Not your grandad’s Rambler …
The reason consumers loved the Rambler in the late 1950s and early ’60s is that it was dependable transportation at an affordable price, thanks to George Romney’s vision for the company: bigger was not necessarily better.
Rambler really was rocketing up the U.S. sales charts — from 13th to 6th place in ’58, zooming past Cadillac, Mercury, and Chrysler. In 1961, in fact, AMC would briefly take over third place in US sales, knocking Plymouth off its traditional perch. But what Ramblers were not known for at the time was performance. And that’s what this week’s spot is: a 1959 Rambler American Station Wagon Restomod.
Examples like this can be found all over the internet for sale. It’s a popular restomod project because the initial investment in the car isn’t too much, and there are tons of possibilities to get more zoom out of this small package. The original ’59 came with a 195.6 cu. in. Flathead 6 producing just 90 hp, which was fine in the day but not so much now.
Common upgrades can include a 350 cu.in. V8 or a modern GM 4.3-liter V6, with a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, or 4L60 automatic with electronic controls. These often include upgrading to front disc brakes, reinforcing the original unibody, or just mounting it on a new frame, often with rack and pinion steering, air-ride suspension, and a Ford 8-inch rear end. Other goodies include “shaved” handles, custom paint (e.g., satin red), and 15- to 17-inch wheels. Inside are modern gauges, custom seats, and updated audio systems.
It you’re willing to put in the time and money, these can be great project cars. Finding a decent ’59 Rambler American wagon will set you back around $5 grand, but after you restomod it, some sell for as high as $66,000. For a Rambler!
The humble Rambler American spanned three generations: 1958–1960, 1961–1963, and 1964–1969. Its final model year, 1969, was the last automobile to carry the historic Rambler name in the US and Canadian markets. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for it. There are purists that would squawk about not putting Rambler parts back in a Rambler, but I look at it as part of auto history that’s still rolling down the road.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out this week’s spot. Come back next Sunday for another one and have a great week.
Savage On Wheels 
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