This 1963 Rambler Classic 550 Station Wagon is an extremely tidy but unassuming looking vehicle. However, it is the automotive equivalent of Clark Kent. All the driver needs to do is to bury the right foot, and the Wagon would be instantly transformed into Superman. This is because this Classic has received an engine upgrade, with a Chevy small-block now in residence under the hood. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this great Rambler to us. It is located in Los Molinos, California, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set an asking price of $7,500 for this classic, er…Classic.
The Rambler is quite simply a very tidy looking vehicle. The panels appear to be arrow-straight, while the Bahama Blue paint has a nice consistency and shine to it. There are no signs of any rust issues, and the owner doesn’t make any mention of any rust that might be hiding below the surface. The glass looks clean and free of any noticeable scratches or marks. Being the entry-level offering in the Classic range, the 550 didn’t offer buyers much in the way of external ornamentation or chrome, but what it did offer in this area was subtle and carefully placed to maximize visual appeal within a strict budget. The exterior trim does shine beautifully, and the chrome roof rack is a very classy touch.
Lifting the hood of the Rambler marks the first indication that this is a bit more than your regular and unassuming Classic 550 Wagon. In 1963, the largest engine in the range was the 287ci V8, producing a very respectable 198hp. Whether that is what this vehicle was equipped with originally is largely irrelevant. Whatever was there has been consigned to the pages of history, and we now find a 350ci Chevrolet V8 in its place. It isn’t clear just what sort of power this produces, but I’m pretty sure that it would be significantly more than 198hp. If the rest of the drivetrain had remained unchanged, there would be a real possibility that reliability would have been compromised, particularly if anyone was in the least bit brutal with the right foot. With this in mind, the original transmission has made way for a 4-speed 700R4 automatic transmission, while a ’97 Ford Ranger rear end feeds the power to the road. Spent gases exit through a 2″ Magnaflow exhaust, while new tires, new brakes, and a full set of new bushes in the front end should ensure that the Rambler steers and stops the way that it is supposed to. I have to say that I am disappointed with the presentation of the engine bay, especially considering both the state of the rest of the Wagon, and also because it is what is happening under the hood that is essentially the focal point of what makes the vehicle so special. Still, some cleaning products and a pressure cleaner should make a world of difference. The owner does state that the Rambler runs very well, and with the mechanical combination that has been fitted to the vehicle, servicing and parts availability shouldn’t be an issue.
The Wagon’s interior condition continues the neat-and-tidy theme and would seem to need little to make it really shine. The seats appear to have received new covers with cloth inserts, but the remaining trim looks to be original. It is all in nice condition, as is the original and unmolested dash. There is some noticeable wear and chipping on the steering wheel, but I think that it could be restored okay. The photos aren’t that clear on this, but it looks like the carpet might be showing some wear and fading. If this is the case, then the next owner is spoiled for choice, because there are plenty of companies that can supply full carpet sets for under $250.
I think that I like this Rambler Classic Wagon because it is such a subtle car. There are no exterior indications as to what this actually is, and I suspect that it would have something of a “Jekyll and Hyde” personality. Driven normally, it would be a sedate and practical family wagon. However, poke it with a stick and I suspect that it could be a very different story. I quite like that visual, and I’d also like to see the looks on people’s faces when they got their first peek under the hood. That alone would be worth the price of admission.
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