Ford broke new ground in the 1950s with its Thunderbird. Many consider this to be the first “personal luxury car.” By the 1960s, other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon, with AMC developing the Rambler Marlin as its halo offering. This 1965 Marlin is a tidy classic featuring a rebuilt V8 under the hood. Its condition is excellent for a survivor, and the only thing it seems to need is a new home. It is listed here on Craigslist in Niles, Michigan. You can secure your slice of luxury by handing the seller $18,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J.for spotting this beauty.
The buying public received a preview of what to expect from the 1965 Marlin when the company displayed its Rambler Tarpon concept car at the 1964 Chicago Motor Show. Perhaps its defining features are the tapering roofline and narrow trunk opening. Our feature car wears a combination of Antigua Red and Classic Black paint, mimicking that found gracing the panels of the 1964 concept. The paint holds a healthy shine, and the vehicle’s overall condition would be considered an above-average driver. There are no glaring faults or defects and no evidence of rust. The seller states that around 70% of the paint is original, and any touch-ups are a perfect color match. The glass is flawless, and the chrome shines well for an unrestored classic from this era.
When we delve below the surface of this Marlin, we discover that it isn’t 100% original. The owner performed some mechanical and interior changes, which are reversible for those seeking factory specifications. The engine bay houses a freshly-rebuilt numbers-matching 327ci V8. The rebuild included a mild camshaft upgrade, which should see it producing more than its original 270hp. That power is fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed Flash-O-Matic transmission, making it capable of turning a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. The seller added correctly installed Bendix 4-spot calipers, replacing the rear brakes at the same time. With the power steering pump and the front end rebuilt, they say it runs and drives as well as it did when new.
The Marlin’s luxury credentials become evident when we examine its interior. The front bucket seats wear new covers to match the rear, while the remaining trimmed surfaces are immaculate. The dash and pad show no evidence of deterioration, and the same is true of the wheel and console. The factory AM/FM radio occupies its rightful place in the dash, but reversible changes are designed to improve comfort and reliability. The seller mounted an aftermarket Bluetooth stereo under the dash, and additional gauges monitor the engine’s health. Anyone seeking a tidy driver should give the interior a tick of approval, while purists will face few challenges in achieving a factory appearance.
As AMC strode into the mid-1960s, it did so with confidence in its step. The company had achieved excellent sales results in the early part of the decade with its smaller models, placing it in a position where it could challenge the bigger players in the large and luxury car segments. The bold 1965 Rambler Marlin reflected that new-found confidence, with the company finding 10,327 for its new model. However, that figure was well short of the Thunderbird’s 74,972 vehicles. That a company capable of creating and producing a stunning car like the Marlin could be on its financial knees a decade later is one of the automotive world’s greatest tragedies. Today, 1965 Marlins aren’t thick on the ground, but good examples sell for between $15,000 and $20,000. This one sits right in the middle, and its overall condition and fresh engine justify the price. Would you like to give it a new home?
See? Whole different story than the other one with no motor. This will be gone, not because it was Ramblers swan song, as most buyers today were just a twinkle in their parents eyes and know nothing about the car. Its unusual styling and the fact it’s ready to go, should be an easy sell. The red and black was common, and for a “wow” factor anywhere you go, doesn’t get much better than this. I wonder if the next owner knows the wonders of vacuum wipers,,,
Not supposed to be in a hurry in the rain, just slow and steady. These aren’t bad looking cars just looked older than what was on the market at the time. Or maybe the customer base for Rambler was older and this was too radical. If it was a twin stick would bump it up a notch.
Good ol’ vacuum wipers, they quit when you need them the most. I say, it made you a better driver. For the record, many cars with vacuum wipers had dual-action fuel pumps, that helped create vacuum. Our 1950 Packard had that, and helped considerably. The problem was, Rambler, unlike a car like Packard, was offered as a “cheap” car, and a dual-action fuel pump would be extra. Not sure the Marlin had that feature. I noticed the one with no motor had electric wipers. Someone might know, I think 1966 was the 1st year AMC offered electric wipers, and the last car to have them was the 1971 Gremlin, I believe.
EV wipers. Who woulda guessed?
My 65 Rambler Marlin has a factory electric wipers.
This is a very nice Marlin.Will sell well.
Very nice indeed. I’d love to know where parts for the non-servo rear drum brakes were sourced – though maybe they’ve been replaced with a conventional Bendix setup.
AMC always had an affinity for the ugly. But, these are rare and so weird looking, that it’ll sell quick.
This same car is on eBay as a no reserve auction. Starting bid is $15,000.00. No bids yet. Someone could get a good deal.
These don’t get the love they deserve. That 327 will fly (my neighbor had one when I was in my teens and drove it a few times).
Best viewed from side/rear.
Yes, they were ugly. Yes, they were bulbous. Yes, they were pregnant Rambler Classics. Yes, they were unpopular. Yes, I WANT IT!
Long live AMC!
Interesting that the engine was painted to closely match the exterior color of the car.
Rambler 327 was painted Rampart Red from the factory.
I’m thinking it should have been a metallic teal for Rambler engines at this time.
Always thought these were ugly, looking at it now I know why I thought they were ugly,cause they were
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I think it’s so very important that we get all these personal likes and dislikes about styling here.
The neighbor’s 65 (same colors) that I prev. mentioned was pretty advanced for a 1965 car. Dual master cylinder disc brakes. And the 327 4bbl made the car seem lite; when you stomped on it, it flew!
The Charger had a coronet grille, albeit hidden headlights, as the Marlin had the Classic FE. The rear design was the best aspect, hence photos in ads were from the side/rear. The Marlin was one of Rambler’s best style designs.
Drive one to the cruise night car show and watch the crowds show up; you’ll be the only Marlin there!
Saw one first the first time in person at a recent swap meet. They look better in person than in pictures.
When our 6th grade class to a tour to Victoria,British Columbia,
I bought a die cast model (Corgi?) in the same colors.
I also worked on a ’65 in high school auto shop.I was surprised
to see that it came with disc brakes.
After spending big bucks for a new body, AMC chin zed on the front end – that Classic front end really hurt the looks of this car. I have a ’66 and it was no better; they finally gave it a new front end in ’67 but by then it was too late. My ’66 is one of 4,500+ built, so you don’t meet yourself coming and going!
True the FE was a Classic and it did get a lot of criticism. Had they put on hidden headlights (ala Charger) it might have had a different outcome.
The lowest production 67 was the most balanced on the Ambassador chassis and FE. Love to own one!
The art teacher in my high school drove one as his daily driver in the late 70s. It was red with white trim and in very nice shape . In CT. we have about a ten year life expectancy for most cars, and his Marlin was the only one I’d ever seen.
Owned one exactly the swme when living in new jersey in 69. Had to sell it before returning to UK. Best car I ever owned