Rambler Classic

Rambler Classic
Production period:	1961-1966
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Previous model:	Rambler Six , Rambler Rebel
Successor:	AMC Rebel

The Rambler Classic was a mid- size passenger car that was built and sold by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1961 to 1966. The Classic replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 models in late 1960.

As long as the Classic was in production, it was the independent automaker's best-selling car.

1961–1962

1st generation
Rambler Classic Sedan (1961)
Production period:	1961–1962
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 3.2–4.1 liters (95–? KW )
Length:	4821 mm
Width:	1839 mm
Height:	1435 mm
Wheelbase :	2742 mm
Empty weight :	1322-1476 kg

The Rambler Classic ensured that AMC was able to increase its sales figures and make more profits in the early 1960s. In 1961, Rambler ranked third among US automobile brands. The extensive Rambler model range was renamed "Classic" in 1961 to create a stronger model identification. The Classic was available with both an in-line six-cylinder engine and a V8 engine. Versions with a 3.2 liter OHV engine with an aluminum block were offered on request in the DeLuxe and Super models. The Rambler had dual-circuit braking systems, a safety feature that was only offered for a few cars at the time.

The overseas activities of AMC, which began in 1961 and include a. included the assembly of CKD kits at Renault Industrie Belgique (RIB) in Belgium , at Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) in Argentina and at Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Australia . The European versions were assembled and sold in Badge Engineering under the double brand name Rambler-Renault .

1963-1964

2nd generation
Rambler Classic 770 Sedan (1963)
Production period:	1963-1964
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.2-4.7 liters (95-148 kW)
Length:	4796 mm
Width:	1811 mm
Height:	1387 mm
Wheelbase :	2845 mm
Empty weight :	approx. 1200 kg

In 1963 the model series was completely revised and now had finer body shapes. These were the first AMC models to be influenced by Richard A. Teague , the new chief designer. They were also the first completely new cars that AMC developed since 1956. In line with the company's philosophy, they were more compact (25 mm shorter and narrower and 56 mm lower) than their predecessors, but had the same size interior and trunk. The “big” cars from AMC, the Ambassador and the Classic, shared the floor pan and most of the body panels; only the moldings and the standard equipment differentiated the two models.

The new AMC cars offered interesting technical solutions, including curved side windows, making them one of the first inexpensive vehicles with this feature. Another technical breakthrough was the combination of previously separately manufactured sheet metal parts into a monocoque with a single punch. An example of this was the door frame, which was made with a single stamp. This not only replaced 52 parts and reduced weight and manufacturing costs, but also increased the stability of the construction and improved the accuracy of the door fit.

AMC's innovative engineering solutions prompted Motor Trend magazine to award the Classic and the identical Ambassador the prestigious 1963 Car of the Year award.

Typhoon

Rambler Typhoon hardtop coupe (1964)

From mid-1964 there was a special model called Typhoon , which had the two-door coupé body of the Classic. With this model, the completely new AMC inline six-cylinder engine with 232 cu.in. (3.8 liters) displacement introduced. The production number of this model was limited to 2,500. The vehicles were only available with sun-yellow paint and black roof. To distinguish it, the car also had “Typhoon” lettering instead of the usual “Classic” designation and a special radiator grille with a black mesh. All other optional extras - with the exception of other engines and colors - were available for the Typhoon.

1965-1966

3rd generation
Rambler Classic 770 Cabriolet (1965)
Production period:	1965-1966
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Otto engines : 3.3–5.4 liters (95–201 kW)
Length:	4953 mm
Width:	1892 mm
Height:	1397 mm
Wheelbase :	2845 mm
Empty weight :	-1350 kg

The 1965 models received a major facelift on the platform introduced in 1963 . The Rambler Classic was now shorter and more distinctly different from the Ambassador model , although it shared the main body structures from the A-pillar to the rear. For the first time there was also a convertible with the equipment line 770 . The 1965 Classic models are considered sensitive and spectacular due to their new styling, their powerful engines and their increased comfort and sportiness. This was in contrast to the previous image of a “only economical” car.

In 1966 the name “Rebel” reappeared for a particularly well-equipped two-door hardtop coupé from the Classic with a corrected roof line. For the first time there was a manual four-speed gearbox and a speedometer mounted on the dashboard.

The Rambler Rebel name replaced the Classic name on the entire large AMC line in 1967, and in 1968 the Rebel was renamed the AMC Rebel as American Motors began withdrawing the Rambler brand.

Web links

Commons : Rambler Classic - collection of images, videos and audio files

swell

Gunnell, John (editor): The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 , Kraus Publications (1987) with ISBN 0-87341-096-3 .