Model year 1965 produced so many attractive cars, that some say it was one of Detroit’s best and brightest years ever. I mean, the entire Pontiac line won Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” award. Even at underdog American Motors, 1965 saw an attractive redesign of its Classic model with new sheetmetal except for the roof, doors, and windshield. They were also trying to distance themselves from their “economy car” image by not only introducing new, smart styling, but also more powerful engines, snazzier interiors, and options to give these Ramblers a little bit of sportiness. Although Rambler didn’t offer big, full-sized station wagons like The Big Three, their Classic Cross Country wagon was similar in size to the intermediate Chevelle, Fairlane, Dart, and Valiant. Here’s a solid-looking 1965 Rambler Classic Cross Country Wagon that’s always been a southwest car and even has a V8 under the hood. It’s located in San Tan Valley, Arizona, and is for sale here on craigslist for $10,000. Thanks, Jack M., for spotting this red Rambler wagon and sending it our way.
I can’t recall seeing many red station wagons growing up in the 60’s, but I’m liking the Antigua Red paint job on this Rambler wagon. I’m not spotting any rust and its seller (who is 85 years old and “desires to sell the wagon at the firm price listed”) claims the car has had “no body putty or accidents.” The glass, chrome, trim, and badging all look good and I like the way the dog dish hubcaps look on the red rims. I also like the shiny “Aunt Edna Roof Rack” atop this Cross Country which Rambler described as “standard on all 1965 Classic Station Wagon models, spectacular in appearance, and provides extra carrying capacity.”
The smart-looking red interior on this Cross Country looks to be in very good condition. The striped fabric on the front and rear seats aren’t showing major wear and tear, and the door panels look great as does the red carpet, steering wheel, and instrument panel. It’s equipped with power steering and an automatic transmission.
A Torque Command six-cylinder engine was standard on the Cross Country, but two V8 engine options (a 287-cubic-inch or a 327-cubic inch) were also available. This one left the factory with a V8, but the seller isn’t specific whether it’s the 287 or 327. The seller does say that “It runs and drives like a new 1965 Rambler and with no leaks.” 90,472 miles are on the clock and based on the wagon’s overall condition, I’m guessing they’re the original miles. I’m also guessing that since there aren’t signs of this wagon being left outside to bake in the sizzling southwest sun, this Rambler has spent more time in a garage than driving across the Lower 48 in the last sixty years. You just don’t see many ’65 Rambler Classics at car shows these days, especially Cross Country Station Wagons. Here’s a chance to buy something unique and rare (as well as practical). So, what do you think of this solid red Rambler wagon?
This was one lucky Rambambler. While its comrades coming off the line were destined to a life of cold, salt and rust, this was loaded on a train, ( or driven?) to sunny AZ. and never looked back. It’s the only way any of these survived. As mentioned, red cars just were not popular, due, in part, to their relation to fire depts. Maybe a retired fire chief ordered this car and split to AZ. but for the most part, no red cars. I never thought a ’65 Rambler wagon would ever go for $10gs, welcome to the 20s, huh. Very nice find.
My Dad was a gifted mechanic and also a Rambler fan (thus us). We had a new one in ’59, ’62, & 1964. Nice dependable cars. I was once (mid ’60s) in a junk yard scrounging parts for my Chevy and the yard owner told me he bought all kinds of cars except for Ramblers. Nobody ever needs parts for them. :-) Terry J
One of my 2 best friends Dad had a white copy of this car. We treated it like a 4 wheel drive truck loading it up all summer & fall with logs from the woods to split into firewood for 3 households. What a tough old beast. It’s life ended when his Dad driving drunk demolished the front end.
One of my 2 best friends Dad had a white copy of this car. We treated it like a 4 wheel drive truck loading it up all summer & fall with logs from the woods to split into firewood for 3 households. What a tough old beast. It’s life ended when his Dad driving drunk demolished the front end.
In high school twin brothers in my class had one of these that was a teal metallic and they had a set of Mickey Thompson N-50s on Fenton five spokes on the rear and still had the hubcaps on the front. Air shocks got the clearance needed for the big meats. Funny thing is I had the set up on my 65 American Rambler before them
Blu, if I remember correctly. These have a panhard rod rear suspension. So by lifting the rear end. You would lose tire sidewall clearance one one side and gain clearance on the other.
Driving south on the Kennedy expressway into Chicago one morning. I thought I was seeing things until I got closer. A ’61 Impala jacked way up in the back had lost/broken/removed his rear panhard rod. He was whipping in and out of lanes and must have been used to the way it handled. Because he would swing one way and the left rear tire would be out from under the car with a good 10-12 ” gap. Then he would swing the other way and you would get the same gap on the other side. It made me sea sick just to watch it.
They must have removed it because it was all jacked up in rear looked funny as hell. My 65 American had air shocks on it and was not altered and was all jacked up as well.
This is a beauty! I really like this car, and as a die-hard wagon lover, I sure hope this machine finds a very good home. I had a very hard time passing on that ’63 Dart wagon (very hard, almost had to handcuff myself to the table legs!), but this one is almost as tempting. Sad there’s no AC attached to that V8. Growing up, our neighbour had a very similar 770 wagon, white with blue interior. I rode in it many times, a very nice car even compared to my parents’ ’60 Plymouth Suburban wagon. So this beauty brings back memories!
Pastor Ron, My pastor growing up had one of these. There are aftermarket A/C systems for these. So buy it and install A/C.
I’m sure the “Vintage Air” would have something for you. PLUS! The newer style compressors eat less horsepower than the original.
Come on! Cut it out!! Don’t make me get out the cuffs again!!! Seriously, problem is, since I retired and downsized my living space, I only have room to keep one inside. Right now, the only thing I would absolutely spring for (trading off my Newport Custom) would be a turnkey ’74-’77 Town & Country.
We ordered the same Wagon in a different color in 1965, went with my Father to take Delivery. Remember how much fun it was to pull the plastic off the seats and take her home. Six Cylinder – 770 – Classic in Two Tone. Great Car.
sweet ride. needs some type of rally wheel to make it pop. # seems fair enough
I actually think (and I know it wasn’t an option) But I think the Kelsey Hayes 500s like you see on Fords and Chryslers would go very well as far as wheel styles go.
The roof rack was standard on Classic wagons. It was intended to disguise the dip in the roofline that allowed the wagons to share key tooling with the sedans.
I actually think (and I know it wasn’t an option) But I think the Kelsey Hayes 500s like you see on Fords and Chryslers would go very well as far as wheel styles go.
I worked with a lady at an antique store who had a twin ( except color ) for this beauty. Her son took the Rambler emblems on the hood and re aranged them to say Mable . Of course that was her name !!!!!
I live in Phoenix AZ ,I might have to go to San Tan valley Tomorrow! Love this car!
Nice long roof. Midsize back then, full size now. Mid sixties when styling was a little more subtle. The v-8 is just right for building a simple sleeper that can get out of its own way. Not much of a fan of red but it catches the eye.
Nice Rambler. Reasonably priced too from the look of it.
My first car! Though mine was brown and had a 6-cylinder engine. If the engine in this one is the original color it would be the 327, the 287 would be blue. That engine gives the car some scat but is very heavy so be prepared for lots of understeer.
This car has torque tube drive and with the V8 comes a dual U-joint assembly on the driveshaft that is unobtainium. If that goes bad you’ll get a noticeable driveline vibration. The cure is to have a custom driveshaft made up with a conventional single U-joint like the 6 cylinder models. Quite a project due to the torque tube.
Hi, dad bought a rambler wagon all black st.6 3on tree. I remember going in w dad. It was a 59′. in 1960, we had it till 69′! the tailgate fell off while waiting for bus. Dad loved it, ran for ever!