For Sale at Auction: 1961 Rambler American in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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1961 Rambler American Custom Convertible

In developing a new compact for 1961, American Motors styling chief Ed Anderson and his team were stuck with the aged 1950 Nash Rambler unit construction platform with its tall spring towers and stubby 100 inch wheelbase, and they largely dictated the package. AMC was able to offer its compact for a very competitive price. At $1,831 for a base two door sedan, the Rambler American undercut the Ford Falcon by nearly a hundred bucks. At $2,369, the 1961 Rambler American Custom convertible was the lowest priced American convertible on the market that year and approximately 13,000 were produced. Macsmotorcitygarage.com

Up for auction is a 1961 Rambler American Custom convertible showing 41,491 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The car presents in good restorable condition with a straight body, canvas top that's intact, and mostly complete interior. The car cranks but will not start for us.

Exterior
Pale blue not only covers the body of the car but also the steel wheels and once hubcaps are applied, the blue becomes an accent on the 15-inch wheels. Boxy and upright, the distinctive fascia of the car consists of a widening grille adorned with a series of tiny boxes inside, flanked by round headlights over a straight chrome bumper that wraps the corners. Out back, simple round tail lights reside on each side of the decklid which waterfalls down to a narrow latch panel above the rear bumper. In profile, the box is tempered by a body line trim that descends as it travels rearward and matching wheel openings create a pleasing symmetrical appearance. There's haze to the plastic window out back but the white top is in otherwise good condition. There are some surface rust spots that are evidence of something dripping on the car over time.

Interior
The door panels are in the back seat but inside, the split bench seat is made of plaid vinyl, quite dirty but mostly intact with tears evident on the top surface at the seams. The rear seat shares the design and materials while the sidewalls are stained and faded. The black carpet up front is protected by a full width rubber mat and in the back, exposure has rendered it dirty. The speedometer is a work of art contained in an oval bezel with numbers that flare out like a fan. There's a toggle for the top along with knobs below and a vent controller that is missing its lever. An AM radio is onboard and along with the steering wheel, shows significant patina. The trunk is dirty and contains some parts for the car.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 196ci OHV inline six cylinder rated at 125 horsepower, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and backed by a Flash-O-Matic 3-speed automatic that turns the driveshaft into 2.87 gears in back.

Undercarriage
A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler while drum brakes occupy front and rear wheels.Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.

Drive-Ability
The car has keys, cranks, but we could not get it to start during our time trying.

B346584

B-American I6
346584-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM PLATE

BODY A027549-Production Sequence
MODEL 6107 2-American Custom Convertible
TRIM 148-Blue Vinyl
PAINT 27-Sonata Blue

Sale conducted by Geyer Auction Companies Pennsylvania license number AY-000243-L

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.

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