We can show our love for our country in many ways, and the seller has taken a patriotic approach with this 1962 Rambler Classic’s paint combination. A complete color change included applying the beloved Stars and Stripes to the roof, ensuring this Rambler stands out in a crowd. It is a turnkey proposition with only a few cosmetic needs, allowing the buyer to personalize this ride further. Barn Finder Gary deserves full credit for spotting the Rambler listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Port Norris, New Jersey, for $5,000.
AMC introduced its Second Generation Rambler range in 1961, with its latest offering featuring crisper styling than its predecessor. This generation was physically smaller than the car it replaced, but more efficient packaging delivered increased cargo and interior space. The company made virtually no cosmetic changes in 1962, preferring not to reinvent the wheel. A closer look at the listing images confirms this Classic has undergone a color change, with evidence of its original Elmhurst Green in some areas. However, the seller appears to have done most of the hard work, with this current Blue extending into the door frames and other locations. It is unclear whether they tackled the engine bay, because there are no images in the listing. The paint holds a healthy shine, and the panels are straight. I see no evidence of rust, and the trim and glass look excellent. I believe that the flag, stripes, and stars might be vinyl decals, allowing the new owner to remove them if they aren’t a fan of the patriotic look.
The lack of engine bay images is disappointing, but the listing text provides enough information to confirm the Rambler’s mechanical specifications. The seller describes the motor as a 195ci powerplant, although I think they probably mean the Classic’s standard 196ci OHV six, which delivered a factory-quoted 127hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque. The three-speed “Flash-O-Matic” transmission sends power to the rear wheels, providing a relaxed driving experience. It all sounds pretty conventional, and with new tires, a rebuilt carburetor, and a recent tune-up, the seller confirms that the Rambler is a turnkey proposition. The car currently runs on a five-gallon fuel cell, probably mounted in the trunk. However, I see no reason why the buyer couldn’t source and install a standard tank to free up some valuable cargo space. Otherwise, this beauty has no apparent mechanical needs.
This Rambler’s interior is a mixed bag, featuring a new front seatcover in Black vinyl. The back seat is an unknown quantity, and with the headliner and sail panels finished in the original Green, the same might be true of the seat. It is also missing its door trims, and some painted surfaces retain the car’s factory Elmhurst Green. This is where the buyer could personalize this Classic by sourcing the parts needed to complete the interior and refinishing the painted surfaces. The headliner and sail panels might be remarkably easy to address, because there are some excellent penetrating vinyl dyes on the market that would make a color change easy and affordable. Whipping the interior into shape might cost a few dollars if the back seatcover and door trims require replacement. Still, a competent enthusiast could complete the work at home as a productive, rewarding winter project.
I acknowledge that this 1962 Rambler Classic won’t appeal to everyone, but its appearance is undeniably unique. I believe that the stripes and flag might be decals, allowing the buyer to remove them for a more conventional appearance. However, it shows patriotism, which is why some readers would probably leave the exterior untouched and focus on applying finishing touches to the interior. Would you take this approach with this affordable Rambler, or would the decals have to go?
Weeeeeell, I love the car, the graphics, um, I don’t know, perhaps a bullseye for disgruntled types? We don’t really need to see the motor, would be nice, but cars like this never made it to 131K, so it’s the real deal. Did a nice paint job, unsure about the floor shift, the push button at the time, was the epitome of modern. Pretty clean for any trunnion issues, but never know. My grandfathers ’61 looked very similar when those trunnions failed. I wonder if they’d trade for a Jeep? I’d love to have this, but I’d lose the flag. The late great John Prine sang, “and your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore”. Great find.
Talk about a trip down memory lane. Grandpa had a mostly green four door. The drivers side was green and brown as Grandpa always enjoyed a pinch of Copenhagen between his cheek and gum. He took me on many a fishing trip in that car. I believe I had the worlds best Grandparents.
“Fuel cell in the trunk” means no gas gauge, and only five gallons capacity, if in the trunk maybe a rubber fuel line all the way to the engine? Probably a marine tank. I think the odds are against you trying to find a good original fuel tank for this thing, but if the old one is present but leaky there are companies that can renew them. I guess some kind of more or less presentable door cards can be made if originals can’t be found, which is likely.
And what’s up with that crazy floor shifter? The pushbutton transmission is one of the major cool factors on these. Looks like it has a modern radio installed as well in place of the original AM unit. Some under hood and underneath photos would be appreciated, the latter especially since NJ is in the salt belt. I’ve seen some that looked great up top but were disaster areas underneath.