So, what's it look like going down the road? Take a look . . .
Note: The camera's microphone is real sensative - she's not really that loud. :)
Monday, September 29, 2008
More history and the inside story . . .
AMC held the sobriquet The Last Independent until it was swallowed by Chrysler. As an independent, small company doing battle with the Big Three it was amazing how often they pulled a golden rabbit out of an empty hat. AMC offered excellent quality at its price point and, looking at the catalogs, they offered an astounding selection of models, optional equipment and accessories. For the 1964 Rambler American, AMC offered 10 models in 5 body styles. There were 3 engines and 6 transmissions, 14 colors (11 new), and 42 two-tone color choices. For the interior: 220 models had one choice, 330s had 6 color choices, and the 440s had 8. All were available on 6 seating choices, in multiple vinyl and cloth options. Of course, air conditioning and power brakes and power steering were available. And, for a little added pizzazz, 4 colors were offered for the convertible top (black, white, gold, and turquoise). Once the big choices were made, you could go into a complete list of extras. Electric wipers, windshield washers, radio (2 choices), light groups, parking brake warning light, remote mirrors, etc, etc, etc. AMC also had the same extensive offerings on its other models. Is it any wonder that the wolf was always at the door?
This is the 440 interior in two color (burgundy/silver) standard vinyl. Breathable vinyl was an option.
No old car would be complete without a mystery. For 1964, there were 12 semi-gloss and 7 suede colors. My dash, and many others I've seen, is none of the above. It needs a refinish, but I've yet to track down the color. If anyone out there wants to help, please leave a comment.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
First, a little history . . .
Nash Kelvinator and Hudson Motors merged in 1954, becoming American Motors Corporation. For 1958, in a move of either sheer luck or enlightened genius, AMC resurrected the 1950 Nash Rambler, rebadged it as the Rambler American, and put it in their showrooms. To the amazement of all, the “bathtub” Americans sold quite well. For 1961, they put a new body on the ancient chassis and tried again. As before, the new “breadbox” Americans sold quite well. For 1964, the American was truly all new. The new American was based on a modified Rambler Classic chassis that was all new in 1963. The new Rambler American was shorter and narrower than the Classic and had a sporty new look designed by Richard Teague. The only misstep was that the narrowed engine bay was not wide enough for AMC’s eight cylinder power plant. Who would want a compact, sporty economy car with a big engine, anyway? Mustang answered that question mid-year and kicked the American’s butt. The 1964 restyle carried the American until 1969, when it was replace by the Hornet. It was the last car to carry the Rambler name.
Nash Kelvinator and Hudson Motors merged in 1954, becoming American Motors Corporation. For 1958, in a move of either sheer luck or enlightened genius, AMC resurrected the 1950 Nash Rambler, rebadged it as the Rambler American, and put it in their showrooms. To the amazement of all, the “bathtub” Americans sold quite well. For 1961, they put a new body on the ancient chassis and tried again. As before, the new “breadbox” Americans sold quite well. For 1964, the American was truly all new. The new American was based on a modified Rambler Classic chassis that was all new in 1963. The new Rambler American was shorter and narrower than the Classic and had a sporty new look designed by Richard Teague. The only misstep was that the narrowed engine bay was not wide enough for AMC’s eight cylinder power plant. Who would want a compact, sporty economy car with a big engine, anyway? Mustang answered that question mid-year and kicked the American’s butt. The 1964 restyle carried the American until 1969, when it was replace by the Hornet. It was the last car to carry the Rambler name.
My history with Rambler Americans goes back to 1968 when I acquired my first one; a 1960. While in the Army, my parents lent it out to a cousin and I never saw it again. In the Army, I had a 1962 while stationed in Georgia. It was sold and left behind. Columbia, SC saw me in another 1962 long about 19eighty-something. It died from old age and lack of resussitation funds.
This one brings me back into the Rambler fold for the first time in many years. I opted for a 1964 to get the sporty look and modern underpinnings. These are random pictures taken over the last year in the DC area. 
If you are looking for navigation, cruise control, or power anything - you're in the wrong car. Even the steering and brakes are muscle operated. I also have vacuum windshield wiper - talk about intermitant! To be honest, the radio has been converted to AM/FM, the iPod connection is in the glove box, the amp in tucked away in the trunk, and I have four new speakers hidden front and back. I love the basic nature or the car, but I'm not about to give up my music.This is one of the reasons you buy a car like this. My partner (that's his '65 Mercedes 230SL) had pretty much turned into couch potatoes. We now belong to the Straight Eights Car Club and have a good reason to get out of the house a couple of times a month.
We also make it out to a few shows - just for fun. This one is in Rockville, MD.
Even in a crowd, the Rambler stands out.
This was my first time around the block in my new Rambler. It's just keeps getting better and better. One of the first things I bought was a cover for it. The Rambler hasn't sat still long enough to put in on. The cover is still in its box.
We also make it out to a few shows - just for fun. This one is in Rockville, MD.
Even in a crowd, the Rambler stands out.
This was my first time around the block in my new Rambler. It's just keeps getting better and better. One of the first things I bought was a cover for it. The Rambler hasn't sat still long enough to put in on. The cover is still in its box.
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