Like the idea of owning a classic but dread the thought of any kind of work that takes much more effort than changing motor oil? Well…we won’t make any rash judgements, because some days you just don’t want to wrench, you only want to get into your car and drive. We get that. So for this Rough Start feature, we wanted to find a car that would need little to no work for our five thousand dollar budget, yet would do pretty well for itself in the long run. And in the case of this 1966 Rambler American 440, we think we have a winner. It’s had two owners in it’s lifetime, has been well taken care of, and is up for sale for $4,550.
Ignore the “440”, because this Rambler is a bare-bones car. That means rubber floor coverings, bench seats, a six-cylinder (our bet is that it’s either the 195ci or 199ci version) and a three-on-the-tree manual transmission. Originally bought as a fire service car, it was sold in 1973 to the current owner, who has decided to part with the car. It’s not a special build or a rare muscle car like a SC/Rambler, but this American 440 is a clean throwback to what a basic sedan used to be. It’s very clean for it’s age and the interior has somehow beaten the effects of time. With $50 left over in the budget, all we can suggest is that you get a tank of gas and go cruise.
Craigslist Link: 1966 Rambler American 440 sedan
cousins old man had one of these perfect sleeper with a 327 4spd 9″ combo
Perfect car for an engine and transmission swap: Put in a AMC 390 with a 4 speed and leave the dog dish hubcaps on it – perfect Q-Ship for the street.
Not that expensive a build either; Grab the car for $4,000 cash and figure another $4,000 for the engine and trans.
Three-on-the-Tree? Piece-o-Cake!!! Had a ’72 F100 many many MANY years back with one. Easy-peasy to drive one. I’ll have another someday.