Wonder Wagon: 1969 AMC Rambler 440 With Mopar 318 V8 – SOLD!

July 27, 2021 Update – 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.

Some cars are clearly a labor of love for their caretakers that may be worth very much to them. While they represent a lot of time and money invested, that simply will not translate when they go to sell it. A prime example is this 1969 AMC Rambler 440 street machine equipped with a built Mopar 318 and floor-shifted four-speed manual originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in Amesbury, Massachusetts (Boston) for $15,000 or best offer. Unfortunately, comparing that price against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms that ask is nearly double this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of only $8,775. The only reason we’re not giving the seller and this Rambler our “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way”) Award is the fact this car has a built Mopar power train that makes it hard to place a value on this one-of-a-kind street machine.

We like how this Rambler 440 Wagon is a unique build that does have a “sleeper” quality to it that appears to have been completely sorted and is ready for the next caretaker to go cruising with it.

Here’s the seller’s nicely detailed description:

“1969 American Motors Rambler 440 Wagon For Sale

I am selling my hotrod wagon to one lucky person. I don’t want to part with her, but my wife and I just bought a new home and there isn’t enough time to have both a hobby car and do what is needed around the house. It kills me to see the car sitting in the garage unused. I will give a pretty detailed the good and the bad stuff list, but if anyone has interest and questions let me know I will respond and if you want more images.

Good:
No rust! I bought the car in Iowa and drove home from there. Very solid 52-year-old car. Passes Mass inspection every year without a hitch.

This car gets TONS of interest and attention. Everywhere you go be ready to chat with people and feel like you are in your personal parade, no kidding…. A very unique car !!

Rebuilt Mopar LA 318 c.i. motor. I guess being Mopar NOT AMC is good or bad depending on your opinion, I meant it is rebuilt with about 3,000 miles on it as good. All machine work done at R&L Engines Dover NH – block squared, cylinders resized +.030, align honed, new cam bearings installed, crank reground to -.010, lifter bores honed, and more. Master engine kit including clevite bearings, Scat rods, wiseco forged pistons & rings, more. I have all invoices to prove work was actually done. Aluminum heads purchased from IMM Engines (look at their import aluminum SB Mopar heads). 202 intake 1.60 exhaust Manley valves, 64cc chamber. Essentially you have a 318 that thinks and acts like a SB Mopar 340.

New everything behind the motor. Rebuilt A833 4 speed transmission done by Brewers Performance. New bell housing, clutch, hydraulic clutch activator, more. . . New Precision Shaft Technologies driveshaft custom to the car (where it transitions from mopar to amc). New (well used) AMC20 rear Differential (it came with an AMC15) at the rear.

New interior seat covers, New gauge cluster below dash.

Tires in good shape. Nope I don’t do many burnouts !!!

Everything functions: Turn signals, reverse lights, lights high/low, horn, speedometer, brake lights, dash lights, etc. The only thing that is a bit whacked is the dome light. It works (sometimes and sometimes not) only for the passenger door. I did have to add a fuel gauge in the glove box (long story if you come look at the car)

Bad:

This is not a perfect 10 car show car that will get all the prizes. Priced accordingly

The paint is good but not a $5000.00 paint job

Windows still rattle a bit when driving.

Dash is roughish. Looks good in pictures but not so much so in person. But not bad, AND it’s an original SCHurst Rambler dash !!

I am asking $15,000.00 O.B.O. the engine work is over $5,000, Transmission another $3,000, original car purchase $6,000, and of course more has gone into this car. I care about my car and take good care of her = money. $15,000 is a loss of investment on the car, but you know the drill. A car isn’t an investment (typically) and my time behind the wheel and working on it has been a pleasure worth more than the dollars spent.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Rambler wagon?  Comment below and let us know!