Motor Trend’s Car of the Year honors went to the all-new Rambler Classic in 1963, the first new cars that AMC had developed since 1956. The 1964 editions, like this one, were little changed, and IMO were more attractive with their flat rather than concave grilles. This Classic is said to be unrestored and in generally good shape, but it’s far from perfect. A minimal amount of work could turn this nice running vehicle into a super nice car. It resides in Plymouth, Michigan and is available here on eBay for $7,200 (or make an offer). Thanks, Larry D, for coming through on this tip!
The Classic nameplate was only used for six model years, 1961-66. It was a mid-size car that replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 names. As AMC began retiring the Rambler name, the Rebel came back in 1967 to replace the Classic. During the first half of the 1960s, the Classic would be the independent automaker’s high-volume model. There were three trim variants offered on the 1963-64 Classics: 550 (bare bones; good for taxicabs and fleet use), 660 (a bit more civilized) and the 770 (the nicest Rambler you could buy shy of the Ambassador, which shared the same wheelbase and body parts).
As an AMC fan, I follow their cars online and have noticed this same ’64 Classic on eBay on several occasions and wonder why it hasn’t sold. The price might be the reason, but when they pop up for sale, they all seem to be in a similar price range. The white over rose color combination looks quite nice, but it’s had a partial repaint at some paint as the front fender paint doesn’t exactly match the doors. There’s also a bit of rust in the wheel wells and the right rear rocker panel. And you’ll note a little bump on the driver’s side up by the front bumper.
The burgundy interior, while not perfect, is quite attractive. The car has what the seller says is a rare bucket seat and console combination and the colors work well with the exterior hues. Overall, the car looks to have been well-maintained and likely kept indoors. While we’re told the car has a new exhaust, it left the factory without power steering or brakes, which is perhaps not a big loss as I owned one of these cars with power steering and I never quite felt I knew where the front wheels were.
These cars incorporated several engineering innovations, which may be why the Classic got on Motor Trend’s radar screen. This includes curved side glass, which was uncommon back then in this price range. AMC also combined separate parts in the unibody construction into single stampings. One cited example was that the “uniside” door surround was made from a single steel stamping, which replaced 52 separate parts and reduced weight and assembly costs. This led to increased structural rigidity and resulted in a better fitting of the doors.
The seller’s 1964 Classic comes with a good-running 287 cubic inch V8, capable of 198 horsepower, paired with a “Flash-O-Matic” automatic transmission. 79,000 is the reported mileage on the Rambler. Out of 206,300 Classics built for 1964, 11,900 of them were 770 2-door hardtops with V8 power. That means they weren’t uncommon back in the day but are today. Most of the Classics that turn up for sale now are the more plentiful 4-door sedans.
A nice looking car with possibilities. The price seems reasonable though body work and rust repair along with a re-paint will be needed to bring this Rambler up to the next level. The red bucket seat/console interior, a V8 and the fact that it’s a two door hardtop have a lot of appeal and the exterior colors are very attractive. Probably well worth the money.
Well ….. Now I’m in the mood for a Black Raspberry ice cream cone. Ha Ha Ha
The first thing I’d do is buy a new spare!
Good catch!!
Hey Russ, I have a 1965 classic 550 and it does not have a taxi light on the roof. I didn’t buy it from a fleet either. I did find it in a garage a few years ago and it was there around 30 years. It had 25,800 miles on it. It now has about a 1000 more. It was bought new about 8 miles away and still had original tires. No rust ever, but a couple of small dents. Same outside color with black and white inside.
Chrysler Australia produced a 770 Charger ten years later. A luxury model,
at least some E55 360V8.
Though in overall nice condition and well optioned, it seems to be all its money. This is its second to around at this price, so far with no takers, even with the owner showing he’s willing to take offers.
Steve R
I had a Rambler of this era and condition, when they considered worth less than worthless. The car was so nice, I gave 2K for it ,which was a bunch to a car no one wanted. I really wish I had done more with it and kept it longer. If I could I would redeem my mis step and buy this car. I think it is a and could be a very COOL ride.j
There was also the Typhoon model in 1964, an example of which I own.
Black & yellow 2 dr hts. Attractive combo on a specialty model, but all the Typhoons were 6 cyl.
The problem is it has very few followers. Asking big money for a car that has little attraction. Just cause it is old doesn’t make it valuable. 4500 tops my best guess
There is quite a bit of difference in the paint colors between the right front fender and the rest of that side. In fact, it appears the hood matches the fender too. Hmmmmmm.
An Earl Schieb special, perhaps?
My dad had this car with an all white exterior and a teal interior, bucket seats and console, V8 stick shift, really good looking and nice driving car.
I like it,but would only offer around $4500 as another suggested, I would drive it as is,but eventually paint it,probably maroon,with the burgundy interior, o think it would pop,and I could see a set of 5 crater as wheels,and white letter tires,maybe some headers,and a cam,its not a big money, sought after car,I would make it how I like it,but of course save all the original parts.
I think he meant Cragar.
Had a girlfriend who loved to take her dad’s car (identical to this one) and she picked me up and proceeded to a desolate area and asked me if I knew why she loved this car.
When I said no, she jumped over to the passenger side and said “these (reclining) Seats. Was quite the surprise!
I had some respect for those cars after that experience.
Thanks Kathy!
For the years offering – these were good looking cars in my opinion – maybe down on drivetrain expect that V/8 was a good one.