Slice of Americana: 1959 Rambler American

The original Rambler American was launched as a low priced sub-compact under the direction of George Romney.  The junior Rambler was powered by a 195 cubic inch flathead-6 and sold for something in the range of $1800 when new…which adjusted for inflation is $16k in 2020 money.  Today’s example looks decent for the asking price and will get you smiles everywhere you go. Find this 1959 Rambler American offered for $8800 in San Francisco, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:

1959 Rambler American

condition: excellent

cylinders: 6 cylinders

drive: rwd

fuel: gas

paint color: white

size: compact

title status: clean

transmission: manual

type: coupe

For sale!

or Trade for a 4-Speed Driving Project?

The 1959 Rambler!

A beautiful, rare, and important piece of Americana!

This car is from the first series of economical / fuel efficient, and affordable automobiles, produced by American Motors Corporation, upon the merging of Nash and Hudson in 1954

Low mileage on rebuilt flathead motor which runs beautifully, and sings like a sewing machine!

Lot’s of torque!

An old-school retired MUNI driver keeps tellin’ me, “You can drive those at forty-five miles-per-hour in first gear!”, and I don’t doubt him one bit!

Three-speed transmission with “on the dash” column shifter!

A wonderful daily driver and head turner!

This is a well restored example, with some fun, period-correct accessories!

The incredibly rare Fulton 1000 Sunshade!

Baby Moons n’ Beauty Rings (Original hubcaps in the trunk)!

Custom Venetian Blinds from an AMC Ambassador!

Window Breezies!

Curb Feelers!

Ruby eyelids!

…and last but not least, the red Bug Deflector!

Hidden CD Player under glovebox!

Period-correct “Yellow n’ Black” license plates!

A perfect car for cruising all over town.

Asking $8800 or best offer.

Thanks for reading! 

See a better way to drive something from the 50s? tips@dailyturismo.com