Revived from the Nash Motors days (pre-AMC), the Rambler American debuted in 1958 at the beginning of the compact car revolution in the U.S. The Studebaker Lark soon joined it, and the race was on. The little car enjoyed a long run (through 1969) and was the last American Motors product branded as a Rambler. This 1965 iteration is a convertible, less than 4,000 built that year. It looks like a beauty with new paint and more. Located in Vancouver, Washington, this reliable ride is available here on craigslist for $17,900.
The final redesign of the American came in 1964, so the 1965 models were little changed. AMC was focusing on the Classic and Ambassador to compete on a better footing with the “Big 3”. There was no V8 available in the American at that time, so buyers got to choose between AMC’s flathead-six, which was in its last year, and the new 232 cubic inch inline-6. The seller doesn’t provide any close-up images of the engine compartment, so we’re not sure what’s in this ride.
We don’t know the history of this little Rambler, but a restoration of sorts has been done. We don’t know about the undercarriage or the car’s mechanics, but the paint, upholstery, and convertible top are all new. The overall mileage is said to be 69,000 miles, so it’s likely the motor and automatic transmission are original.
This car is probably an American 440, which is the only way a small convertible would have been equipped. It has bucket seats with a padded divider, so it could function as a bench and accommodate three passengers up front, in a pinch. If you’re looking for a drop-top for the Summer and want one that’s easy on gas, could this Rambler address your needs? Our thanks again to “Curvette” for turning up unusual tips like this one.
Nice looking car, I think they did a great job with the seats. Not to crazy about the paint color, but they probably went with the original. This one looks to have an OHV red valve cover, so it isn’t the old flathead. I like the way AMC kept costs down by using the same bumper for both front and rear. I don’t think I have ever seen one that isn’t bent in the middle. I had a ’69 American and I remember mine being pushed in. I don’t know if it will bring the full price but it looks good.
It’s definitely not the old flathead. Probably a 232 given the high trim level, but the old 195.6 OHV engine was also still available in 1965. The ’65 American would have that older OHV engine with air conditioning. Due to the longer 232 six-cylinder engine and short nose of the car there was no room for an AC condenser until the American’s 1966 update.
Strangely, for 1965 – their last year of production – the flathead and OHV 195.6 engines finally received full-flow oil filters. Previously, except for the aluminum version, a partial-flow filter (originally optional) fed by external piping was employed. Kind of bizarre since those engines were clearly on their way out and were discontinued the following year.