AMC remained true to its roots when it released the Third Generation Rambler American. The result was an affordable compact car that was comfortable but allowed scope for aspirational buyers to secure something more upmarket. The range-topping offering in 1965 was the 440H, and this is an excellent example. It presents exceptionally well and features the most powerful engine in the armory. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the American here on Craigslist in Camelot Hills, California. They set their price at $10,900 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting this fantastic survivor.
The Third Generation Rambler American was an entirely new design, which was probably necessary because its predecessor was little more than a heavily restyled version of the car it replaced. Almost every dimension increased, except for overall height. Buyers could choose from five body styles, but only the 440 could be ordered with the stylish Hardtop. Our feature 440H appears to be an original survivor, carrying the hallmarks of a car that was always treated respectfully. Its Frost White paint holds a pleasing shine, and with no mention or evidence of repairs or restoration, it may be original. There are no visible flaws or defects, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. AMC was an industry leader in corrosion protection, making the lack of rust in this classic unsurprising. The trim looks exceptional for a vehicle of this vintage, and the glass is crystal clear.
The Third Generation Rambler American was in its second production year in 1965, and styling changes performed by the company were relatively minor. However, it was one of the most significant moments in the company’s history as it introduced its new 232ci straight-six to the Rambler range. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the ancient flathead it replaced, boosting power and torque from 90hp and 160 ft/lbs to 155hp and 222 ft/lbs. Drivers felt the improvement under their right foot. Not only could the new six show the old one a clean pair of heels in outright acceleration by a comfortable margin, but the new motor produced a 12% increase in top speed over an equivalent vehicle with the flathead under the hood. The original owner teamed this 232 with a three-speed Flash-O-Matic transmission, producing a car that should be relaxing to drive. The seller supplies no information about how it runs or drives, but their decision to use the word “good” to describe the car’s overall condition suggests the news should be positive.
If this Rambler is a genuine survivor, its interior condition is extremely impressive. It is dominated by several shades of Red, and the only item deserving minor criticism is the carpet. It is slightly worn and marked, but it is acceptable for a vehicle of this type. The cloth and vinyl seatcovers are protected by clear slipcovers and show no wear or stains. The remaining vinyl is equally impressive, and there are no visible issues with the dash or pad. You would never mistake it for a Cadillac, although the bright trim and factory AM radio add a touch of class.
If this 1965 Rambler American 440H is all the seller claims, it is genuinely special. The company produced 112,883 examples of the American across all body styles and model designations in 1965, but only 8,164 buyers selected the 440H. This one appears to be a survivor, and its condition is impressive if that is true. The seller’s price looks competitive against recent successful sales, and their willingness to consider offers increases the temptation. That makes this classic worth a closer look.
This is simply fascinating. It’s hard to believe the SC has anything in common with this car. The 440H was the top of the line, a base car was $400 more( $2371) than a regular American, ( under $2 grand) but options pushed it over $3grand, I’m sure. I believe the motor to replace the flathead was the 196 OHV, and the American was the last to offer a flathead in ’65. I had a car just like this, as a beater while my MGB was not used in winter, another $100 car destined for the crusher,, had a decent heater, like all “Weather Eye” heaters dating back to Nash days, and yes, the seats did recline, not that a loser with the ladies like me ever used them, but like most older Ramblers, it loved oil. Their anti-corrosive claims were unfounded, many cases only galvanized paint was used, everything but the painted panels rusted and the only way one survived was in a warm climate, it’s an outstanding find.
This would make a nice, inexpensive entry into to old car hobby for someone. It’s not something you see at every show, and, properly maintained and stored, it’s unlikely to gain or lose much value over time.
I had one just like it in medium blue, twin stick and I loved the overdrive. Threw a rod on my way to school in the dead of winter. I knew I should’ve checked the oil. I walked a couple blocks after school got back in it without a drop of oil, started and drove it until it seized, almost made it home. I opened the hood and the upper half of the engine was glowing red!🤣
Beautiful Ranbler
My aunt had one of these in the early
80s. Hers had a 3 on the floor stick
shift with bucket seats. It was also
2 toned with a white top over a color I
can’t recall right now. It would be the last car she’d ever buy as she passed
away a few years later. What amazed me about her car was the lack of any
serious rust. For a Midwest car, that
was unheard of especially on a Rambler! I think, if memory serves,
you could also get a ragtop in this line
too. Almost bought one for $450 in
1976 and man, did it look sharp! The
only thing I never liked was the torque
tube drive these cars had through ’67.
Nice car though.
It was only the larger models (Classic, Ambassador) that had torque-tube drive. The American used leaf springs and open driveline.
My late grand pa was a true rambler guy back when I was a child. 4 different ones over the years. I later owned one and liked the 232. It tapped a little bit but was a great little motor
The wheel covers do not appear to be high line item. I haven’t checked my AMC history book yet, but I will see if bigger caps were standard or available. Other than that, Teague designed a good looking car. It was
certainly an improvement over its predecessor. This is an extremely nice survivor.
You’re right. The “deluxe” caps that came on a 440 were full cover and had the stylized “R” in the center. This was the year Kenosha Auto Transport pulled a fast one on my Dad and sold him six damaged in transit cars- all two door Americans – that were originally bound for Hawaii. The heater was optional on all models, I think, and these were with radio and without Weather-Eye. Lost our asses on that one as they were all shipped to Manila. Coeur d’Alene is not known for mild winters.
Of all the vehicles listed today this is the one i’d like to own.It would fit in just right here in the 55 + community
Big Red, you and I , this car is the cats ass, especially in the old folks community. This is the time, I wish I had deep pockets, instead of good looks and a great personality.
With the physical attributes that you have become a male stripper for awhile then buy the car.
If it weren’t so clean, it would be begging for a scrambler
conversion!
I think it is over priced, $5,000.00 is the most I would pay for this car. I just can’t understand why people keep allowing the price of cars to be kept artificially high, think how many cars are in the world today, it’s like what is done with diamonds, there are so many diamonds that are stored away if all of them were released into the marketplace the copper in pennies would be worth more, it’s the same with cars except cars will eventually rust away.
With respect… your diamond analogy doesn’t fit this. Ya, there are lots of diamonds, but there are not a lot of Rambler Americans this clean… In todays market, $11k for a turn-key, special interest ride is a bargain. If I was in the market I’d write the check in a heartbeat… The phrase “Where you gonna find another one” applies here…
When I was a kid… before my driving years… there was a string of Ramblers that went thru our driveway… Dads and older brothers… couple wagons and a sedan… all Americans. Plain jane, simple and cheap. I wish they still made cars this simple.
You could put a set of spark plugs in that 232 in about 15 minutes.
Ha… I was the annoying little brother that pestered his older brother with a zillion questions while he was putting a new head gasket in his ’61 American wagon… Rambler flat 6… side valve. An image of the engine missing its head is for whatever reason burned in my head. Looked like an old Briggs and Stratton mower engine except with 6 cylinders and 12 valves. Job was done in our parents driveway, in a single afternoon… no money for any machine work back then… replace the gasket and cross your fingers.
I know it would be sacrilegious to do anything but drive this, but OH BOY what a sleeper you could make out of this!
I had a twin to this many years ago but with the twin-stick. Loved it even though it drank oil. Sold it to a friend and told him to watch the oil level. He failed and killed it. What I found odd is that unlike almost every other car made, the front and rear bumpers interchange. What a great cost-saving idea for Rambler at the time.
Shop for a bumper and have 2xs the choice. That’s right brilliant!
This car is affordable for those AMC aficionados who are the ones who could really appreciate this car. Nice styling which looks like AMC was trying to imitate the look of Chevys back then.
Blu, You don’t think ,I didn’t think of that? Not ,much demand for elderly male strippers. It was not even a kind No Thanks. But, something must have been really funny, because they couldn’t control their laughter as I was leaving.
Talked to owner today, car is from Indiana originally and it was going to be turned into a small block 4 speed Rogue but then they found a Rogue so they are selling it. It sounds like a really solid original car.
As little kids, we always got a kick out of how AMC dropped the trailing “0” from the MPH numbers on the speedometer!