Between 1961 and 1966, the Classic was the “bread and butter car” of American Motors, sandwiched between the compact American and luxury Ambassador. The cars received a major facelift in 1965, making them more similar in size to cars like the Chevy Chevelle they were trying to compete with. This ’65 Classic 770 was the top-of-the-line model without stepping up to the Ambassador. It looks to have been sitting in the dirt and leaves for some time, though the seller says the body is solid. Located in Titusville, Florida, this AMC project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,400. Another Kenosha tip from Rex Kahrs!
AMC referred to these cars as the “Sensible Spectaculars” in 1965 in an effort to shed the company’s image as strictly a small and econobox car company. The Classic wore all-new sheet metal except for the doors and roof and was offered in 550, 660, and 770 trim levels. A 232-cubic-inch inline-6 was standard in the 770, with 287- and 327-cubic-inch V8s optional. The 1966 Classic would largely be a carryover from 1965, and the name was retired for 1967, becoming the resurrected Rebel instead.
The amount of grime and mildew on this white ’66 Classic suggests it hasn’t moved in a long time. Likely having four flat tires, it’s sitting chassis-deep in leaves and pine needles, which, given Florida’s humidity, retain a lot of moisture in the Summer months. So, we hope the undercarriage hasn’t succumbed to corrosion. It wasn’t loaded with options, with the 232 I-6 still able to turn over “fine” per the seller, and it has an automatic transmission.
After being on the market for a month, the seller has cut the price by $100. Would-be buyers aren’t likely flocking in large numbers for a 4-door, non-running Rambler that needs a makeover of the interior as well as a clean-up of the exterior. If you rule out a restoration, maybe this car would serve as a good donor for another project. Is there an AMC fan out there who will save it?
Why?
Because it doesn’t hurt to at least try.
He cut the price by $100? I’ll give him $100 and haul it away. These cars turned out to be a disaster for AMC. They were, in fact, good cars but there was so much competition that AMC didn’t sell nearly enough to even break even. They lost money big time.
My first car in 1974.
Clone it and put on 22″ rims!
On 22s wouldn’t it be a clown?
She done got that go fast air cleaner on her?
That poor thing is really roached out! If it’s not rusty then maybe something can be done with it but even if you got this for free you’d be upside-down financially before you were done.
These were a very hard sell against the GM A-bodies back in the day for sure.