On the heels of winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award in 1963 for the all-new Classics and Ambassadors, American Motors made few changes in 1964. The easiest way to tell the two years apart is the front grille (flat in ’64, concave in ’63). The seller’s 1964 edition is a Classic 770, the top-tier family car without stepping up to the Ambassador. This car was restored at least 10 years ago, but then went into hibernation and will need some work to be revived. Located on the back of a trailer in Langley, British Columbia, this sedan is available here on craigslist for $2,200 (USD or CDN?).
The 1963/64 Classics and Ambassadors (same wheelbase) were the first true new cars to come out of AMC since the mid-1950s (after the Nash/Hudson merger). The base engine in the ’64 Classic was a 196 cubic inch inline-6, which appears to be under the hood of the seller’s car. The Classic came in three trim levels, 550, 660, and 770, and given all the bling on this vehicle, it should be a 770.
These cars hit a soft spot for me as my parents owned a 1964 Ambassador 990, and my first car was also a 1964 Rambler, a Classic 770 station wagon. We’re told this 770 was restored some time back and has been sitting for the past 10 years. While the seller says the interior got wet and will need a good cleaning, that seems concerning. How/why did it get wet, and could the damage be greater than just dirt? (How about the carpets? Are the floors rusty now?) The passenger side door panel looks to have gotten warped.
No mention is made if the vehicle runs, and the engine compartment appears quite messy for a vehicle that was restored (even a decade ago). The paint and chrome look good, and there are no obvious signs of corrosion. The windows appear fogged up, possibly due to the wet interior (or rain before the pics were taken). A couple of the photos do show signs of mold on the steering column and wheel. Would you take a chance on this Rambler with the fold-down front seats? Another tip brought to us by “Curvette”.
Nice find! Again, an easy car to work on for a novice enthusiast or an old fogey looking to rekindle. Depending upon the source of the wet, of course…
I used to own the station wagon version, a 1964 Classic 770, with the same engine and transmission. Acceleration is leisurely, to say the least. (Better with manual transmission.)
The reason for dampness inside this car may be due to the heater core air intake rusting out.
These (1963-1966 Classic, Ambassador, Marlin) have a design defect where water pools in the plenum after rainstorms. After many years this can result in rust-through and water dumping inside the car on the passenger floor. This also rusts the floor. (Metal patch panels for the heater core area are available at amcrambler.com.) It’s a common problem, especially on cars stored outside.
Great Strap Tie Downs !!!!!!!
I hope they did not tow this vehicle on a public road. I would not even buy a vehicle from someone like that.
My parents 1st new car, the 550 base model. It only had the heater and automatic I think it had carpet too! Identical color without the white top. They were married for 16 years before they got this new car.
ok its got to many doors but this would still be a fun one to get back on the road. have to see if the seller can drag it across the border for you