, Mustang, but its biggest draw’rback,,,it, to most, was still a Rambler. Even Rambler stalwarts were embarrassed. If only it had a hatch, as the small trunk opening hindered storage, but a Rambler by any other name was still a Rambler, and the public didn’t buy it. Cool cars, but for any attraction, these have to be a lot nicer, like plastic on the seats, because again, the attraction is because it’s so unusual, and not for what great cars they were.
I drove my neighbor’s blk/red 65 with the 327 4bbl and fdb when I was 16. Was fast and stopped fast as well. Sad that these cars are the Rodney Dangerfield of fastbacks.
Funny when I first saw it here I thought Barracuda Then no a charger so your discrition is right on. I remember seeing a few of these but like most Ramblers rarely.
Actually, as the author mentioned, the Marlin came from the Tarpon( had a fish thing going there), and beat them all, designed in 1963. It had the front of the American and the back of these. Initially generated a lot of fanfare at the 1964 auto shows, but the production models with the Classic front end fell short. Ironically, it was said, they should have kept the American front.
Interesting comment about the Marlin looking a lot like the Dodge Charger that followed it.
It reminded me about how Elvis looked a lot like his later impersonators.
The Marlin for 1967 was based on an Ambassador chassis.
The ’67 Marlin was a beautiful car.
What do you do with a fish out of water? You “cook it”. Always thought the best thing to do with a Marlin was to melt it down and start over.
As a fan of AMC products, I really feel for this car. Howard A is clearly no fan. And I admit these always looked ‘awkward’, but the one Rex shared the link to looks super nice. But with that one sitting at about $24K, what does the future hold for this one? Unfortunately it’s most likely going to be a parts car, unless there is someone out there that LOVES these. As I get older some designs grow on me a little, and I’ve always been a fan of underdogs.
You are green, I’ll say that. If you think I’m no fan of AMC, you are quite mistaken about me. I grew up in Milwaukee, that makes me the best AMC fan there is.
Ended by seller due to “error in listing”
Ended:
Dec 06, 2023 18:10:28 PST
lots of memories in one of these, as a pre-teen staying with my grandparents on their farm. Riding to to little store on the dirt road [yes this was still a thing in 70’s WV, lol] Got a lot of time on an 8n Ford tractor too
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I for one really like these marlins, I remember watching them being assembled coming down the line in Brampton. ( Yes, Brampton, Ontario ).
I was wondering if this one has the unique “split” shifters ?
Gotta love the comment in the ad that it “Was a running car.”.
So are all those rusty wrecks with no engine or transmission.
Another swing and a miss, by the gang that couldn’t shoot straight, over at AMC.