| Rambler American | |
|---|---|
 Second generation: 1962 convertible | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | American Motors Corporation (AMC) |
| Production | 1958 – 1969 |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | AMC's "junior cars" |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | |
| Successor | AMC Hornet |
The Rambler American is a compact car that was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1958 and 1969. The American was the second incarnation of AMC forerunner Nash Motors' compact Rambler that was introduced in 1950 and marketed after the merger with Hudson Motors under both marques during the 1954 and 1955 model years.
The Rambler American can be classified into three distinct model year generations: 1958–1960, 1961–1963, and 1964 until 1969. During the entire length of its production, the car was sold under the Rambler brand and in 1969 became the last Rambler-named automobile marketed in the Canadian and United States markets.[2]
The compact Rambler American was most often the lowest priced car built in the U.S. It was popular for its economy in ownership, as was proven by numerous Mobilgas Economy Run championships. After an optional second-generation AMC V8 engine was added in late 1966, the cars also became known as a powerful compact "muscle" models that included the 390 cu in (6.4 L) version built in conjunction with Hurst Performance, the 1969 SC/Rambler.
A special youth-oriented concept car, the 1964 Rambler Tarpon, was built on a Rambler American platform that foretold the fastback design of the 1965 Rambler Marlin, as well as future trends in sporty-type pony cars, including the 1968 AMC Javelin.
- ^ 1964 Rambler V8 and American - Sales brochure, Australian Motor Industries, 1964
- ^ Fletcher, Mark; Truesdell, Richard (2021). 1970 Maximum Muscle: The Pinnacle of Muscle Car Power. Motorbooks. p. 153. ISBN 9780760366790. Retrieved 23 June 2022 – via Google Books.
The Rambler name was retired in 1969, replaced by the new Hornet.