9781422285145

 RIGHT: The owner completes the detailing of the interior of his 1969 SC/ Rambler before putting the rare car on display.  BELOW: The AMC Rambler is shown in Chicago, 1958.

in 1961. The following year saw an alternative to the fully automatic transmission offered with the “E-stick” that paired an automatic clutch with a three-speed manual. Trim levels had been enhanced over the years and, by 1963, the top of the range was the 440-H, complete with adjustable front bucket seats. The Rambler American was totally revamped for the third and final generation as it took on a modern appearance more suited to the 1960s, and there was a lot more choice for the consumer with a range of body styles, transmissions, and engines. As the decade progressed, rounded corners were squared off and safety measures introduced in accordance with US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations before the range was replaced by the AMC Hornet, with more than 4.2 million vehicles having been sold. One variant that has proved extremely collectible was the Hurst SC/Rambler, a muscle car powered by a 390 cu (6.4 L) V8 engine that was advertised to run the quarter mile in 14.3 seconds.

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six engine producing 90 hp. A new grille and reworked fender wells were the most obvious changes, and discerning buyers were given two choices: the base Deluxe for $1,789 or the Super, priced at $1,879. The following year a two-door station wagon was introduced – that accounted for more than 35 per

cent of the total Rambler American sales in 1959 – before the arrival of a four-door sedan in 1960. The second generation Rambler American was slightly narrower and shorter than its predecessor and took on a more angular body style, while a four-door station wagon and two-door convertible were added