1964 Rambler American

1964 Rambler American 440 Convertible

For consignment, a 1964 Rambler American 440 convertible showing 31,372 miles which are not actual. This is a low ownership car that according to our consignor was sold by the original owner in 2015. The first truly new American was the 1964 model. It was a larger, roomier car built on a 106 inch wheelbase. To save on tooling and manufacturing costs, the new body shared many stampings and other components with American Motors new for 1963 Classic and Ambassador.

Exterior
Simple, basic, and classic are the lines of the Rambler. Its one of those cars that could easily represent car in an encyclopedia, (remember those?). Vintage Burgundy covers the flat panels nicely, accented by a front spear that crosses the hinge gap and onto the door. Inset round headlights bookend a straight vertical grille and the straight theme continues with the front bumper, oval markers embedded. That oval shape returns as tail lights, perfectly trimmed in chrome, flanking even rows of trim that mimic the grille in front, a popular design cue in the 60s. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels with deep set trim rings enhance this, the highest horsepower version of the 64 American while up top, the white canvas top and its plastic window are in great shape. Same could be said for the metalwork and paint on the car which is near show quality. But of course, no car is perfect and on this one we find a ding, some curdled paint, orange peel, and some chips.

Interior
Taupe angular accent lines enhance the red vinyl door panels with body colored header and kick panel, both doors showing some patina but are intact. The colors repeat on the vinyl seats which are based in chrome shells with robust push buttons for moving the seat. The back bench is a twin of the front in design and material and rear passengers are afforded an ashtray and window roller on each side. The steering wheel holds a horn ring on the lower half and the rim is wrapped in an aftermarket but matching vinyl cover. While the dash is typical 60s with metal trim and knobs, the speedometer display is unique as the numbers expand as they widen, as if exploding from the bottom in a design we rarely see. Ovals are used on the dash, around the instrument cluster, around the AM radio, and around the trio of vents, just above an air conditioning system our consignor states does not blow cold. Red loop carpet and low pile mats on top show a touch of patina but entirely presentable, while the trunk has an extra large mat and an original looking wheel cover on the spare.

Drivetrain
A striking Lancelot Turquoise engine greets you as the hood opens and its a 196ci inline six cylinder rated at 138 horsepower, fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and set into motion by a Flash-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. Power goes to the rear axle and 3.31 gears while drum brakes occupy all four corners.

Undercarriage
More simplicity is found underneath, not overladen with components, just the essentials. Kind of typical patina underneath, minimal surface rust, and only a drop or two of red on the transmission pan. The single exhaust is colored by surface rust, but the stock style muffler and small tailpipe are not. Coil spring suspension is found up front while leaf springs are in the rear. This underside would be a great introductory model for Shop Class 101.

Drive-Ability
The inline six comes to life and we send this little drop top out onto the test loop where it delivers fine performance as one would expect for a commuter car, a comfortable cabin, and a completely analog experience. The top is powered and thats about the extent of luxury on this simple car. Fewer functions mean fewer faults and everything, other than the A/C unit, works as expected. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

The 1964 Rambler American series were available in 220, 330, and 440 trim levels. Prices started at $1,964 and climbed to $2,346 for the convertible. Total production of the 1964 Rambler American was 160,321 and just 8,907 of them were convertible. Heres a nicely sorted 440 with clean lines, a nice interior, and thoughts of baseball and apple pies are conjured up when you lay eyes on this aptly named American. Pick this one up and start counting the oval easter eggs found throughout!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!