Is this the finest AMC Rambler Marlin on the market? Beautiful rotisserie restoration about 10 years ago. 287 V8, auto, spotless inside and out, laser-straight bodywork, power steering, power disc brakes, AM/FM radio. Unusual and inexpensive fun!
As far as we can tell, this is a real black-on-black car and someone invested big to make it into a superior example. We detect no signs of rust or rot, and certainly no botched-up bondo work in the body, which is laser-straight and super glossy so there’s no place for such work to hide. Panel fit is excellent, with big doors that close with a reassuring kerCHUNK sound that feels expensive. You’ll see crisp body lines that streak straight from nose to tail and good gaps all around, which certainly wasn’t typical of AMC construction in the ‘60s. In a sea of Chevelles and GTOs and Mustangs, this humble Marlin seems to really stand out simply because most folks have never seen one before. There’s a great deal more money invested in this car than the asking price reflects.
The Marlin was able to out-shine many of its competitors with an upscale interior that featured reclining seats and enough room for six full-sized passengers. New seat covers, carpets, and door panels make it feel like new inside and the two-tone steering wheel really is pretty. Engine-turned panels on the dash and door panels help dress things up and the deeply-set round gauges feature silver faces just to help the Marlin stand apart. Everything works, including all the gauges, courtesy lights, and even the factory AM/FM radio with rear speaker—only the clock isn’t working but it probably doesn’t need anything more than a clean and oil. The trunk is cavernous, although the smallish opening makes loading big things a little bit of a challenge, but it’s not like you’re using the Marlin to move furniture, right? The one thing I do notice about the interior of the Marlin is that every single part appears to have been designed and carefully styled to look cool. Check out the sun visors, the door handles, and even the sliders for the heater/defroster. Too cool!
This Marlin runs the optional 287 cubic inch “Classic” V8, which was rated at a fairly substantial 198 horsepower. It has been fully rebuilt and runs so smoothly and silently that you’ll have to watch out that you don’t try to start it after it’s already running. Seriously, check out the video—this thing is almost silent. It’s also neatly detailed, with correct turquoise engine enamel, a factory air cleaner with reproduction decals, and even a proper Rambler solvent bag for the windshield washers. It starts easily and idles well, and it’s a torquey engine that pulls the Marlin around without seeming to work very hard at all. You’ll also spot optional power steering and power front disc brakes that were ahead of the curve with American auto makers. Aside from a few hose clamps, this is an engine bay that looks very much as it would have in 1966.
Underneath, we can find no traces of rust or panel replacement, even in those places you’d expect rust to hide. As a unit-body car, it’s especially important, and you’ll see that the rocker seams still show factory spot welds, the subframes are solid, and the areas behind the rear wheels are completely unmarked. Cars this clean usually cost thousands more than this! The 3-speed automatic transmission was also optional and clicks through the gears easily and there are highway-friendly 3.15 gears out back, so this Marlin is a great highway cruiser that actually gets decent mileage. The suspension and brakes have been fully rebuilt, there are new shocks and bushings, and even the exhaust system is a correct replacement that keeps the V8 muffled to barely a whisper. 14-inch steel wheels carry standard wire wheel covers and a set of correct F78-14 Goodyear whitewalls, but just imagine this car with some Magnums and redline radials!
This is one of those cars that just delights you the more you look. Its price and reputation keep your expectations modest, but in reality, this is one of the best cars we’ve seen in years. Nobody restores these to this level, suggesting a real labor of love to transform it into this better-than-new Marlin. It drives great, looks wonderful, and asks for nothing but gas and oil in return. At this price, wouldn’t you rather have an outstanding car that’s also going to be the only one at any show you attend? Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
