The Rambler Classic was American Motors’ mid-size car between 1961 and 1966. After a major redesign in 1963 that earned it Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” Award, the Classic (and Ambassador) got a serious facelift in 1965/66. Few of these cars were convertibles (less than 5,000 in ’65 and 1,800 in ’66), meaning it would be hard to find one today in any condition. But the seller did and this ’65 770 has been stored for 13 years yet runs now after some work. Located in Clayton, North Carolina, this AMC is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. Barn Finder Chuck Foster rounded up this nice tip for us!
AMC’s Classic gained some size in 1965 to be more like the flood of intermediates that hit the market in 1964, led by the new Chevrolet Chevelle. The wheelbase remained the same with a little more sheet metal fore and aft. Steps were taken to distance the Classic from the Ambassador, which were the same car except for trim differences in 1963/64. The Classic 770 gained a drop-top for the first time, the fanciest Classic you could buy.
We’re told this Rambler was stored indoors for more than a dozen years. If so, it looks good with just a few paint chips and some early bubbling on the rear quarter panels. The interior seems okay and may only need a thorough cleaning. The seller says the convertible top is okay, but we only see it in the down position. Said seller has replaced the tires and gas tank, so it can be driven though more is needed.
Under the hood is AMC’s basic 287 cubic inch V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission. These parts seem to function well, but the buyer needs to find and install a new muffler and tinker with some of the electrical stuff to make the turn signals and brake lights work again. This seems like a solid find that has more minor problems than ones that are serious. How many of these 60-year-old droptops could be left?
If it looks as good in person, this is a no brainer! I have had a couple of this era AMC’s over the years and they were great drivers.
I owned a ’66 Ambassador 880 four-door. It was one of the most comfortable, fun to drive cars ever.
I have a 66. Rusty, but runs
I have a 66. Rusty, but runs
My grandfather had an old 66 Rambler and it had a normal size 24 battery but that battery in this one is really weird looking
For 8 grand I might try to get it for around 5 grand. It does need some electrical problems taken care of and some minor mechanical work, but overall it appears to be a nice car. The 287 with automatic is quite dull yet it will get it rolling along the lanes while listening to your favorite tunes. Mine happen to be the sounds of the exhaust notes after replacing the ( muffler) entire system with straight pipes and glass packs, old school for me. It has new tires so that’s a plus. With this car you can erase the summertime blues with a happy song.
God Bless America
It’s on a hoist; raise it for a look underneath
I had a 63 rambler 550 4 door I drove thru high school. I wanted something more sporty, had my eye on a 65 impalia ss, red with all the whistles. My dad would not hear of it…said insurance would kill me if the car did not first! That old rambler was built like a tank..and kept on putting through high school..guys kind of made fun of it until they say the front seats would lay back to the back seat..all of a sudden they wanted to borrow it for their dates….those were the days my friend, wish they never ended…lol
How many left, not sure, but I have one driver convertible like this except with the 3 speed manual and straight six. It just keeps a running, torque is good for a six. Seems to get more looks at the local cars shows as it ages.