1960 Rambler Super Series American Station Wagon
"The 1959 Rambler American series was expanded to include a couple of two door station wagons. As the larger Rambler Six/Rebel and Ambassador wagons were offered only in four door versions, management believed there'd be little sales cannibalization from the American. Like the sedan, the wagon was built from 1955 dies and received the same modernizing styling touches. The 1960 Rambler American line grew further with a new body style and a third trim level. A four door sedan was added to all series, including the new top line Custom range." Howstuffworks.com
For consignment, a 1960 Rambler Super Series American station wagon with a title verified 81,766 actual miles. 15,093 super series wagons were built in 1960, making them uncommon then and rare now. Want to make an impression at the next car show, check out this rare beauty that just arrived!
Exterior
Subject to some restoration in 2018, this car is a show stopper not only by its unique shape, but the outstanding two stage Chatsworth Green and Frost White accents. That white is reserved for the cabin pillars sandwiched between the roof and body. A roof rack shines brightly above while the side spear stops on the door and is picked up visually by the shoulder trim along the window edges. Out back, the wrap-around bumper is perfect and reverse lights are uniquely embedded in the rear hatch, flanked by simple tail lights capping the widened fenders. The Nash vibe is strong in the front where the pursed lip grille is bookended by single round headlights, underscored by another tight, wrap around chrome bumper, and topped by a modest ornament. The 15-inch wheels have proper coverings and wear staggered size tires. A paint chip on a door corner, a paint run, and very minor bubbling make our list of imperfections on this outstanding exterior.
Interior
Aqua and white continues on the inside where stitched white vinyl is framed in smooth green panels. The same could be said about the split bench up front, primarily white with green sides and center strip, appropriate design for a car just leaving the 50's. Contouring around the inner fender wells is the rear bench, in the same color and material with the clean design we see in modern diners trying to be 50's retro, and it works well. Rambler simplicity is evident up front where the two spoke steering wheel fronts a white dash with a single gauge. To the right, a metal faceplate houses an AM radio with a large tuning knob and a simple clock. More standard knobs under the dash along with an added AM/FM/CD player, all over low pile gray carpet and under a white headliner with aqua rails. The cargo area is nicely finished with gray carpet and a Thunder 3404 amplifier is attached to the back of the rear seat.
Drivetrain
The Chatsworth Green spills into the engine bay creating a show worthy space that houses a 196ci L-head inline six cylinder good for 90 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a Flash-o-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.31 gears.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust where the rubber meets the road, on the underside. But otherwise clean and dry conditions prevail with the only gleaming liquid being some sling from the front U-joint. Drum brakes are supplied to all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back. The single exhaust runs through a stock style muffler and exits out back via a chrome tip.
Drive-Ability
The six banger starts right up and the airy cabin is a nice place to be with the color scheme eliciting a bright and cheerful mood. And that's what you'll get from onlookers too! Meanwhile, the car runs well with adequate power, great visibility, and straight tracking. The AM radio does not work, as noted by the consignor but all other functions, and there aren't many bells and whistles, operate as they should. 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.
Let's say you like the idea of a wagon, but find the Tri-Fives too big and mid-60's too square. Here's the perfect antidote, a smaller wagon that was touted for its fuel efficiency and this one has piles of eye appeal. If you want to be at car shows to catch up on your weekend reading, buy a standard Mustang or Corvette. But if you're ready to address the throngs of people who will want to know more about this car, this is the one for you!
B121051
B-Rambler American
121051-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
MODEL 6004 1-American 2 Door Wagon
TRIM 12-Gray Vinyl
PAINT 72-Frost White
