In the mid-1960s, American Motors was trying to establish itself as something other than an econobox car company. One of its breakout models was the 1966 Rogue, introduced mid-year. Based on the American 440 2-door hardtop, it may have been targeting buyers of the hot new Ford Mustang. 1,700 special editions were built before the car became a full-fledged model through the end of the American’s run in 1969. This ’66 Rogue is one of those special editions and looks to be quite original and well-kept. Located in Lansing, North Carolina, this Rambler is available here on eBay for $24,995 OBO.
Assuming the Mustang was the Rogue’s initial target, all of the special edition models came with AMC’s new 290 cubic inch V8, which wasn’t available company-wide until 1967. And the cars had bucket seats (with buddy) and a console, so other than being a bit boxier than the Mustang, what was there not to love? Two color schemes were offered: black over yellow, like on the seller’s car, or black over gold. This car has an automatic transmission, but a 4-speed manual was the other choice. No “3-on-the-tree” here!
The owner is selling this AMC because of advancing age and reduced driving time. The odometer shows 58,000 miles, which the seller thinks is correct. The car’s AM radio works fine, but he installed a stereo under the dash, and the speakers are held on with magnets, so no cut-up panels. A gauge package was added, including a tachometer. The Rogue has front disc brakes, but I don’t know if they were a Rogue option in 1966.
We’re told there is no rust on this machine, and the two-tone paint looks good. No mention is made of any corrosion repairs or resprays. Hurst wheels with redline radial tires were added to enhance the car’s “muscle” appearance (if there was one). If you’re an AMC fan, this looks like a good one and an example that is seldom seen 60 years later. Kudos for the cool tip, Hans H!
Now that’s a cool car! Here’s one that a guy I know has,
& it’s a 4 speed.
Look up the Bill Kraft Rambler
So after these came in 1969 Rambler Scramble red/white and blue or other color set up. I knew a guy that had one love that hood. We used to kid around and tell him .. Hey is that a mail box slot on the hood!! 🤣 It was a 390 4 speed and yes it was fast. Today he still has it. These cars are cool and fun to have. Simple to fix and fun to drive. AMC was always late to the muscle party!! But they made some wicked fast cars. This ride would be fun to own. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
Nicely equipped Rambler! I’m impressed at how many of these cars on Barn Finds have electric windshield wipers. Back in the day I hardly ever saw that and it was generally assumed you’d be dealing with vacuum wipers in a Rambler. This one looks to be in great condition but the ask on it is eye-watering.
The 290 V8 is a good match for these cars. Years ago a friend owned a ’66 Rambler American wagon with that engine and it was a hoot to drive.
Every Rambler American V-8 came with electric wipers. Even my ’68 AMX 390, 4-speed, Go-Pack has vacuum wipers.
I like this one a lot, but the fact that it has been for sale for what seems like forever kinda speaks to the asking price.
When I attended the AMC Reunion like 40 years ago( cough), 2014(?) there was a guy also named Howard from Ohio, that had a blue ’67 Rogue with a 343( with 3forty3 license plates) and a factory 4 speed, and he claimed it was the rarest of all “Americans”. They were fun cars, but I think a bit much for the type of car it was intended. This is a great find.
To That AMC Guy, I think the reason so many of these cars have electric wipers now, is because that was the 1st thing to update for safety. They, like bias-ply tires, manual steering and column shift, are things most folks today will never deal with, and for good reason. Vacuum wipers get a bad rap, but when vacuum came from dual action fuel pumps, and not engine vacuum, they actually worked okay. Our Packard had a dual action fuel pump and vacuum wipers, and the wipers didn’t stop on acceleration.
My 47 Lincoln coupe has a vacuum tank under the right fender .No problem with those wipers.
If I remember, Rambler used dual action fuel pumps. The Packard had a vacuum “can” under the dash too. The problem was they had only one speed, and useless in a heavy downpour.
25 grand for a rambler seems a bit pricey. It does appear to be in rather nice condition though and how many are left. There are lots of other cars that one can buy for $25,000 that are just as nice and just as rare. Well, this car was introduced, it was just a fancy rambler, and nothing else. Tornado was introduced in 1966, and for 25 grand you could buy a fantastic example of that which is three times the car does rambler ever thought of being. But if you just had to have a rambler, this does seem to be nice.
Poor comparison. Totally different vehicles with different purposes. I love your earliest hulk compared to an economy car. Different tastes back then and now.
Love these. Very sedate, but watch the tail lights leave you at a stop light!
A friend of mine had a 67 new until just a few years ago. 343 4 speed. sold it just a couple of years ago to a club friend do to advancing age and medical problems. There is a video we took of it on youtuube.
A good looking car that’s seldom seen….