The Classic was American Motors’ mid-size entry in the mid-1960s. Problem was that the 1963-64 redesign brought forth a car with proportions more like a compact. So, a restyle in 1965-66 resulted in a growth spurt, putting it on an even footing with the likes of the Chevrolet Chevelle. The seller has a nice-looking ’66 4-door sedan (770 series?) that’s described as a project, which may just be mechanical. Located next to a wall in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this not-so-rambling Rambler is available here on craigslist for $4,000 OBO.
After a rework in 1965, the 1966 Classics were little changed. It would be the last year for the nameplate, as AMC would resurrect the Rebel moniker for the car in 1967. The body, paint, and interior on this car look decent, and a good cleaning may go a long way. Other than a cracked dash pad, the passenger compartment is more than passable. The odometer reads 26,000 miles, which surely implies it’s on its second time around.
The seller provides zero information about the car. For example, what engine and transmission does it have? Classics came standard with a 232 cubic inch V8, and the upgraded V8 would measure out at 287 CI. This automobile could have either. And the pedal configuration looks like there is no clutch, but the seller says it’s a manual (“3-on-the-tree”?).
We’re told the title is “salvage,” so does that mean the car was abandoned, and that’s how the seller worked things out with the DMV? While the asking price may be fair, I would push the seller for more details before making a deposit or planning an inspection. In the end, are four doors too many to attempt a revival? Bravo to Chuck Foster for another Kenosha tip!
The downside, the car doesn’t have a strong following, it’s a project with unspecified problems and has a salvage title, the plus side is the sellers seems negotiable.
Steve R
I’m pretty sure that, Gremlins aside, the Venn diagram between “AMC People” and “Four-Door People” was and is a circle completely inside another bigger circle.
My first car. I don’t miss it.
I had one as well Was a tank! Survived everything except driving in through a river! Shorted the coil midstream. Got it running again and apparently it ingested some river water into the transmission as it like to puke fluid on occasion after!
I had one as well Was a tank! Survived everything except driving in through a river! Shorted the coil midstream. Got it running again and apparently it ingested some river water into the transmission as it like to puke fluid on occasion after!
No under hood pictures and not enough info. Looks like a three on the tree but has no clutch pedal and has a shifter on the floor too.
This is a fun mystery for me, here on a cold damp day after 80 degrees just yesterday. The good thing about Craigslist over Facebook ads is that I can make the photos bigger on the big screen. Yes, it appears to have no clutch in the dark floor photo. I think there may be an indicator on steering column for an automatic. But it does look like a floor shift for manual trans, or could it be incomplete with manual trans but no clutch? Or is it a floor shift for automatic? The seats look okay and exterior okay with faded paint. Will need a new gas tank and what else? Lots of unknowns. Salvage title. Can it become a regular title in some states and what does it mean if it remains salvage? Derek of Vice Grip Garage is not too far away in TN. A good “will it run and drive home” video for him?
In Ohio a salvage title vehicle cannot be driven. A salvage title vehicle can be inspected by the DMV, and if it passes muster will be issued a rebuilt title. A rebuilt title can the be licensed.
Thanks for that info. An inspected vehicle that old might then be eligible for antique tags and less costly insurance. Derek would need to inspect and come up with a reasonable price. Not sure he would be interested but this looks better than many he has resurrected.
Love the chariot racer hubcaps to cut your competitor’s spokes.
Not too many doors.. ( it’s a Rambler), but too many zeros. And I love all things AMC, Nash, Hudson, etc… just not this.
Two Too Many Gear Selectors does not mean the seller can charge double!
lose the wheels find a state for a good title and cruise it
Can we please, please, please stop saying “too many doors”? The phrase may as well say, “if you like 4 doors you’re an idiot”.