Finances Friendly: 1964 AMC Rambler American 440 Convertible – SOLD!

July 22, 2021 Update – Not surprisingly, at only $4,200 we confirmed the seller of this Rambler “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Anyone who believes you can’t buy a classic convertible on a budget anymore should take a look at this driver-quality 1964 AMC Rambler American 440 Convertible we spotted for sale in July 2021 on Craigslist in Quakertown, Pennsylvania (Allentown) listed with an asking price of $4,200. Comparing that price against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the private seller has their Rambler priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $3,400 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $6,400.

For 1964, the small independent car builder American Motors turned to Dick Teague (think AMX) to redesign the Rambler American. The stylish completely new car featured a six-inch longer wheelbase that provided a smoother ride.  AMC focused its marketing on the economy of its redesigned-by-Dick- models, advertising that was previously only popular during the Great Depression.  The company’s series of “Love Letters to Rambler” advertisements included “ordinary user testimonials” about the economy and reliability of their Ramblers, rather than in pursuit of buyers in the whole compact car market segment. The campaign proved successful as AMC sold over 160,000 units in 1964.

While we could not find any examples of the Love Letter commercials, the Osbourne Tramain YouTube channel provides this 1964 AMC commercial that never shows the actual cars but reminds us how much fun it used to be waiting for carmakers to launch their new models every fall:

While this example clearly has some rust you would normally find in the rear quarter panels and the front seat’s stitching needs attention, there is a lot to love about this Rambler, especially when you can get in your garage for just over four grand. 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is a 1964 AMC Rambler American convertible with 41,420 original miles. I have owned this car for several years and always kept it in good order while putting very few miles on it. It has a 196 CI overhead valve 6 cylinder with automatic transmission and power steering. Overall solid car with excellent floors. There is rust developing in the rear quarters. The paint has many flaws. Tires have under 10,000 miles. A new high-quality top goes with the car needing installation. The original top is on the car but weathered. Recent tune-up, fluids, and hoses. Please supply a contact number with your email reply. Thank you.“

Restore or drive as-is: what would you do with this driver-quality Rambler convertible?  Comment below and let us know!