American Motors Corporation Model Descriptions and General Information

American Motors Corporation Model Descriptions and General Information Rambler Classic: 1961 – 1962 1961 Rambler Classic The Rambler was renamed "Classic" for 1961 to help create a stronger individual model identity. Thus, the "Rambler Six" and "Rebel V-8" names were retired at the end of the 1960 model year. The Classic was available with both 6 and V8 engines. An aluminum block version of the OHV 196 I-6 engine was an available as well. Ramblers featured "twin circuit" brakes, a safety design offered by only a few cars at that time and now mandated by DOT. 1961 Rambler Classic Six The 61 received a new front end featuring a one-piece rectangular, Super 4-Door Sedan extruded aluminum grille with "Rambler" at the bottom, just above the bumper. The parking/turn indicator lights were relocated to just below the front bumper. New front and rear bumpers were also used along with new side trim. DeLuxe Series standard equipment included turn signals; twin panel ash trays; air cleaner; front arm rests; cigar lighter; dual headlamps; dual sun visors. Station Wagons received a travel rack and five black tubeless tires. Super Series models were equipped the same as above plus dual horns; rear door arm rests; front foam cushion and rear ash trays. Custom Series models were equipped 1961 Rambler Classic V8 Custom 4-Door Sedan with all above plus full wheel discs; electric clock; glove box light; two-tone steering wheel; carpets and rear vent window. A major engineering change (and a first for the industry) was the introduction of a die-cast aluminum, six-cylinder engine - standard for Classic Custom models, and optional on DeLuxe and Super models. The special die-cast block was made of an innovative aluminum-silicon alloy with centrifugal cast iron cylinders bonded to the block. This was advertised as "America's first Die-Cast Aluminum Six". Other highlights for this line were freshly sculptured side styling and one-piece bumpers. Throughout its life in the AMC line-up the Classic was the high- volume seller and instrumental in achieving the Company's sales 1961 Rambler Classic Custom Station Wagon and corporate profit success for this part of the 1960's. In 1961, Rambler ranked in third place among domestic automobile sales, a huge achievement. 1961 Rambler Classic Six DeLuxe 4-Door Sedan 1961-1962 Rambler Classic Di-cast Aluminum 6 cylinder engine 1961 Rambler Classic Advertisement 36 American Motors Corporation Model Descriptions and General Information 1962 Rambler Classic The 1962 Rambler Classic had all but the smallest trace of tailfins removed from the rear end. New, round taillights, a new front grille and new side trim and moldings were offered and it did change to look of the car. The die-cast aluminum block was standard on all Classic and optional on the Custom and DeLuxe lines. The V8 engine was no longer available, likely to force the V8 buyer upstream to the Ambassador, which was now on the Classic chassis and was really the V8 Classic with an upscale nameplate and interior. Other innovations for the year were a new brake system with 1962 Rambler Classic tandem master cylinder and a hydraulic tilting front seat. Standard Custom 2-Door Sedan equipment for the Classic Six DeLuxe Series included turn signal, air cleaner, front arm rests, cigar lighter, dual headlamps, dual sun visors, station wagon travel rack, front ash trays, oil filter, front foam cushions, and five black tubeless tires. Perhaps the most significant, Rambler Classic received a 2-door sedan body style – which was made available from the Deluxe series up through the new 400 Series. This change was in response to the fact that every other manufacturer offered a 2-Door version – plus the American sold well as a 2-Door. The "Super" series was no more, replaced by the Classic Custom series. The Custom had all DeLuxe's features plus an electric clock, glove box light, carpets, rear arm rests, rear ash trays, dual horns, 1962 Rambler Classic and automatic dome light switch. Three-seat station wagons had all Custom 4-Door Wagon the Custom's standard features, plus four black "Captive Air" nylon tires, because no spare was offered (there was no room with the extra seat). Classic 400 Series replaced the Custom at the top of the line Rambler model. It included all of the above standard features from the DeLuxe and the Custom, plus a padded dash and visors, rear door vent windows, two-tone steering wheel, full wheel discs, a wagon rail (for wagons). All 400 series cars came standard with the 6 cylinder aluminum engine. The cast iron engine was optional at no cost. The 400 used entirely different chrome trim including a different side molding and chrome trim on the rear deck lid, with a false series of vents at the rear of the roof line. 1962 Rambler Classic 400 4-Door Sedan 1962 Rambler Classic Custom 4-Door Sedan 37 .

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