1965 AMC Rambler Classic 270 Covertible - Near Factory Original - Runs & Drives

1965 AMC Rambler Classic 270 *RARE*

1965 AMC Rambler Classic 770 Convertible 2D

The top of the line for AMC in '65, this convertible package was the rarest model available. I believe the car has had 2 owners prior to me, but I'm not positive. When I drive the car, the number one comment I regularly get is ”what car is that”? Also I hear; “I didn’t know AMC made them like that”. So what's the reason few people know what this car is, and why is it so rare? Let me tell you. 1965-66 were the only two years AMC offered the convertible package for the Rambler Classic. Just a two year window and then that was it. So not only is this car rare and unique, but mine is sort of a time capsule, and that adds a certain value. This is why I decided to try to keep it as stock and original as possible. Restoring or updating mine to perfection was not my choice, but it's not too far away from show car status if you want to take it there.

NOTE: I reserve the right to end this auction at any time should it sell locally before the auctions end. All photos and videos available at this URL: https://www.flickr.com/photos/25722625@N06/albums/72177720307808562

Original Features:

-Interior is all original, though the carpeting may have been replaced.

-232 “flash-o-matic” straight six motor is original and was AMC's most powerful six cylinder offered at that time. A V8 is nice but that extra power comes at the cost of fuel economy. The 232 has plenty of pep but still has good economy. I have swapped out the ignition to electronic. I still have the original points ignition, and it can be put back. -Radiator was updated, along with the alternator and battery.

-The exterior has the original single stage paint. After nearly 60 years it still has some shine left, but it does have it's share of weathering; Including touch-ups, nick, marks, and other minor imperfections. This gives the car an overall nice patina which looks natural for it's age. From about 5-10 feet away you really don’t notice.

-A/C system is not from the factory, but was an older dealer installed under dash unit. I suspect it was installed in the early 70's. More on that below.

-Jack stand ( with all pieces )

-Spare tire: It’s not a spare from '65, but it is a vintage spare tire that seems to still be in good shape and ready for service.

-Service/operation manual included.

-Wheel covers/hubcaps

-All glass

-Original vacuum powered wipers and factory correct mechanical fuel pump.

-And more......

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THE GOOD:

-This car runs, drives, and stops well. It's my driver, taken out about twice a week, sometimes more.

-Automatic top was replaced in 2021. I had a boot/cover made for the top.

-One wiper was swapped out to the era correct TRICO brand chrome style wiper to match the other.

-All electrical systems work, lights inside and out, etc...

-All gauges work

-Power steering works

-Added the factory correct parking brake warning light.

-Clock works intermittently ( Not a quartz update, semi-reliable mechanical )

-Updated to a “solid state” voltage regulator for the instrument cluster panel. It plugs into the printed circuit board behind the gauges. What's good about the solid state version is that it lasts much longer, and it has a red LED that stays on when functioning. So if you start having a problem with one of the gauges you can check the red light, and if it's still on then you know the voltage regulator is good, and the problem is elsewhere.

-AM radio: The radio has been serviced and restored, though not complete. To complete the radio for use, it will need to come out and be professionally calibrated in order to be able to bring in AM signals. I also had an external connection installed to the radio to allow connection to an iPod or other music device and play it through the radio. This is cool. The original dash speaker for the radio still works and sounds pretty good when playing my iPod.

The tedious and expensive work of cleaning and replacing old caps in the radio has been done. This work is what will make this radio usable, if you want to use the radio as it was designed. I leave it to the next owner to make that call. I did replace the old bad antenna wire, so that too is completed.

-The A/C: The air conditioner was updated to the R-134a, and does work, or it did work. Like I mentioned before, the A/C is an older under-dash unit and shows age. When using it I would need to get it charged up once a year and then it was good to go for the summer months. I successfully used the system for 2 years, while knowing I was running on borrowed time. The large old york-style compressor began showing signs of failure, as it started locking up and broke a belt last year. I replaced the belt and the compressor is free and turns now, but I have not used it since it broke the belt. Either way, it is on it's last legs so I can't say how much more use you will get out of it before it fails.

-The AMC wire spoke spinner Rambler wheel covers are the rarest and most expensive manufactured ...IF you can find them at all. A full set can cost close to $1700. This car has them.

-Gas tank was flushed and cleaned, fully refurbished.

-I use only non-ethanol fuel.

-Car has no leaks that I'm aware of.

-Tires were new in late 2020, and with my minimal driving, they still have some good life left. Also I have the set of tires that came with the car. They too have some good life on them ( which is why I kept them ), and they’re white walls. So when the current tires are done, you'll have a replacement set if you want them.

-Regular maintenance, oil changes, filters, fluids, etc...

-Clear and free title

-Garage kept. No pets. No smoking

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THE NOT SO GOOD:

Being that this car is 97-98% original that means some things could use a replacement. The weatherstripping/seals is one example. All around they are as old as the car, so some are cracked and dried and need replacing. I did replace the trunk seal and the header bow seal for the roof, but other than that it's all original factory stuff. I may or may not get some window felt/beltline seals installed before it sells. Almost all weatherstripping can be found for this make and model, all that is except for one.

The roof rail seals for the '65 convertible are currently not to be found anywhere. They were previously manufactured by one man in California, but he passed away and none of the AMC part houses have been able to find an alternate source. My roof rail seals are original and some sections that were really bad have been cut away. I had to come up with my own solution until something better comes along. What I have is a blend of original seals and a roof seal I got from a friend’s used Ford Galaxie. It's not a perfect solution but it's fine. It cuts down on the wind noise ( though these old convertibles are not silent even with proper seals ) and it'll hinder the rain. If you're out in the rain you'll be okay, but after a while you may get some water tricklin' in. It's a bit of a patch-work, but it's better than what was there when I got it. Not a big deal, but just letting you know that aside from the header bow piece, a new roof rail weatherstrip is a part N/A as of this write up.

The transmission operates wonderfully, especially for one so old. Still to be transparent, every so often, the car will briefly hesitate moving forward when accelerating from a stop. This is a very rare occurrence and I may go days of driving and it will never happen. I have no worries in recommending driving it anywhere.

Rust was not a problem when I got the car. What little I saw was addressed and has all mostly been mitigated. I did discover last year that when I had the car up on a lift, I noticed the paint shine was different at the passenger rear quarter panel. This perspective allowed me to see that apparently some body work ( maybe bondo ) was done there, likely to repair some rust damage, as this area down by the fender often has rust problems. The repair work was good as I never noticed it until after a year. Currently there is some light paint bubbling in that fender area (see pics) and where I can, rust inhibitor has been applied. In fact some of the rust inhibitor I used turned dark gray when it dried, unbeknownst to me, so you may see some of that in the pics.

In my view I will state that rust is not an issue with this vehicle.

The car has it's share of nicks, chips, wear, and tear, but it's so light and evenly spread around the car that it gives it an overall nice patina appeal, especially for it being the factory paint job.

The antenna on the trunk seems unique as others of this model show the antenna in the traditional spot at the front of the car. But I and the previous owner believe this antenna is from the factory or possibly an “add-on” by the dealer at the time. Also there is a small patched spot on the trunk lid where it looks like someone once had the antenna, then relocated it? I’m not sure what made that spot.

No real dents, just a small horizontal ding on passenger door that can only be seen in the right angle of light about 2 or 3 inches long. I'll try to show these in the pics, but this car is 99% straight and clean.

Bumpers/Chrome are good. There are some pits and imperfections but overall I think it shows well.

Parking brake wire is frayed, but holding strong.

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Admittedly I’m nit-picking what I know is a really terrific looking car, and a dandy driver, but I want to describe it all the best I can for those interested but unable to see in person (which I recommend if you can manage it ). This represents my best effort to describe the vehicle at the present. The car is sold “as is”, and there are no warranties offered or implied. All sales final.

I have more photos, ( see URL link above ). please ask if you have any questions. Thanks.

• Make: AMC
• Model: Rambler Classic
• Type: Convertible
• Trim: 270 *RARE*
• Year: 1965
• Mileage: 84154
• VIN: L171681
• Color: Light Blue
• Engine size: 232 Flash-O-Matic
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Power options: Automatic Top
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Interior color: Two tone blue
• Safety options: Seat Belts
• Options: Convertible, A/C, Power steering
• Vehicle Title: Clean
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