The first generation of Rambler American seems like an odd duck, with its rounded compact body contrasting with the sharp concours, generous proportions and tailfins of most American cars from that era.
Although popular at the time, notably the least-expensive U.S.-branded car, these Ramblers were largely disregarded among car collectors in later years aside from street rodders who have embellished them with upgraded style and performance.
Which is why the Pick of the Day is such a rarity, a 1960 Rambler American 2-door wagon that has been restored to original condition. It’s really not often that you see a total renewal of this humble craft to its standard specs.
“This rare 2-door Rambler wagon is gorgeous in every way,” notes the Connellsville, Pennsylvania, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com. “A wonderful restoration done to original standards.”
Now, many of us gearheads grew up thinking that Rambler Americans were some kind of granny cars, unworthy of serious attention. Although, my offbeat mom owned a boxy second-gen 1962 American 2-door sedan that we thoroughly enjoyed, naming it Betsy.
It wasn’t until the customizers latched onto Rambler Americans, especially the 1958-60 models, that people began to take notice of how stylish these cars truly were. Lovable, even.
This American was faithfully restored and rebuilt, the seller says in the scant description with the ad, and the pictures of the body and interior show a Rambler that looks well-loved.
“The paint is done in Seafoam Green and White,” the seller says. “The interior is new and matching the color scheme of the car.”
Although noting that “the 6-cylinder engine has been rebuilt,” the ad does not say which of the two available 6-bangers are found under its hood: the standard 90-horsepower flathead or the optional overhead-valve 6 that produced 125-horsepower. There are no photos with the ad showing the Rambler’s engine compartment.
Whichever engine, it is backed by an automatic transmission, and the dealer advises that “this car runs and drives great and is a show winner.”
Despite their compact dimensions, these Ramblers are roomy and comfortable, and are good highway cruisers that get great gas mileage.
The asking price for this quirky collector’s item is $24,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Sweet !!!!!
This is a smackback to my childhood- and my parents bedroom was also seafoam green.
I don’t care which six is under the hood; if it were powered by squirrels running in hamster wheels I’d still want it- budget says “no”.
Sigh.
I owned a 1960 white Rambler American station wagon. It ws the first car i bought while in high school. It was the best car I ever owned. I would still have it but it was wrecked while away in the military.