As you likely know, Hudson and Nash each produced cars cherished by their owners and later by collectors. But both struggled financially after World War II and in 1954, they merged. Officially, the new company was called American Motors, but its products continued to be branded as Hudsons or Nashes until 1958, when the Rambler name returned, albeit with an entry-level model called the Rambler American.
It would be another decade before American Motors started using its corporate brand, starting with the AMC Javelin, the company’s answer to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
Which brings us to the Pick of the Day, a 1959 Rambler American being offered for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Sarasota, Florida.
The 2-door sedan shows well in Sea Foam blue, it’s white-painted roof highlighted by a body-colored, custom-produced, external windshield visor.
“Every system has been gone through on this machine!” the dealer points out, listing such things as the engine rebuild, generator replaced by alternator, electric ignition and an oversized fuel tank good for a 400-mile round trip.
“Suspension, brakes, shocks, fuel line, locks, locking gas cap, and gas tank all new!”
The rebuilt engine is a 196cid flathead-6 with Carter carburetor. The dealer notes 90 horsepower and 35-38 mpg. The transmission is three-speed manual on the steering column.
The dealer says bumpers have been re-chromed and every other trim part is NOS or from another original car, with polished stainless steel all around.
During the car’s restoration, “all rust has been removed and new steel was added,” the advertisement informs.
The interior is Navy blue. The car has bucket seats, a Southern Air AC system, a disc-player audio system, new headliner, console and new switchgear.
The car is offered for $19,500.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I was enjoying your 1959 Rambler Car of the Day article. I owned 1 Nash, 1 Rambler, 3 Americans, and a Marlin. I loved every one of them. Nothing ever broke. They were all comfortable and the mileage was terrific. The ’66 Marlin was the fastest car I have ever owned.
if you come across with 1957 Rambler wagon, (with factory Fuel injection), give me a mail?
Great car my father had one in 1959