1965 AMC Rambler 770 Classic Convertible

The 1965 AMC Classic models were billed as the "Sensible Spectaculars," with emphasis on their new styling, powerful engines, and their expanded comfort and sports-type options, in contrast to the previous "economy car" image. American Motors now only offered its modern straight-six engine design, retiring the aging 195.6ci versions. The 1965 Classic base 550 models featured the modern and economical 199ci six-cylinder, which was basically a destroked 232 engine. The 660 and 770 series received the 232 cu in six, while a 155hp version was optional. Additionally, the 287ci or 327ci V8 engines were optional. Popular Science magazine reported, "you can have a 1965 Classic as a penny-pinching economy car or a storming performance job". Additional performance options for 1965 included power front disc 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.

For consignment, a rare one indeed this AMC 770 Classic convertible from 1965. Showing some battle scars throughout the body but still very presentable, this 770 was even optioned with the highest horsepower V8 available! Not super sensible but definitely spectacular. Add in a new top, new interior, and some of the mechanicals attended to this is your opportunity to get behind the wheel of a classic and stand out from the crowd of Chevrolets and Fords.

Exterior
This drop top classic from Kenosha has well minded gaps, decent brightwork, and a respray in its original hue of black. Some rust, invasive in spots is visible, especially on the rear quarter panels along with inclusions in the paint, light paint spray down low on the body and various dents and dings. A very simple line with few embellishments gives this car an almost futuristic aero look. With its horizontal ribbed grille and large dividing bars, flanked by dual round headlights on either side and a shiny bumper below, it has an air of sophisticated utilitarianism. A full body length trim spear runs down each side of the car (the missing pieces come with the purchase), then for the front fenders not only a 770 badge but also a Classic badge written in your grandmother's script hovering above a traditional V8 emblem, very fresh. A second trim spear starts toward the rear of each door and runs back along the top of the body line before melting into the taillight bezels. On the back, a brushed aluminum panel is flanked by the rather complex taillights which not only wrap around the rear fenders but also mimic their almost fin-like design. A new white canvas convertible top is on and has a crystal clear rear window, it is also power actuated. Chrome wire wheels in 15" form adorn all 4 corners and are wrapped in like new thin whitewall radial rubber.

Interior
With the top down for extra viewing, we swing the doors open and are met with a white vinyl door panels flanked above and below by pure black painted steel. The white vinyl shows with some staining and wear and the driver's is missing both the door release lever and window crank. A split back bench is up front and has new white upholstery with horizontal tuck and roll stitching with smooth white bolsters. We note some minor soiling of the driver's cushions but nothing that some elbow grease couldn't remove. This pattern holds true for the rear bench, and these are floating in a sea of black carpeting which is very clean too! The dash of this car has a rectangular central cluster with black background and white lettering and numbers. To the right is a black ribbed speaker cover and just below we see a long brushed aluminum panel containing various knobs, the original AM radio, and clock. A black vinyl pad covers the top of the steel dash and shows with no cracks or fading. A note to the trunk which presents sans its liner, showing the all steel trunk floor with minor rust staining but nothing invasive.

Drivetrain
The high performance 327ci making a very spectacular 270hp is within the simple wide-open engine bay. This engine decked out in red regalia and sports its red painted 327 Rambler valve covers and Tri Poised Power air cleaner assembly. This mill is topped with a 4-barrel carburetor and has a Borg Warner Flash-O-Matic 3-speed automatic, (get a load of that naming Buck Rogers), bolted to the back. The rear axle weighs in with a 3.15 ratio.

Undercarriage
Up in the Classic Auto Mall air atop the lift, we can peruse the undercarriage, which has some patina, strong steel and is an early version of unibody construction. Structurally sound but showing amateur repairs on both rear floor pans and the driver's front pan. Power drum brakes all around, and the typical independent coil spring suspension upfront, and a coil spring and Panhard bar assembly is on the back. Dual exhaust with stock style mufflers is on and looking good.

Drive-Ability
This car was a modern convenience drive, it started right up and drove like it was on a cloud. Strong acceleration, and smooth shifting from the Flash-O-Matic, as well as bias free panic stopping from the power drums all around. All functions were working, and the radio was hard to turn on as it was missing both knobs. Do they still broadcast in AM??! Anyway, driving this car was a breeze, and that's no hot air.

As the consignor states right on the paper, “this car runs good, stops good and drives good.” It really does and might I take the liberty to add it looks good too and is a great example of the 1965 Rambler 770 Classic. Ahhhhh! Fresh classic cool air…

VIN DECODE
U101146
U-Rambler Classic V8
101146-Sequential Unit Number

BODY TAG
BODY R005633-Body #
MODEL 6517 5-Classic 770 Convertible
TRIM 578H-Black & White Vinyl
PAINT 1A-Classic Black

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.