Vehicle Description
Chassis no. D-69322
195.6ci OHV Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carter Carburetor
127bhp at 4,200rpm
3-Speed Flash-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Solid Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes
*An incredible preservation-class Rambler Wagon
*Believed to be 1,900 original miles
*Optioned with pushbutton automatic, air conditioning, and
radio
*A rare and appealing family-friendly classic
THE AMC RAMBLER
Between 1956 and 1960, the newly formed American Motors Corporation
hedged their bets on a new "compact" class car aimed at
value-conscious American buyers who may have seen the appeal in one
of the new imports, but perhaps weren't ready to make the leap. As
GM and Ford locked horns in a price war, independent AMC (formed
with the convergence of Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson) had to get
creative to fight for the leftovers. The new Rambler suited AMC's
independent spirit, with its innovative and quirky character. With
the Rambler, Nash introduced the so-called "Double Safe Single Unit
Body" (unibody construction) and a range of robust six and
eight-cylinder engines. The lineup was four-door only, with sedan,
hardtop, and station wagon variants offered. There was even a
pioneering "muscle car" model in the form of the Rambler Rebel - a
four-door Rambler sedan with the Ambassador's 327ci V8 shoved
between the fenders. Smaller and more efficient than much of the
competition, the Rambler was so successful for AMC that it became a
standalone marque in 1957, and 82,000 examples found their way to
American driveways that year.
THE CAR OFFERED
Offered here is a fabulous, preservation quality 1959 AMC Rambler
Cross Country Station Wagon, showing just 1,900 miles, which is
believed to be authentic. As was often the case with 1950s wagons,
the original owner did not skimp on the options, ticking the boxes
for the OHV six-cylinder engine, pushbutton Flash-O-Matic 3-speed
auto transmission, pushbutton AM radio, Weather Eye heating system,
air conditioning, two-tone paint, and electric clock. Ownership
history dates to the mid-1970s, and in 1993 it was purchased by
marque enthusiast Don Auerbach, who undoubtedly recognized its
significance. The Rambler traded hands again to another AMC
connoisseur in 2016 and has been faithfully preserved in
outstanding time-warp condition.
The consignor reports that the gray paint is original, and while
showing some age-related patina, it remains in excellent condition
overall. The exterior red flash has been repainted, and it provides
a pleasing complement to the original black, white, and grey
interior. Wonderful details abound, from the correct polished wheel
covers, the untouched (and matching) Firestone "piecrust" spare
tire, to the factory fitted hang tags and assembly markings.
With increasing collector interest in classic station wagons, this
marvelous Rambler is a delightful slice of late 50s Americana and a
surefire conversation starter at concours events, Antique
Automobile Club of America meets, or local Cars & Coffee
gatherings.
