Vehicle Description
1964 Rambler American 440 Convertible
"Rambler American. All new line of heart teasing compact hardtops,
sedans, wagons, and convertible. Longer, lower, lean and luxurious,
the economy King has new roominess. Advanced Unit Construction,
curved glass side windows, new front suspension system. Still a
cinch to turn and park. Engines range from 90-, 125-, to 138-hp
sixes. In fact, everything you've ever longed for in a car you'll
find in the new, 1964 Ramblers." From the 1964 dealer brochure.
For consignment, a 1964 Rambler American 440 convertible showing
31,372 miles which are not actual. This is a low ownership car that
according to our consignor was sold by the original owner in 2015.
The first truly new American was the 1964 model. It was a larger,
roomier car built on a 106 inch wheelbase. To save on tooling and
manufacturing costs, the new body shared many stampings and other
components with American Motors' new for 1963 Classic and
Ambassador.
Exterior
Simple, basic, and classic are the lines of the Rambler. It's one
of those cars that could easily represent "car" in an encyclopedia,
(remember those?). Vintage Burgundy covers the flat panels nicely,
accented by a front spear that crosses the hinge gap and onto the
door. Inset round headlights bookend a straight vertical grille and
the straight theme continues with the front bumper, oval markers
embedded. That oval shape returns as tail lights, perfectly trimmed
in chrome, flanking even rows of trim that mimic the grille in
front, a popular design cue in the 60's. 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels
with deep set trim rings enhance this, the highest horsepower
version of the '64 American while up top, the white canvas top and
its plastic window are in great shape. Same could be said for the
metalwork and paint on the car which is near show quality. But of
course, no car is perfect and on this one we find a ding, some
curdled paint, orange peel, and some chips.
Interior
Taupe angular accent lines enhance the red vinyl door panels with
body colored header and kick panel, both doors showing some patina
but are intact. The colors repeat on the vinyl seats which are
based in chrome shells with robust push buttons for moving the
seat. The back bench is a twin of the front in design and material
and rear passengers are afforded an ashtray and window roller on
each side. The steering wheel holds a horn ring on the lower half
and the rim is wrapped in an aftermarket but matching vinyl cover.
While the dash is typical 60's with metal trim and knobs, the
speedometer display is unique as the numbers expand as they widen,
as if exploding from the bottom in a design we rarely see. Ovals
are used on the dash, around the instrument cluster, around the AM
radio, and around the trio of vents, just above an air conditioning
system our consignor states does not blow cold. Red loop carpet and
low pile mats on top show a touch of patina but entirely
presentable, while the trunk has an extra large mat and an original
looking wheel cover on the spare.
Drivetrain
A striking Lancelot Turquoise engine greets you as the hood opens
and it's a 196ci inline six cylinder rated at 138 horsepower,
fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and set into motion by a
Flash-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. Power goes to the
rear axle and 3.31 gears while drum brakes occupy all four
corners.
Undercarriage
More simplicity is found underneath, not overladen with components,
just the essentials. Kind of typical patina underneath, minimal
surface rust, and only a drop or two of red on the transmission
pan. The single exhaust is colored by surface rust, but the stock
style muffler and small tailpipe are not. Coil spring suspension is
found up front while leaf springs are in the rear. This underside
would be a great introductory model for Shop Class 101.
Drive-Ability
The inline six comes to life and we send this little drop top out
onto the test loop where it delivers fine performance as one would
expect for a commuter car, a comfortable cabin, and a completely
analog experience. The top is powered and that's about the extent
of luxury on this simple car. Fewer functions mean fewer faults and
everything, other than the A/C unit, works as expected. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
The 1964 Rambler American series were available in 220, 330, and
440 trim levels. Prices started at $1,964 and climbed to $2,346 for
the convertible. Total production of the 1964 Rambler American was
160,321 and just 8,907 of them were convertible. Here's a nicely
sorted 440 with clean lines, a nice interior, and thoughts of
baseball and apple pies are conjured up when you lay eyes on this
aptly named American. Pick this one up and start counting the oval
easter eggs found throughout!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
