Vehicle Description
Chassis no. A-11478
Engine no. G21690
250ci OHV V-8 Engine
Single Downdraft Carter Carburetor
190bhp at 4,900rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Solid Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes
*An exceptionally rare mid-50s family cruiser
*Delightfully quirky styling
*Amazingly preserved original interior
*Fully loaded with V8 engine, automatic, and air conditioning
THE NASH RAMBLER
Between 1956 and 1960, American Motors Corporation bet the farm on
a new "compact" car aimed at American buyers who liked the idea of
the new imports from Asia and Germany, but perhaps weren't ready to
make the leap. As GM and Ford were locked in a sales war,
independent AMC (Nash and Hudson) was forced to get creative to
fight for the leftovers. The new Rambler suited the independent
spirit, being as innovative as it was quirky. Unitary construction
was employed - which Nash called the "Double Safe Single Unit Body"
and a range of six and eight-cylinder engines were offered. The
lineup was four-door only, with sedan, hardtop, and station wagon
variants on the theme. 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 shoehorned between the fenders.
Smaller and more efficient than much of the competition, the
Rambler was so successful for Nash and AMC that it became a
standalone marque in 1957, and 82,000 examples found their way to
American driveways that year.
THE CAR OFFERED
Stylish and practical, this rare Rambler Custom Cross Country
station wagon embodies the flamboyance and optimism of the 1950s.
Showing just 51,604 miles which is believed to be correct, it is
finished in an archetypal fifties color scheme of turquoise with
white accents, with a fabulous interior of two-tone white vinyl and
embossed Western-motif inserts, and a metallic mauve instrument
panel. Whoever ordered this car new spared little expense, as the
car left the factory with a plethora of options such as power
brakes, automatic transmission, the 250ci V8 engine, All Season air
conditioning, Back-O-Matic reverse lights, and AM radio. That sort
of luxury equipment surely helped keep the peace on those long
cross-country family vacations!
A Nebraska registration sticker from the early 1970s hints at the
car's possible history, while Minnesota, Idaho, and North Dakota
stickers on the back window conjure images of family adventures
with camping and fishing gear in tow... perhaps even a Labrador in
the "way back." According to the consignor, this Rambler retains
much of its original paintwork, and the interior includes clear
vinyl protective seat covers, preserving the original upholstery in
like-new condition. To complete the package, it includes a full set
of golf clubs in a color-coordinated bag to complement the car, as
well as a period luggage.
This is a superb example of a 50s American wagon, with tremendous
collector potential. A certain hit at your local car meet, this
Rambler is ready for family fun.
