Rambler Classic
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The Rambler Classic was an intermediate sized automobile that was built and sold by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1961 to 1966. The Classic took the place of the Rambler Six and Rebel V-8 names, which were retired at the end of the 1960 model year.
Throughout its life in the AMC model line-up, the Classic was the high-volume seller for AMC.
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[edit] 1961-1962
The Rambler Classic helped AMC in the early part of the decade to achieve sales and coprorate profit successes. In 1961, Rambler marque ranked in third place among domestic automobile sales. The larger-sized Rambler series was renamed as the Classic in 1961 to help create a stronger individual model identity. The Classic was available in both 6 and V8 engine versions. An aluminum block version of the OHV 195.6 in³ (3.2 L) engine was also offered as an option on Deluxe and Super models. Ramblers featured twin-circuit brakes, a safety design offered by only a few cars at that time.
Noteworthy were AMC's overseas business ventures starting in 1961 that included agreements to assemble Rambler Classics from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) with Renault at a facility in Belgium, as well as with Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) and with Australian Motor Industries (AMI).
[edit] 1963-1964
For 1963, the Rambler Classic line was completely redesigned with subtle body sculpturing. These were the first AMC models that were influenced by Richard A. Teague, the company's new principal designer. They were also the first all-new cars developed by AMC since 1956. Keeping the philosophy of the company, they were more compact (shorter and narrower by one inch (25 mm), as well as over two inches (56 mm) lower) compared to the preceding models, but lost none of their "family-sized" passenger room or luggage capacity. American Motors' "senior" cars (Classic and Ambassador) shared the same wheelbase and body parts; with only trim differences and standard equipment levels to distinguish the models.
The new AMC cars incorporated numerous interesting engineering solutions. Among these was curved side glass, one of the earliest popular-priced cars with this feature. Another engineering breakthrough was combining separate parts in the monocoque (unit construction) body into single stampings. One example was the "uniside" door surround that was made from a single stamping of steel. Not only did it replace 52 parts, as well as reduce weight and assembly costs, but it also increased structural rigidity and provided for better fitment for the doors.
American Motors' imaginative engineering prompted Motor Trend magazine to give the Classic - and the similar Ambassador models - the prestigious Car-of-the-Year award for 1963.
Starting in the middle of the 1964 model year a special Typhoon was available using the Classic 2-door hardtop body. Each introduced AMC's completely new 232 in³ (3.8 L) "Typhoon" inline-6. The commemorative model was limited to 2,500 units and only available in a two-tone Solar Yellow body with a Classic Black roof. It featured a distinctive "Typhoon" script in place of the usual "Classic" name and unique grille. All other AMC options (except engine choices) were available.
[edit] 1965-1966
The 1965 models underwent a major redesign of the new platform that was introduced in 1963. The Rambler Classic was now shorter as well as visually distinctive from the Ambassador line, while still sharing the basic body structure from the windshield back. For the first time a convertible model was available in the 770 trim version. The 1965 Classic models were billed as the “Sensible Spectaculars” with emphasis on their new styling, powerful engines, as well as their expanded comfort and sports-type options; in contrast to the previous "economy car" image.
In 1966, the Rebel name was revived for a specially trimmed two-door hardtop Classic with a revised roofline. Available for the first time were a four-speed manual transmission and a dash mounted tachometer.
The Rambler Rebel name replaced Classic on AMC's completely redesigned large line of cars in 1967, and for 1968 the Rebel was rechristened the AMC Rebel as AMC began the process of phasing out the Rambler marque.
[edit] References
- Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.
[edit] External links
- The AMC Rambler Car Club
- The Nash Car Club
- Ramblers History on amcrc.com
- AMCyclopedia AMC/Rambler History/Documentation Site
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American Motors Corporation
Historic: |
| Rambler: | Ambassador by Rambler | American | Classic | Marlin | Rambler | Rebel |
| AMC: | Ambassador | AMX | Concord | Eagle | Gremlin | Hornet | Javelin | Marlin | Matador | Mighty Mite | Metropolitan | Pacer | Rebel | Spirit |
| Renault: | LeCar | Alliance | Encore | Fuego | Medallion | Premier |
| AMC & Rambler Concept Cars: | Rambler Tarpon | AMC Cavalier | AMC AMX-GT |
| Affiliated with: | American Motors Corporation | AM General | Chrysler | Hudson | Jeep | Kelvinator | Nash Motors | Nash-Kelvinator | Rambler | Renault | Australian Motor Industries | Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos |
| People | Roy Abernethy | A.E. Barit | Roy D. Chapin Jr. | George W. Romney | Richard A. Teague | George W. Mason | Gerald C. Meyers | Edmund E. Anderson | François Castaing |
| [ edit ] Category |
| American Motors road car timeline, United States market, 1954—1988 - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ||
| Subcompact | Metropolitan | Gremlin | Spirit | Encore | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Rambler American | Hornet | Concord | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jet | Pacer | Alliance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Rambler | Classic | Rebel | Matador | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rebel | Marlin | Matador Coupe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Nash | Ambassador | P | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hudson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | AMX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Javelin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | Eagle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | see timeline of Jeep models | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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