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Presidential Aspirations: 1964 AMC Rambler

Sometimes when you are looking at a vehicle as either an entry into the world of classic cars or to extend your existing collection, there are going to be those moments where you have to weigh up how much value provenance adds to the overall value of a car. This 1964 AMC Rambler Classic is just such a car. Located in Hazel Park, Michigan and advertised here on Craigslist, this example comes with a clean title and an asking price of  $15,000. Whether the history is worth the price of admission will be up to each of you to decide. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our ever vigilant Barn Finds reader Michael for bringing this car to our attention.

The seller describes this Rambler as a true survivor car which sports its original paint. The body looks nice and solid with no issues to report. The seller provides photos of the underside of the car that looks to be really clean and rust-free. If the claim of the original paint is correct then it is in remarkable condition for its age. Part of that may revolve around this car’s history.

As you can see from this shot the owner has given us a pretty clear shot of the floor and there doesn’t appear to be any issues there either. This photo is a fair reflection of what the seller shows us of the underside of the car: It appears to be solid with no visual issues.

The history of this car is interesting, and the owner claims that it is all documented. This car once counted among its owners former AMC President and Michigan Governor George Romney. This little Rambler also spent some time in the possession of the Walter P Chrysler Museum. I’m not sure exactly where this fits into the time-frame on this car, but it was also utilized during the Presidential Campaign of Mitt Romney. In this shot, it is our featured car that is sitting proudly on stage with the Presidential hopeful.

Moving focus back onto the car itself, the interior looks to be in pretty fair condition for the age. The seats and interior trim look good with just a small amount of stretch evident in the driver’s seat cushion. The only significant issues that I can see are that it appears that the floor mat is torn near the gas pedal as the sound deadening material is visible there, and there is some quite noticeable wear on the rim of the steering wheel.

The engine bay looks quite tidy for a car of this age. but it is by no means perfect. The seller claims that the car has traveled 62,000 miles, so I guess that it shouldn’t look pristine. I really have to make the assumption that when it was displayed in the museum they were using it as a time capsule reflecting its life and use rather than as a concourse example. My biggest negative on this car is that the seller has placed a strong emphasis on the provenance of the car (which I guess is understandable) and given us little to no information on the operational condition of the car.

So, exactly how do you value a car like this? Placing a fair market value based on the information provided is really difficult. Searching around the internet reveals that Ramblers in similar cosmetic condition will average around $7,000. The main difference between those and our feature car is that we have some idea of the mechanical condition of those, but we have no real indication on this one. Assuming that this one is mechanically sound, that begs the question: Does the documented history of this car make it worth twice the price of a normal Rambler?

Comments

  1. Avatar Oldog4tz

    Romney stepped down from AMC in 1961 I believe, and was elected governor in 1962. So I wonder when he owned this 550 with a 6 and 3 on the tree. Just sayin

    Like 4
    • Avatar That AMC Guy

      From what I’ve read, George Romney continued to drive AMC products after he left the company out of a sense of loyalty. This model was developed on Romney’s watch and was the cornerstone of his shared-platform program which was designed to minimize tooling costs.

      Nice car but the price is outrageous even given the provenance. Probably it should be in a museum.

      Like 5
  2. Avatar Howard A Member

    Big deal, this the hoakiest excuse yet to ask this kind of money, what’s wrong with these people? Don’t get me wrong, love the car, and it’s nice, but 62K miles, Mitt had nothing to do with that. Bigshot Mitt Romney driving the most base Rambler you could get? Mmm-hmm,,,

    Like 7
    • Avatar AMCFAN

      Howard you obviously didn’t read very well. It says the seller has an ASKING price of $15,000.

      What that means by anyone’s definition is that someone can ask what ever they want for an item. Out of respect to someone truly interested is to contact the owner talk and if it checks out to your liking pay them or make an offer……instead if insinuating someone is crazy.

      I like the car and it’s quirky history. It is the car on stage with Mitt. It is a clean example. Not a huge ask for something as nice.

      As far as a base model it is true George could have had what ever he wanted. No better choice for him to have a base model as it is the principal he built American Motors on. No matter what model even the base it provided great value.

      Even-though he left the company he was still involved one way or another maybe not publicly. He was still an AMC guy. An interview published in 1979 George said he was still driving an AMC. (Concord).

      Like 5
      • Avatar Howard A Member

        George, Mitt, whatever, it’s too much money for a car like this that will have limited use. I enjoy your comments, but the hobby has gotten so out of whack with 5 figure prices for basic cars, that yes, it’s crazy and if you have $15,000 to spend on a car like this, sorry, but you’re not helping the situation. It eliminates the very people who would enjoy something like this. I was a family man when I rebuilt my 1950 Packard. It wasn’t something, as a family man, I couldn stick a lot of money into. I can’t imagine a young family having this kind of money to stick into a hobby today.

        Like 6
    • Avatar ramblergarage

      It was his father’s car not his.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Beatnik Bedouin

    I’ll keep out of the politics and only say that it’s a shame the car didn’t come from the factory with a 327 under the hood. These Kenosha Kadillaks were surprisingly quick, thus equipped.

    Agree that it’s waaaaaayyyyyy overpriced.

    Like 6
    • Avatar That AMC Guy

      You’re right about that. I had a ’64 Ambassador with 327 4-barrel and that thing was a real sleeper.

      From what I understand Romney had an economical mindset (common amongst people who lived through the Great Depression and the war) and would have seen a high-trim, V8 equipped model for his own use as ostentatious and wasteful.

      Like 7
      • Avatar dweezilaz

        Granny’s 60 Ambassador wagon had that engine as well and it would take your head off when she kicked in the 4 barrels.

        She used to burn rubber out of our driveway just to entertain her grand kids.

        Like 2
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    nice car and way too much moolah. Drive as is or commit blasphemy and put an AMC v8 into it with a 4 speed. Friend of mine did this with a 65 and its one cute little sleeper.

    Hope someone can get it for a reasonable price and enjoy it.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar RICHARD TRUESDELL

    Those are the photos I took (and posted several times here when 1963-1964 Rambler Classics and Ambassadors get posted on Barn Finds) for stories that appeared in Motor Trend Classic

    https://www.motortrend.com/news/driving-george-romney-1964-rambler-classic-550/

    and my own website, Automotive Traveler.

    https://automotivetraveler.com/magazine/viewer.php?path=2013/02/Romney_Rambler

    Any car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. But having seen the car up close and personal when I shot it back in 2013, if any bare-bones original 1964 Classic 550 is worth this kind of money (I’ve spoken to the current owner the last time he listed the car about nine months ago and the listing is already deleted), it’s this car.

    If you want to know the backstory on this car, click on either of the links above.

    I’ve commented many times that I think that the 1963-1964 Rambler Classics and Ambassadors are the almost perfect cars for their era. And if you compare both the dimensions and performance of these cars with a Fintail Mercedes-Benz from the same era, in the comparison they come off quite favorably.

    FYI, six years ago when the car sold, the price was $13,400.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Adam Clarke Staff

      Thanks so much for that Richard. I really appreciate reader contributions. They can open up a story about a particular car into whole new areas and help us all to understand the significance of each car.

      Like 2
  6. Avatar Michael

    I have a comment….Adam Clarke seems to be a writing machine. Love the Rambler.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Adam Clarke Staff

      Thanks for that Michael. I’ve found a calling where I can combine my love of writing with my love/passion/obsession with cars. I’ll keep doing it while they keep letting me.

      Like 6
  7. Avatar DarylK

    Had one of these in college 50 years ago. It was a 1964 Model 440 with a V-8, but I don’t recall it being a 327. It was comfortable enough for a 2000 mile road trip from central California to Vancouver Canada. The car was prone to vapor lock in hot weather. I had to replace the fuel pump on that trip myself, and that was a first, with borrowed tools. At other times I learned to rebuild the carb, more than once. No a/c but the ventilation through the cowl was really effective in cooling the interior. Fond memories. However, there is no way one of these is worth was this seller wants as far as I’m concerned and I like the car.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar douglas

    In the days before the internet a friend of mine was down on his luck and needed a car. I found one of these in autotrader (remember the days we couldn’t wait for the new issue to find a hidden treasure?) for 1600 bucks. It was my first foray into low mileage old cars. This was in 1989, the car was 25 years old and had less than 40k on the odometer, near perfect interior but needed paint from lack of care. Well optioned, with AC! We looked at it and he said he would never own a car where the front and rear bumper interchanged. LOL.. I was restoring a 68 chevelle ss396 convertible at the time and needed a car to learn how to paint. So I offered 800. bucks and the guy took it. I painted it and drove it around for about a year, cool car. The only issue was the distributor. Every couple of days I had to take the cap off and clean it for the car to start. Changed the cap a few times but the issue never resolved.

    Like 1
    • Avatar 990V8

      Distributor cap getting oily, had that problem on the 327 in my 63 Ambo when I bought it in 2016. Someone had messed with the pcv and the crankcase was pressurising, the oil came up the dizzy shaft. New pcv cured it.
      The 63 is a very nice cruiser with a good ride and plenty of power and excellent rust-free build quality.
      Whether this one is worth the money depends whether the ex-head of a forgotten manufacturer has any cachet with you. As time goes by fewer people will think so.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar AMCFAN

    Howard, This isn’t just a basic Rambler. The only thing out of whack about the hobby is that THIS little car isn’t worth more.What would someone ask for say a Lee Iaccoca personal Chrysler? More then a standard issue correct? As you see the Rambler does have an impressive back story. If you understand the basis of the company and respect the man behind it. Like all vehicles posted on here it isn’t for everyone.

    Some other points. A vintage Rambler is a great car for anyone with a family or someone on a budget starting a car hobby. They are one of the most affordable of any American car. Price points are available for any budget. Mechanical and nos parts are available.Sorry though, no GM like 800 build a car catalogs but many in the AMC hobby there to help.

    But be realistic here. Someone with a family isn’t going to be able to pony up for Romney’s personal ride. I would be surprised if anyone in their 20’s or 30’s would know who George Romney is. This is for a discerning buyer who has the funds and appreciation.

    To purchase this car for the price isn’t any different then buying any other limited use vehicle. I have a close friend who bought a new Harley for $30K. No thanks I would rather take this Rambler.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Howard A Member

      With all due respect, we sure don’t see eye to eye here. Families aren’t going to buy $30K dollar Harley’s either, so that’s an unfair comparison. As far as I’m concerned, there’s a fine line between the “discerning buyer” and a spoiled brat that doesn’t know what to do with their money. I’m not impressed with the back story at all, and in my opinion, and others, apparently, it doesn’t add $10K dollars in value.

      Like 3
      • Avatar Richard Truesdell

        Howard, you’re right, we don’t see eye to eye on this.

        A car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, In this case, the right buyer hasn’t stepped up to the plate and pay what the seller will accept to part with it.

        This is a special car, with low-mileage, exceptional documentation, and great overall condition. It can be driven anywhere from a local Cars and Coffee (where it will likely be the only Rambler/AMC car in a sea of Tri-Fives or 1960s Chevelles) or across the country.

        All that being said, no one really cares about your opinion, other than yourself, perhaps.

        Like 5
      • Avatar GP Member

        I Think more people really care and respect Howard’s opinion’s on Barn Find’s then yours Richard. That car is not worth more because who sat in the seat. And if that’s low mileage, My 1965 has 27,000 on it.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Richard Truesdell

        GP, I guess you’re right. I’ve only seen, photographed, and driven the car, you and Howard haven’t. Unless the car has deteriorated substantially from when I drove the car, I’d rather have this time capsule than some comparable six-cylinder Chevelle from the same era.

        I usually don’t get into the back and forth here as it’s never worth my time. I have a connection to this car and now hope that its next owner will appreciate the car for what it is and just how much of a visionary George Romney was when he took the helm at American Motors in 1954. The 1963 Rambler Classics and Ambassadors were the last cars developed on Romney’s watch. Their design was locked in when he departed AMC to run for Governor of Michigan.

        Like 1
      • Avatar AMCFAN

        Howard are you talking about families working at McDonalds? Not sure I understand. I work at a manufacturing facility with about 1500 employees……people who have family.

        Some spend it quicker then they can make it. That’s what makes the world go around. It’s called commerce….the American Way. So yeah, surprise! People with families do buy $30K Harleys and $50K pickup trucks I view it daily.

        Indecently when this Rambler was posted on ebay several years ago I was the backup bidder. I believe the owner who has it now was the winner. So I was ready to shell out $13K then…..doesn’t make me a spoiled brat no more then it does to the guy who out bid me.

        Like 2
      • Avatar Howard A Member

        Look, I want to get along with everybody, we all love cars. Richard is right, this banter is pointless, and I don’t have to drive or see the car, I did the 1st time these cars were around in the 70’s, I know what it is. From now on, I will refrain from comments on the price. Clearly, it angry’s up the blood, and derails the thread, which I see by the amended rules,( although, it still doesn’t exclude opinions,,yet) we really shouldn’t. One last thing, however, if I may, I grew up in Milwaukee, and Ramblers were all around me. Sadly, at these prices, many people ( that may have $5,000 to spend) won’t get to experience these great cars.

        Like 2
  10. Avatar Will Fox

    This car’s been for sale for the same asking price of $15K for a few years now, which tells me it garners more laughs than buyers. The fact that Romney owned it means nothing, but the seller thinks it does. OK, so it’s a clean base model `64; I’ve seen cleaner `64 Typhoon hardtops that were going for FAR less than this. Whoever’s selling this will have it for awhile longer I’m afraid. It’s not worth anywhere near the figure they want, but I guess that hasn’t sunk in with the seller yet.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar Wingunder

    My folks bought a new 63’ Ambassador wagon, 327, pushbutton tranny. That thing would fly. My mother loved to race kids with it….with us kids on board! If I had done (got caught) something like that, I would have been grounded for life!!

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Wrong Way

    Original doesn’t always mean more money! This is priced way above any kind of market value for sure! Nice car? Sure but not that nice!

    Like 1
  13. Avatar AMCFAN

    Richard very well put. It’s sad the many do not know what they are looking and are quick to comment with their head in their ass,

    If it were a GM,Ford or Chrysler product there wouldn’t be such the uproar.

    Be damned for someone to own the former Chief Executive of American Motors personal car that is still in remarkable condition put it up for sale but ask several thousand over book to own the only one.

    I guess we should soon expect the world to come to an end.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Murray Member

    $15000 car. Couple grand down. $250 a month. I think lots of families could afford that. I made the choice of driving a 1998 Toyota 4Runner for a daily driver and financed a classic Mustang Vert. Best of both worlds. There are lots of Classic car finance companies out there. All these young families are driving late model used or new cars and paying big bucks for them. Choices and desires. We all did the same when we were younger….didn’t we?

    Like 0

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