1963 AMC Rambler American

The American Motors Corp. (AMC) was formed in 1954 when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merged. They found success during the 1950s and early 1960s with their compact cars filling a niche market avoided by the 'Big Three' (Chrysler, Ford, and GM). The American model was introduced just after the economic recession of 1957, and its well-timed arrival resulted in a plethora of sales and boosted AMC's market share within the industry. The company's top-of-the-line full-size model was the Ambassador, whose origin dates back to the early 1930s.

With its diverse lineup of models, particularly favoring the uncontested compact-car market, AMC was one of the only U.S-based automakers to realize an increase in sales during the recession years of the late-1950s. As the market favored the inexpensive, smaller car market, automakers responded with new compacts of their own.

Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth introduced new compact models in 1960, and more competitors arrived a year later from Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, and Dodge. AMC's intermediate model for 1961 was called the Rambler Classic, joined by an updated Rambler American series with a convertible and four-door station wagon. Adding additional depth to the line, both the American and Classic series was offered in three trim levels called the Deluxe, Super, and Custom.

In 1962, the 117-inch wheelbase of the Ambassador was downsized, now measuring the same 108-inches as the Classic, with the two lines distinguished via the level of trim and upholstery. The 250 cubic-inch V8 engine option was removed from the Classic line, and the 'Super' trim level was replaced by the '400' designation. Both the Classic and the Ambassador gained a two-door sedan body style.

American Motors found success with their compact cars during the 1950s and early 1960s, but as the 'Big Three' began to encroach on their territory, American Motors launched a daring assault on the lucrative and fast-growing youth market with a series of exciting prototypes and show cars. As the 1960s progressed, AMC's reputation for conservative, stodgy and practical designs gave way to a new era of pony cars with taut bodylines, fastback rooflines, and potent powerplants.

The 1963 AMC Rambler American

AMC's styling Vice President Edmund E. Anderson restyled the Rambler American in 1961 and many of its design features would continue through 1963. It was three inches narrower and shorter in its exterior dimensions than the 1960 model, had the same 100-inch wheelbase, and its overall length measured 173.1 inches (a decrease of over five inches). The styling was more 'boxy' / 'squarer' with all-new sheet metal, but retained the side window frames as the previous models. Only the back glass was updated to accommodate the new roofline. The mechanical specification including the driveline, engine, and suspension remained unchanged.

American Motors achieved new sales records in 1962, reinforcing the company's belief that its product was exactly what the American public desired. As such, changes were minimal.

The 1963 Rambler American received new grilles and trim, and the '400' trim level was now dubbed the '440.' A new hardtop coupe, devoid of a B-pillar, was added to the 440 Line, and had a steel roof that was designed to resemble a closed convertible top. The 220 (previously 'Deluxe') line was the 'entry-level' trim, the 330 (previously 'Custom') line was the intermediate, and the 440 was the top-of-the-line on the Rambler American Series.

The grille continued to use the trapezoidal shape as the previous year but gained an insert with vertical bars. The Rambler lettering across the edge of the 1962 rear deck lid was removed and replaced by a logo nameplate mounted where the license plate had previously rested. The license plate bracket was relocated below the middle of the back bumper bar.

Mechanical updates to the 1963 Rambler American included a self-adjusting clutch for the semi-automatic 'E-Stick' transmission, improved heating and air conditioning systems, transistorized radio, dual-braking system improvements, and a redesigned power convertible top. An optional console-shifted 'Twin-Stick' manual overdrive transmission was introduced which had a bigger gap between second and third gears compared to the regular three-speed transmissions with overdrive. It was similar to a five-speed (1, 2, 2+Overdrive, 3, and 3+Overdrive) and had the kick-down button on top of the main shift-knob to facilitate five-speed shifting.

Both the 220 and 330 trim levels came standard with a 195.6 cubic-inch inline-6 cylinder engine with solid valve lifters, four main bearings, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, and 90 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. The 440 was also equipped with the 195.6 CID inline-6 but with higher compression (8.7:1 compared to 8.0:1) a Holley one-barrel carburetor, and 126 horsepower at 4,00 RPM. The American 440H used a Carter two-barrel carburetor and produced 138 horsepower at 4,600 RPM.

Standard equipment on the 220 line included an oil filter, air cleaner, front ashtray, turn signals, black tubeless tires, self-adjusting brakes, front foam cushion, dual sun visors, and black rubber floor mats. The wagons had black rubber cargo mats. The four-door sedan was priced at $1,895, the two-door sedan at $1,845, the two-door business sedan at $1,830, the two-door station wagon at $2,080, and the four-door wagon at $2,130. The most popular body style was two-door sedan with 27,780 examples built, followed by 14,419 of the four-door sedan, 4,436 of the four-door wagon, 3,312 of the two-door wagon, and 162 of the business sedan.

The list of standard equipment added to the 330 trim level included rear door armrests, rear ashtray, cigar lighter, automatic dome switches on front doors, and chrome horn ring. The station wagons had a travel rack and colored carpets. The four-door sedan was priced at $1,960, the two-door station wagon at $2,140, and the four-door wagon at $2,190. The sedan was the most popular with 9,666 examples built, followed by 6,848 of the four-door wagon, and 3,204 of the two-door wagon.

The 440 line had dual horns, two-tone steering wheel, vinyl pleated upholstery, padded instrument panel and visors, chrome front seat trim, metallic door panel insert, door scuff plate, trim and vinyl, a lockable glovebox, wheel discs, and a 45-amp battery. The 440 line had the most extensive list of body styles and was the only option for the convertible and the hardtop. The line had two hardtops, a two-door, six-passenger version priced at $2,135 and the 440H with seating for four and priced at $2,280. It had an edged-type roof, a contrast-finished side insert panel, and a special roof pillar badge. Although more expensive, the 400H was more popular than the hardtop, with 9,749 examples compared to 5,101 of the hardtop. The most exclusive body style was the two-door sedan, priced at $2,040, which had 1,486 examples built, followed closely by the 1,874 examples of the four-door station wagon ($2,320). A total of 4,750 examples were convertibles priced at $2,345. The four-door sedan was priced at $2,090 and 2,937 examples were built.

A total of 95,724 examples of the 1963 Rambler American were built. This represented a decrease from the previous year's total of 125,676 examples built. AMC had 434,788 calendar year sales in 1962 compared to 441,508 in 1963. Motor Trend magazine selected the 1963 Rambler line as their 'Car of the Year.'

AMC would give the Rambler American all-new styling for 1964 with rounder bodylines, tunneled headlights, a simple horizontal grille, and a larger 106-inch wheelbase. The ride was improved via coil springs at the front and softer leafs at the back. The 195.6 CID inline-6 remained under the bonnet and in 1964 it would gain recognition for its fuel-sipping nature in Mobil Economy Runs. Sales soared to over 160,000 units that year, setting new records for its sensibility, practicality, and usability.

The Rambler American would remain apart of the lineup through 1969 when it was replaced by a completely redesigned model dubbed the AMC Hornet.

by Dan Vaughan

440 Convertible

The original owner of the Rambler American 440 Convertible was the parts manager for Ephrata (Pennsylvania) Rambler Co., and he purchased this car new in November of 1962 from the dealership. It still retains all of its original paint and interior. The top was replaced once, and the motor was repainted years ago. This well-optioned car has power steering and a rare clock. The owners took this convertible on their honeymoon in Florida in the summer of 1963, and it was used as the family's transportation in the 1970s. The car was semi-retired in the early 1980s and has been displayed at shows for 40 years. The owner has kept every piece of documentation for the car, including the bill of sale, which he filled out himself.

by AMC

Introduced in 1950, the Nash Rambler was designed to be much smaller than other contemporary vehicles while still accommodating five passengers easily and comfortably. Produced by the Nash Motors division of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation for six years only, the Rambler was responsible for establishing a new segment in the automotive market. Widely considered to be the original modern American compact vehicle, the Nash Rambler was originally going to be called the Nash Diplomat. Dodge had already reserved the Diplomat name for a two-door hardtop body style, so the Rambler name was resurrected instead.

Introduced during the 1950 model year, the Nash Rambler was the entry model for the low-price segment that had been dominated by models from Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth. Riding on a 100' wheelbase, the new model was designed to be smaller in dimension and lighter in weight than the other popular cars of the time. Nash was able to save on materials in its productions, and owners would have better fuel economy by keeping the vehicle smaller. Producing 82 hp, the Rambler's power came from a 173 in³ L-head 6-cylinder engine.

The 'landau' was the designation for the up-market two-door convertible new Rambler. The Rambler attempted to gain a positive public image rather than being seen as an inexpensive little vehicle. The Nash Rambler was equipped with various features that included wheel covers, an electric clock, a pushbutton radio, and whitewall tires.

The Rambler was compact, and the design had a rounded form with an enveloping body that enclosed the front wheels. Fortunately, the design did not impair the vehicle's cornering abilities. The Nash Rambler kept the fixed roof structure above the vehicle's doors and rear side window frames, unlike the traditional convertible of that time period that used frame-free windows. The retractable canvas top used this metal structure as the side rails or guides. The body of the vehicle was considered to be rigid for an open-top vehicle, though this design did allow Nash to use its monocoque unibody construction on its new compact.

The Rambler line was enhanced to include the Country Club in 1951, a two-door station wagon, and a two-door hardtop. It wasn't until 1953 that the Nash Rambler received its first significant restyling, which included an all-new 'Airflyte' styling that the 'senior' Nash models had received the previous year. Also this year, a new two-door sedan was added to the lineup.

In 1954 the Cross Country was added to the line-up, which included a four-door station wagon and a four-door sedan. The Cross Country rode on a 108-inch wheelbase, and during the following year, the traditional front wheel wells were open and exposed.

The Hudson Motor Car Company merged with Nash in 1954, with the successor being the American Motors Corporation. Soon after the merge, Ramblers were badged as Hudson brand cars. Nash Ramblers and Hudson Ramblers were virtually identical, except for the brand name and some minor brand badging.

An all-new Rambler was introduced in 1956 by American Motors, which featured an increase in the overall length of the vehicle, though still riding on the same 108' (2743mm) wheelbase. Ramblers now only were sold as four-door models, alongside four-door sedans, station wagons, and a new four-door hardtop sedan. A new four-door hardtop station wagon was featured in 1956, an industry first.

The Rambler was no longer branded as either a Nash or Hudson in 1957 but simply as a Rambler in its own right. A 250-CID V8 engine was finally made available in Ramblers for the first time in 1957. Also new for this year was a unique high-performance four-door hardtop sedan model that was named the Rambler Rebel. The Rebel was fitted with AMC's new 327-CID V8 engine, which was also used in the larger Nash Ambassador and the Hudson Hornet earlier that year.

by Jessican Donaldson

Receiving quite an elite status, the Rambler nameplate is responsible for leading the North American auto industry into smaller, more economical vehicle, which eventually received the identity of ‘compacts'. Various companies attempted to build smaller vehicles following the war, with little success. The Nash Kelvinator Corp. of Kenosha, Wisconsin was the one to introduce the first ever compact, the stylish 1950 Rambler.

Introduced at first as a convertible only, the Rambler was an instantaneous hit and the line quickly expanded to include sedans and station wagons. Basically remaining the same, the Rambler only received mild restyling in 1953.

Nash and Hudson merged in 1954 to form American Motors Corporation. As vehicles were getting larger and larger, the compact 100 in. wheelbase Rambler was limited. In 1955 the Rambler was discontinued while the company focused on the larger 108 inch wheelbase Rambler.

President George Romney took a chance in 1958 and decided to resurrect the smaller Rambler, based on the success of the larger Rambler. He discontinued the large Hudsons and Nashes and chose to concentrate on the smaller models instead. Disgusted and appalled by the size of American cars; which he called ‘gas guzzling dinosaurs', Romney is responsible for coining the word ‘compact'.

In 1958 the all new Rambler was reborn, the Rambler American. Sporting a flashy new mesh grille, and the wheel arches opened up. As the North American economy was fighting a recession, the new Rambler couldn't arrived at a more ideal time as consumers were searching for something smaller and more economical. The Rambler was known as a fuel miser and had won the Mobile Economy Run various times. The Rambler American found a very willing market.

Even though the design of the compact vehicle was old fashioned, 30,640 units of the 1958 model were sold. At a top speed of 86.5 mph, Road & Track magazine reported that the 90-horsepower six-cylinder engine could achieve zero to 60 mph in merely 16 seconds. Faster by 5 seconds than the Studebaker Lark, the 1959 American was a carryover of the 1958. In 1959 AMC added a station wagon that only increased its popularity and the 91,491 units were sold.

Very similar to the 1958 and 1958 Rambler, the 1960 American featured minimal trim changes and the addition of a four-door sedan. 1960 was also the year in which the Big Three, Ford, GM and Chrysler finally responded to the import-car challenge. The Chevy Corvair, the Ford Falcon and the Chrysler Valiant were released, but despite this new competition, AMC managed to sell 120,600 of its Rambler American.

Continuing to be popular, unfortunately the Rambler American lost all of its visual connection with the original 1950 Rambler with the addition of all-new styling, this time square rather than round, though the 100 inch wheelbase was retained.

With unit construction bodies that were susceptible to rust, those early Ramblers are now almost all gone. Though remembered, as the Rambler proved to be reliable, economical and sturdy. The Rambler also performed the very rare feat of having two distinct and successful model runs. A feat that is mostly unheard of in the automobile industry.

by Jessican Donaldson