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Rambler Classic

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74-513: The Rambler Classic is an intermediate-sized automobile built and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1961 through 1966 model years . The Classic replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 names, which were retired at the end of the 1960 model year. Initially available as a six-passenger four-door sedan and six- or eight-passenger station wagon versions, AMC added body styles. Two-door models became available as

148-492: A frigate (a fourth rate), served as flagship for parts of the United States Navy during the early 19th century. In the 20th century, ships became large enough that the larger types, cruisers and up, could accommodate a commander and staff. Some larger ships may have a separate flag bridge for use by the admiral and his staff while the captain commands from the main navigation bridge. Because its primary function

222-604: A vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars . "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans , coupes , station wagons , hatchbacks , and convertibles . Compact executive cars can also fall under

296-587: A " post " sedan in 1963, and starting in 1964, a pillar-less hardtop . A convertible was also available for 1965 and 1966. Motor Trend magazine selected AMC's Classic line for the 1963 Car of the Year award. The Rebel name replaced Classic on AMC's entirely redesigned intermediate-sized cars for the 1967 model year. For 1968, the Rambler Rebel line was renamed the AMC Rebel as AMC began phasing out

370-462: A 1965 Classic as a penny-pinching economy car or a storming performance job." Additional performance options for 1965 included power front disk brakes with four-piston calipers that were supplied by Bendix . The standard 4-wheel drum brakes also continued to feature AMC's "Double-Safety" master cylinder system. The dual master cylinder was available in only one " Big Three " car: Cadillac. The U.S. automobile market included many competing makes in

444-441: A Fairlane with 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 and automatic or a Malibu with 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 and automatic. A total of 126,006 Rambler Classics were made for the 1966 model year. However, the name Classic was no longer considered a positive factor in the marketplace, and AMC began reshuffling model designations in 1966 to launch its completely redesigned intermediate-sized line. A top-of-the-line version of

518-736: A cast iron alloy cylinder head and produces the same 127.5 horsepower (95 kW) as the cast iron version. The engine was described as one "wave of the future" in automotive engineering as it points the way to higher production rates and lower costs. The 1961 Classics were promoted as "The All-Purpose Compact Car" even though it was roomier and larger than the Rambler American models. Romney signed advertisements and sales literature as "The New World Standard Of Basic Excellence." The 1961 Rambler Classic models "became popular with many older drivers who enjoyed their performance, fuel economy, and great automatic transmission." American Motors "defied

592-422: A clear distinction between a single flagship and other public universities" in those states. Additionally, several states were not included in the study due to insufficient comparative data. There are many instances in which more than one school in a state has claimed to be, or has been described as, a "flagship". In February 2012, Idaho's State Board of Education made a controversial decision to strike

666-451: A design offered by only a few cars at that time. Classics with an automatic transmission continued to use push buttons mounted on the left side of the dashboard with a separate sliding pull tab for the "park" position. The cast-iron block six-cylinder engine was standard on Deluxe and Custom models, with the aluminum version optional. The 400 received the aluminum block, but the cast iron was a no-cost option. Other improvements for 1962 included

740-437: A flush single-plane aluminum grille replacing the previous year's deep concave design, and oval tail lamps replacing the flush-mounted lenses of the 1963's. Classics with bucket seats and a V8 engine could be ordered with a new "Shift-Command" three-speed automatic transmission mounted on the center console . The design provided the driver the ability to control the automatic's gear shifts manually. A new two-door model joined

814-655: A forerunner to the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). In sports broadcasting, the "flagship" is a team's primary station in their home market, which produces game broadcasts and feeds them to affiliates . For example, WGN was the flagship station of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, which has an extensive Cubs radio network spanning several states. The term flagship is also used to describe an automaker's top (i.e. largest/most expensive/most prestigious) vehicle. Modern examples include

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888-417: A heavy-duty suspension, power-disk brakes, "Twin-Grip" limited-slip rear differential, and axle ratios that ranged from the standard 3.15 to the optional at no-cost economy-oriented 2.87 with automatic transmission or the performance 3.54 version when equipped with the floor-shift four-speed manual. For additional economy, an overdrive unit was available with the column-shift three-speed transmission on cars with

962-481: A hospitality or transportation concern. The term "flagship" may have specific applications: Most states in the United States provide public university education through one or more university systems , with each system having multiple campuses located throughout the state. The phrase flagship institution or flagship university may be applied to an individual school or campus within each state system. The College Board , for example, defines flagship universities as

1036-522: A left-side hinged rear fifth door. Following the marketing message of "the sensible spectaculars" for the 1965 models, AMC was attempting to change its "sensible-car" reputation toward the more "youthful-oriented" 1960s marketplace. The Rambler Classic's degree of "spectacular" depended on the engine under the hood and performance-oriented equipment. Available was a high-compression four-barrel 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine and heavy-duty clutch. Options included

1110-405: A new large plaid custom fabric upholstery - along with two matching throw pillows - as an option for the 1966 Classic Rebel hardtop model. The 1966 model year Rambler Classics received minor trim changes and additional standard safety features, including a padded dash and visors, left outside mirror, as well as seat belts for the front and rear passengers. The 660 mid-trim level was dropped, leaving

1184-458: A one-piece, rectangular extruded aluminum grille, and new fenders, hood, sculptured door panels, and side trim, as well as redesigned one-piece bumpers. Trim and equipment levels started from the basic, called the Deluxe , to the mid-level Super , and the top-of-the-line Custom , which featured bucket seats in a four-door sedan. The suggested retail price for the basic Deluxe four-door sedan

1258-418: A price cut of $ 176 on the popular Custom Classic sedan. 1962 added a 5 door wagon with rear facing third seat. All other wagons of the time had a horizontal hinged tailgate instead of a vertical hinged door in the back. The popularity of the compact-sized Classic continued in the face of a dozen new competitors. Sales of the 1962 model year Classics increased by over 56,000 in the first six months compared to

1332-595: A rectangular rear window and a more formal and angular "crisp-line" roofline that could be covered with vinyl trim. Black was the only color available for the vinyl cover until white was added in March 1966. Sedans had an optional trim-outlined "halo" roof accent paint color. The station wagon's roof area over the cargo compartment was at the same level as the rest of the roof and no longer dipped down as in prior years. The wagons carried Cross Country insignia and featured 83 cubic feet (2,400 L) of cargo space, as well as

1406-426: A standard roof rack . The load-floor was lengthened by 3 inches (76 mm). The tailgate made wider and easier to operate. Two wagon seating capacities were available: a standard six-passenger version with two rows of seats with a drop-down bottom-hinged tailgate incorporating a fully retracting rear window for accessing cargo or an optional eight-passenger version with three rows of seats (the third rear-facing) and

1480-487: A suitable size for international markets, this Rambler was assembled in several countries. In Europe, Renault built this car in their Haren, Belgium plant and marketed it as a luxury car, filling the gap above the tiny Renault Dauphine . The 1963 Classics were also the first all-new cars developed by AMC since 1956. Keeping the philosophy of the company, they were more compact – shorter and narrower by one inch (25 mm), as well as over two inches (56 mm) lower – than

1554-567: Is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, characteristically a flag officer entitled by custom to fly a distinguishing flag. Used more loosely, it is the lead ship in a fleet of vessels, typically the first, largest, fastest, most heavily armed, or best known. Over the years, the term "flagship" has become a metaphor used in industries such as broadcasting, automobiles, education, technology, airlines, and retail to refer to their highest quality, best known, or most expensive products and locations. In common naval use,

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1628-469: Is not the only state-by-state examination of flagships. In a 2010 article, Standard & Poor's created its own list of flagship universities, noting that each state had typically one or two institutions with flagship characteristics. The Education Sector, an education policy organization, used a different list of 51 flagship universities in an August 2011 study of college debt. Several states had multiple universities categorized as flagships due to "less of

1702-736: Is the principal station of a radio or television broadcast network . It can be the station that produces the largest amount of material for the network, or the station in the parent company's home city, or both. The term dates back to the mid twentieth century years of broadcasting when headquarters stations produced programs for their networks. For example, the flagship stations of the ABC , NBC and CBS television and radio networks are their owned and operated outlets in New York City . Likewise, public television 's WNET served as primary member station for National Educational Television (NET),

1776-417: Is to coordinate a fleet, a flagship is not necessarily more heavily armed or armored than other ships. During World War II , admirals often preferred a faster ship over the largest one. Modern flagships are designed primarily for command and control rather than for fighting, and are also known as command ships . As with many other naval terms, flagship has crossed over into general usage, where it means

1850-662: The Ford LTD II and the Plymouth Fury . A comparison test by Popular Science of four intermediate sedans (the 1976 AMC Matador, Chevrolet Malibu , Ford Torino, and Dodge Coronet ) predicted that these will be the "big cars of the future." By 1978, General Motors made its intermediate models smaller. New "official" size designations in the U.S. were introduced by the EPA , which defined market segments by passenger and cargo space. Formerly mid-sized cars that were built on

1924-579: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class , Toyota Century , Hongqi L5 , and Land Rover 's Range Rover . American Airlines obtained copyright to the term "Flagship" on May 3, 1937, per the Catalog of Copyright Entries. As of December 20, 2019 as stated in a legal document, this includes "the marks "Flagship," "Flagship Lounge" and "Flagship Suite" (the "Flagship Marks")—to describe premium air travel services for first and business class passengers since

1998-560: The Typhoon in April 1964. This mid-1964 model year introduction was a sporty variant of the Classic 770 two-door hardtop . This unique model was introduced to highlight AMC's completely new short-stroke, seven main bearing , 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS) 8.5:1 compression ratio 232 cu in (3.8 L) "Typhoon" modern era inline-6 . Production of this commemorative model

2072-552: The concept car with its yellow and green "Hialeah Plaid" trim. The door panels and bucket seat bolsters were genuine leather while the seats featured yellow and green plaid silk cloth inserts that were woven in Thailand . The same material was also used for the dresses worn by the models that stood by the cars during auto show days. Public reaction to the tartan interior design was favorable. This market study resulted in AMC offering

2146-524: The 1963 model year, the Rambler Classic line was completely redesigned with subtle body sculpturing. Outgoing design director, Edmund E. Anderson , shaped the Classic that was named Motor Trend magazine's 1963 "Car of the Year." These were also the first AMC models that were influenced by Dick Teague , the company's new principal designer. He "turned these economical cars into smooth, streamlined beauties with tons of options and V-8 pep." Being of

2220-418: The 1963–1964 design with a rectilinear reskin similar to that of concurrent Ambassadors. Fresh sheet metal design was applied to the original 112 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase and 195 in (5,000 mm) long integral body-frame with only the roof, doors, and windshield as carryovers. Unchanged was the suspension system including a torque tube with coil springs with a Panhard rod . The Rambler Classic

2294-552: The 232 cu in (3.8 L) I6 and 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 engines. Facing the "Big Three" domestic automakers, American Motors promoted itself as "the "Friendly Giant Killer" advertising campaign emphasizing its cars with "quality built-in, not added on". The Rambler Classic was priced in line with the competition with the 770 two-door hardtop equipped with the 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 and automatic transmission listing for $ 2,656, while Ford and Chevrolet two-door hardtops were priced identically at $ 2,668 for

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2368-423: The 550 and 770 models for 1966. The standard I6 engine became the 232 cu in (3.8 L) with a one-barrel carburetor or optional two-barrel W-series Carter version. Available for the first time with V8 engines was a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission and a dash-mounted tachometer . Classics received particular attention to the styling of the roofs for 1966. The two-door hardtop models received

2442-606: The Chicago Show that included the Rambler Tarpon fastback and the compact Rambler American Carrousel convertible. Still, the Cheyenne was likely most significant because AMC "did lots of specially trimmed, production-based show cars in its day" given the large number of station wagon models it sold. The 1965 model year Classics underwent a major redesign of the new platform that was introduced in 1963; essentially

2516-662: The Classic model line. In mid-1963, a new 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 option was announced for the Classic models. The 198 hp (148 kW; 201 PS) V8 equipped Rambler Classics combined good performance with good mileage; even with the optional "Flash-O-Matic" automatic transmission from Borg-Warner , they reached 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in about 10 seconds and returned fuel economy from 16 miles per US gallon (14.7 L/100 km; 19.2 mpg ‑imp ) to 20 miles per US gallon (11.8 L/100 km; 24.0 mpg ‑imp ). The new AMC cars incorporated numerous engineering solutions. Among these

2590-538: The Classic's at the same time as the V8 engine was no longer available in the Classic models. This meant the Ambassador models were the only models with V8s in the AMC lineup. The two-door sedan body style Rambler Classic was a unique one-year offering for 1962. The front grille was modified for 1962, but the free-standing Rambler lettering in the lower center remained. The revised rear end received new round tail lamps and

2664-458: The Rambler marque. Throughout its production, the Classic was the high-volume seller for the independent automaker . Built in AMC's factories in the U.S. and Canada, the Classic was assembled under license or joint ventures and exported to over 100 nations. The Rambler line of cars was the focus of AMC's management strategy under the leadership of George W. Romney . Their compact cars (for

2738-526: The Typhoon. The engine became the mainstay six-cylinder engine for AMC and Jeep vehicles. It was produced, albeit in a modified form, up until 2006. The 232 I6 engine's name was soon changed to "Torque Command", with Typhoon to describe AMC's new line of V8s introduced in 1966. American Motors used the 1964 Chicago Auto Show to exhibit the Rambler Cheyenne in a unique rustic viewing area that

2812-454: The company. The new fastback design used the Rambler Classic platform. Marketed as a personal luxury car , the Marlin had unique styling and featured an exceptional array of standard equipment. A specially prepared Classic two-door hardtop was campaigned for the 1965 auto show circuit. The exterior was finished in yellow pearlescent paint . It was the interior treatment that differentiated

2886-476: The detractors" with its emphasis on economical and compact-sized cars achieving a sales total of 370,600 vehicles in 1961, "lifting the Rambler to an unprecedented third place in the charts behind Chevrolet and Ford". For the 1962 model year, the Super models were dropped and replaced by a 400 model. Also, for 1962, AMC's flagship Ambassador models were shortened to the same 108-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as

2960-478: The doors. American Motors' imaginative engineering prompted Motor Trend magazine to give the Classic – and the similar Ambassador models – their Car of the Year award for 1963. Motor Trend's "award is based on pure progress in design, we like to make sure the car is also worthy of the title in the critical areas of performance, dependability, value, and potential buyer satisfaction." The 1964 model year Classics, were refined with stainless steel rocker moldings,

3034-496: The era) helped AMC to achieve sales and corporate profit successes. In 1961, the Rambler marque ranked in third place among domestic automobile sales behind Chevrolet and Ford. Ramblers were available in two sizes and built on different automobile platforms . The larger-sized Rambler series was based on a 1956 design and was renamed the Classic for the 1961 model year to help create a stronger individual identity and contrast from

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3108-615: The first to be established as well as the most research-intensive public universities. These schools are often land-grant research universities. According to Robert M. Berdahl , then-chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley , the phrase "flagship" came into existence in the 1950s when the Morrill Act schools were joined by newer institutions built in a wave of post-war expansion of state university systems . Berdahl notes further that because flagships are generally

3182-614: The flagship was typically a first rate ; the aft of one of the three decks would become the admiral's quarters and staff offices. This can be seen on HMS  Victory , the flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, still serving the Royal Navy as the ceremonial flagship of the First Sea Lord from Portsmouth, England . Non-first rates could serve as flagships, however: USS  Constitution ,

3256-525: The full-size cars of a decade or so ago ... best sellers include Ford Torino , Chevrolet Chevelle , AMC Matador , Plymouth Satellite ..." The domestic manufacturers began changing the definition of "medium" as they developed new models for an evolving market place. A turning point occurred in the late 1970s, when rising fuel costs and government fuel economy regulations caused all car classes to shrink, and in many cases to blur. Automakers moved previously "full-size" nameplates to smaller platforms such as

3330-464: The line which only available in the top 770 trim. The pillar-less hardtop offered a large glass area, and "its sales were brisk." The model was featured in AMC's marketing brochure. A sporty 770-H version featured individually adjustable reclining bucket seats , as well as a center console. The new hardtop body style "added flash. Station wagons still accounted for 34 percent of Classic sales." Consumers continued to perceive Ramblers as economy cars and

3404-480: The lowest 550 (essentially fleet cars), 660 , to the highest 770 trims. These replaced the Deluxe, Custom, and 400 versions) As in 1962, the 1963 Classics were initially available only as 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) six-cylinder powered models. In addition to higher trim and features, the Ambassador's standard V8 power, featuring AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) engine, was a distinguishing feature from

3478-477: The mid-size category by the domestic "Big Three" and Studebaker. Similar to "The Common-Sense Car" offered by Studebaker, the design of the Classic did not focus to draw a great deal of attention; however, the models offered sensible features, good trunk space, lots of leg room, and good durability. On March 1, 1965, during the middle of the model year , AMC introduced the Rambler Marlin , a halo car for

3552-463: The mid-size category. The automobile that defined this size in the United States was the Rambler Six that was introduced in 1956, although it was called a "compact" car at that time. Much smaller than any standard contemporary full-size cars, it was called a compact to distinguish it from the small imported cars that were being introduced into the marketplace. By the early 1960s, the car

3626-582: The mid-size market for decades. Mid-size cars were the most popular category of cars sold in the United States, with 27.4 percent during the first half of 2012, ahead of crossovers at 19 percent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, mid-size cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 110–119 cu ft (3.1–3.4 m ). Flagship car A flagship

3700-414: The mid-size market segment as the line of cars themselves kept increasing in size. By 1965, these GM "A platform" mid-size models matched the size of 1955 full-size cars. During the 1970s, the intermediate class in the U.S. was generally defined as vehicles with wheelbases between 112 inches (2,845 mm) and 118 inches (2,997 mm). Once again, the cars grew and by 1974 they were "about as large as

3774-410: The most important or leading member of a group, as in the flagship station of a broadcast network. The word can be used as a noun or an adjective describing the most prominent or highly touted product, brand, location, or service offered by a company. Derivations include the "flagship brand" or "flagship product" of a manufacturing company, "flagship store" of a retail chain , or "flagship service" of

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3848-416: The new model as "I'm a Rebel!" emphasizing that the new Rambler "doesn't cramp your style, or your legs, or your family, or your pocketbook." describing the "surprises" that are not available in the competing Plymouth Belvedere, Chevrolet Chevelle, or Ford Fairlane intermediated-size models. Sales of the top-of-the-line Rambler Rebel were 7,592. Mid-size car Mid-size —also known as intermediate —is

3922-415: The oldest schools within a system, they are often the largest and best financed and are perceived as elite relative to non-flagship state schools. He comments that "Those of us in 'systems' of higher education are frequently actively discouraged from using the term 'flagship' to refer to our campuses because it is seen as hurtful to the self-esteem of colleagues at other institutions in our systems. The use of

3996-475: The other "compact" cars on the market, but its interior room is equal to the new and larger "family-sized" Ford Fairlane and Mercury Meteor. American Motors highlighted the Rambler Centaur at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show on a raised platform in the center of the automaker's exhibit area. The car was based on a two-door sedan that did "not look remarkably different from regular production models." For

4070-529: The preceding models, but lost none of their "family-sized" passenger room or luggage capacity featuring a longer 112-inch (2,845 mm) wheelbase. American Motors' "senior" cars (Classic and Ambassador ) shared the same wheelbase and body parts, with only trim differences and standard equipment levels to distinguish the models. Classics came in pillared two- and four-door sedans , as well as four-door wagons. The model designations now became "a Mercedes -like three-number model designation" of that time, going from

4144-407: The previous year's tailfins were "shaved off". Rambler was one of the last cars to incorporate the tail fin design. It also became one of the first to "do away with them, and to build clean, simple, uncluttered cars." The back door upper window points were also rounded off for 1962. Starting in 1962, AMC took a leadership role with safer brake systems in all Ramblers featuring twin-circuit brakes ,

4218-419: The same period in 1961. A Popular Mechanics nationwide survey of owners that had driven a total of 1,227,553 miles (1,975,555 km) revealed that the Rambler is likable, easy handling, providing stability and comfortable, roomy ride with low-cost operation. Flaws included inadequate power and poor workmanship. The magazine editors also highlighted that the Classic has approximately the same length as most of

4292-679: The same platform, like the AMC Matador sedan, had a combined passenger and cargo volume of 130 cubic feet (3.68 m ), and were now considered "full-size" automobiles. Cars that defined the mid-size market in the 1980s and 1990s included the Chrysler K-Cars ( Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant ), the Ford Taurus , and the Toyota Camry , which was upsized into the midsize class in 1991. The Taurus and Camry came to define

4366-519: The six-cylinder models outsold V8-powered versions. Although the Classic had economy-car roots, it offered plenty of space with "clean, unfettered styling that the Sixties brought." American Motors positioned the Classic line to offer near- Chevelle or intermediate-sized proportions with Chevy II small car pricing." Nevertheless, stronger competition from the domestic Big Three automakers meant total Rambler sales dipped in 1964. American Motors unveiled

4440-402: The smaller Rambler American line. American Motors' Edmund E. Anderson designed the new 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Ramblers "that looked new and fresh but were in fact inexpensive reskinned models." The new 1961 Classic 6 and V8 models went on display in Rambler showrooms on 12 October 1960. They continued the body of the previous Rambler Six and V8 , but featured a new front end with

4514-410: The term flagship is fundamentally a temporary designation; the flagship is wherever the admiral 's flag is being flown. However, admirals have always needed additional facilities, including a meeting room large enough to hold all the captains of the fleet and a place for the admiral's staff to make plans and draw up orders. Historically, only larger ships could accommodate such requirements. The term

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4588-565: The term is seen by some as elitist and boastful. It is viewed by many, in the context of the politics of higher education, as 'politically incorrect.' ... Only in the safe company of alumni is one permitted to use the term." Nevertheless, the term "flagship university" is still used in official contexts by various state university system boards of governors, state legislatures, and scholars. Additionally, state universities often self-designate themselves as flagships. Higher education agencies, research journals, and other organizations also use

4662-696: The term, though their lists of flagship universities can differ greatly. One list of 50 flagship universities (one per state) is employed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the College Board, the Princeton Review and many other state and federal educational and governmental authorities for a variety of purposes including tuition and rate comparisons, research studies and public policy analyses. Despite its ubiquity, this list of 50 flagships

4736-496: The two-door hardtop Classic was offered under the historic Rambler Rebel name. It replaced the 770-H and featured special badges and standard slim-type bucket seats with optional checked upholstery with two matching pillows. Public reaction to the tartan touch appearing in some of AMC's "Project IV" automobile show tour cars was judged favorable enough to make the unique trim available on the Rebel hardtop. American Motors advertised

4810-781: The word "flagship" from the University of Idaho's mission statement. The Board's President Richard Westerberg explained that this revision was made as part of the board's many changes made to multiple Idaho universities' mission statements in an effort to ensure all statements were consistent and collegial in nature rather than comparative or competitive. Flagship stores are core stores for brand name retailers, larger than their standard outlets and stocking greater inventory, often found in prominent shopping districts such as Fifth Avenue in New York, Oxford Street in London, İstiklal Avenue in İstanbul or Tokyo's Ginza . A flagship station

4884-510: Was US$ 2,098 and was only $ 339 more for a station wagon. In 1961, the Classic was available in either an I6 - 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) - or with a V8 - 250 cu in (4.1 L) - engine. A lighter by 80 pounds (36 kg) aluminum block version of the OHV I6 engine , sometimes referred to as the 196, was offered as an option in the Deluxe and Super models. The die cast block features iron "sleeves" or cylinder liners with

4958-454: Was a de-stroked 232 engine. The 660 and 770 series received the 145 hp (108 kW; 147 PS) 232 cu in (3.8 L) six, while a 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) version was optional. Additionally, the 198 hp (148 kW; 201 PS) 287 cu in (4.7 L) or 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engines were optional. Popular Science magazine reported, "You can have

5032-554: Was also used by commercial fleets, when the distinction between a nation's navy and merchant fleet was not clear. An example was Sea Venture , flagship of the fleet of the Virginia Company , which was captained by Royal Navy Vice-Admiral Christopher Newport yet bore the Merchant Navy admiral of the company's fleet, Sir George Somers , during the ill-fated Third Supply of 1609. In the age of sailing ships ,

5106-440: Was curved side glass, one of the earliest popular-priced cars with this feature. Another engineering breakthrough was combining separate parts in the monocoque (unit construction) body into single stampings. One example was the "uniside" door surround made from a single stamping of steel. Not only did it replace 52 parts and reduce weight and assembly costs, but it also increased structural rigidity and provided for better fitting of

5180-474: Was in contrast to the previous "economy car" image even though basic low-cost versions of the Classics were available. American Motors now only offered its modern straight-six engine design, retiring the aging 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) versions. The 1965 Classic base 550 models featured the modern and economical 128 hp (95 kW; 130 PS) 199 cu in (3.3 L) six-cylinder, which

5254-407: Was limited to 2,520 units. It was only available in a two-tone Solar Yellow body with a Classic Black roof and a sports-focused all-vinyl interior with a list price of US$ 2,509. The car also featured a distinctive "Typhoon" script in place of the usual "Classic" name insignia, as well as a unique grille with blackout accents. All other AMC options (except engine choices and colors) were available on

5328-435: Was made from knotty pine planks. The show car was based on the top-of-the-line Classic Cross Country station wagon finished in white, thus highlighting its full-length gold-tone anodized aluminum trim along the upper part of the bodysides (replacing the side spear that was standard on 770 models) as well as matching gold trim on the lower part of the tailgate between the tail-lights. This was one of AMC's concepts displayed at

5402-554: Was now shorter than – as well as visually distinctive from – the Ambassador line, while still sharing the basic body structure from the windshield back. For the first time, a convertible model was available in the 770-trim version. The two-door sedan was dropped from the 770-model lineup. The 1965 Classic models were billed as the "Sensible Spectaculars" with brochures proclaiming the "most sweeping changes made by Rambler to its cars. Marketing emphasized their new styling, powerful engines, and expanded comfort and sports-type options, which

5476-513: Was renamed the Rambler Classic and while it retained its basic dimensions, it was now competing with an array of new "intermediate" models from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The introduction of the 1962 Ford Fairlane was viewed by consumers as too close to the compact Falcon in size and performance as well as too close to the full-sized Ford models in price. It was the introduction of General Motors " senior compacts " that grew

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