Lifetime California car, super clean throughout. Great color combination. Strong-running inline-6 with automatic transmission. Upgraded stereo and power top. Slightly lowered with an awesome stance. An affordable alternative to the usual stuff, and it sure is fun to drive!

We’re in love with this little 1962 Rambler American convertible. First, it has great bones, having spent the entirety of its life in California. California cars really are better, because there’s not a spec of rust anywhere on or under this car. We also love the color combination, which gives it a grown-up look that belies its diminutive size and makes it seem formidable, not comical. And the thing just works, always starting and it drives extremely well. OK, so there’s an older respray on it that’s showing some age, but the sheetmetal underneath is laser straight and the doors close with a gentle push rather than a heavy slam. The chunky styling is purposeful, and with the lowered stance, it has quite a bit of attitude. There’s a red pinstripe highlighting the body line that runs from nose to tail, and the chrome on the car is in really good condition for being mostly original. Even the bumpers are really nice. Lenses, emblems, and glass are also in great shape, which is important because reproduction parts for these cars are few and far between. This little Rambler just has the right look.

The bright red vinyl interior appears to be mostly original, and given its condition, it surely lived out of the sun while it was in California. The seats are still firm, there are no split seams or popped corners, and the wide bench seat makes it feel spacious inside. Seat belts were added for safety, and we’re guessing that the carpets have been replaced at some point, as they’re just too nice to be 60+ years old. The original steering wheel shows some fading but no major cracks or breaks, and the simple instruments have a cool look and they all work properly. In fact, everything works on this Rambler except the clock, which is nice. There’s an upgraded Sony AM/FM/CD stereo with a remote in the center of the dash, and it was neatly installed so no major cutting was required. Overhead there’s a power convertible top and the top shows some age, but if you’re doing it right, it’s for emergencies only anyway and it’ll definitely keep the rain off. There’s also a massive trunk that includes a correct mat and a spare tire with jack assembly.

The engine is a tough little 196 cubic inch OHV inline-6 that will run on the cheapest gas you can find and still turns in great fuel economy in today’s world. No, it won’t blow you away like a V8, but the Rambler doesn’t weigh very much so performance is energetic and fun. It starts easily, idles nicely, and generally goes about its business without any fussiness, and parts for tune-ups and service are still easy to find. It has been recently tuned and filled with fresh fluids, so it’s ready to enjoy. A 3-speed automatic transmission is a great partner, making the American easy to handle even in traffic. You can see just how clean it is underneath, and the exhaust system is brand new with straight pipes, so the little six has a great soundtrack that quiets down at cruising speeds. You’ll also find recent brake parts and shocks, so it feels competent going down the road. Factory 15-inch steel wheels are fitted with staggered 205/70/15 front and 225/75/15 rear radials to give it that awesome stance, and the original hubcaps are included if the blackout look isn’t for you.

Documentation includes an owner’s manual, shop manual, and some service receipts.

We love this little guy. It’s endearing in a way all small cars are, but it has a great big attitude that really makes it stand out. It drives superbly and it should be bulletproof reliable given its simplicity. It was owned, modified, and serviced by a guy who really knows his stuff, and this was one of his favorites to drive. That speaks volumes about its charm. And at this price, it represents a whole lot of top-down fun that’s ready to go this summer. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.