Up for bid is my beautiful 1965 Rambler American 440 convertible, one of only 3,882 made. This is an original black-plate California car that was sold new at Parker Rambler in Fresno and still has its original license frames. I have the California black plates that are original to the car, and they will be made available to the buyer if he/she is a California resident. I’ve owned this little jewel for about four years and it’s been one of the most fun cars (and one of the most attention-getting!) that I’ve ever had. It’s a real survivor, and it’s ready to drive and enjoy. I really do hate to sell it, but I need the room for my expanding vintage motorcycle collection, plus I find that I’m not using it nearly as much here on the rainy Oregon coast as I did in So Cal. Mostly, it has been sitting in the garage. I’d like to find it a good home with someone who will enjoy, appreciate, and care for it as I have.

There has been thousands of dollars in detail work done to the car, and I have receipts from the previous owner, as well as for work I’ve had done. The car was repainted in the original Solar Yellow in June 2002 using acrylic urethane. The paint is very nice and I would rate it as easily OEM quality. There are a few very minor small dents, the largest is a small crease on top of the LF fender near the cowl. It’s too small to show in the photos, and too small to see unless you’re looking for it.  As far as I know, the only rust the car ever had was at the bottom of the left rear quarter panel behind the wheel, which was repaired at the time of painting, and the prior owner told me the trunk leaked at one time causing rust on the trunk floor which was patched. The trunk doesn’t leak now. But most importantly - the floor pans and the rockers are in PRISTINE condition.  I had the bumpers re-chromed in 2006 by Pacific Plating at a cost of $600.00 before I left San Diego and they are beautiful.

The car runs very well, always starts immediately, and is surprisingly peppy. The engine is the 196.5 CID overhead-valve six, 125 horsepower, with three-speed manual trans. As far as I can tell the engine is original and unmolested.  In July 2006, the transmission suffered a disastrous snap-ring failure and was completely rebuilt by Oceanside Transmission near San Diego, including new case and shafts, at a cost of $2026.80. It’s now better than new, and a new clutch was installed at the same time. You can see from the photos that the engine compartment is in beautiful condition. There are no significant oil leaks other than the occasional drop from the rear main area. There are no repairs needed that I know of, the car is ready to drive. I don’t ever run it higher than 55-60 mph, because that’s where it’s happy. It’s most at home driving around town on nice days with the top down. On chilly days, you can still drive with the top down – just turn on the “Weather-Eye” heater full blast and you’re good to go. We’ve taken it to shows both in SoCal and here in Oregon, and people love it – everyone comments that they used to have a car like it. It’s a smile-getter, for sure.

The odometer on the car is not the original, and does not work (speedometer and gauges work fine). The instrument panel was replaced in 2002 by the previous owner, but apparently a short time later the odometer failed, and in any case the true mileage is unknown. One look at the car will tell you it’s not very high. If I were forced to take a guess, I’d estimate maybe 50 or 60K, but there’s no way to know for sure.   I have a correct replacement instrument panel that I bought on Ebay that will go with the car. All the gauges and controls work properly, and the stock radio works as well.

The car drives very well, straight and true. The front end still feels tight, it stops fine, and there aren’t many rattles or squeaks. It’s a solid, unibody car, and it shows. The exhaust system is in good condition, and all glass is good. The doors fit right, and close perfectly with a satisfying sound. Locks, lights, signals, it all works.

The interior is pretty much original and in amazing condition. Seats, door panels and carpets are all very nice.  There are custom carpeted floor mats also. The top is not new but fits well and is in very serviceable condition with no rips, and the rear window is clear. The top is power operated and works very well.  The front seat belts are correct with the “R” script.  The boot for the convertible top was custom made by Ocean Beach Upholstery ($300) and they did a really nice job.

I fitted the car with the correct OEM factory wire wheel covers. They were pricey ($435) but I think they really set the car off.  The tires are Big-O radials with  most of the tread remaining.  The dual outside rearview mirrors are the correct “R” Rambler script, hard to find. I installed a “Beep-Beep” horn which really fits the character of the car, but the original horn is there as well and it can easily be switched back if desired.  The plastic “A” emblem on the front of the hood is rare, hard to find, and perfect .

I bought a correct original jack which is in the trunk. I also have the owners manual, accessories manual, features brochure, service specifications booklet, and factory shop manual, which will all be included with the car. I will also pass along the folder with receipts and documentation to the new owner, as well a small number of service parts that I’ve collected for the car.

Lastly, there is a custom-fit, top-of-the-line Sunbrella cover for the car that I had made at a cost of $395 that I will include with the car.

I can’t think of anything you’d need to do to it, other than put in the new instrument panel if desired, and maybe replace the fuel fill hose. (it’s hardened, and tends to seep and smell if the tank is topped off). Check the oil, and add a quart now and then. Keep it shined up. Drive and enjoy. Take it to shows and cruises. Be amazed at all the attention it attracts wherever you go.

I have clear Oregon title and the car is currently registered. Bid early and often – if we get some nice weather and I take it out for a spin, I might change my mind about selling it. J   I reserve the right to end the auction early if the reserve is not met and I get a local offer I can’t refuse. If you’re an Ebay newbie, or have less-than-stellar feedback, contact me before bidding. A $500.00 PayPal deposit is required within 24 hours of auction end. Shipping arrangements to be made promptly, let me know what your plans are and I’ll work with you. Remember that cashiers checks have become suspect these days and can take 2 weeks to clear. Bank wire or cash in person allow immediate transfer.

If you want to fly in to inspect or pick up the car, Coos Bay/North Bend is serviced by Horizon (Alaska) Airlines via the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport - code “OTH”. 

Anything I didn’t cover?  Please ask anything at all (other than “what’s the reserve?”) and I’ll post all questions to the listing. Ask away.

Now for the fine print:  This is a beautiful car, but please remember that it is still a 43 year old vehicle. It is being sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty of any kind express or implied.  Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange and pay for. With reasonable notice, I will drive the car the 12 miles into the town of Coos Bay to meet your shipper, as you can’t get a semi up to where I live. Please make sure you have funds and permission from your wife BEFORE you bid. Your bid is a contract – if you win, you own it. You are NOT bidding on the right to come look at the car and decide if you want it. There is no negotiation – the final bid price is the price.  I will answer anything you want to know – ask questions BEFORE you bid, please. And finally, if you’re looking for a car to “slam” or make a “rat-rod” out of, or drop a small-block Chevy motor into, please, do us both a favor and keep looking.