VAM Rambler: the Rambler Classic in Mexico

The VAM Rambler is the Mexican version of the Rambler Classic, the intermediate-sized car that American Motors Corporation sold from 1961 to 1966. The Classic replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 and became the high-volume model of the Rambler range; in Mexico, cars of this line were assembled and sold by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) under the Rambler name.

VAM Rambler at a glance

Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Rambler Classic. It does not describe Mexican assembly, so the VAM connection is stated only as the local name under which these cars were sold.

History of the VAM Rambler

The Rambler Classic was created for the 1961 model year, when American Motors renamed its larger Rambler series to give it a stronger identity alongside the smaller Rambler American. The car used a 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase and the basic body shell of the previous Rambler Six and V8, with a new front end, new fenders and hood, a one-piece aluminium grille and redesigned bumpers. It was offered as a six-passenger four-door sedan or as a station wagon with two rows of seats or an optional rear-facing third row.

At launch the Classic came in Deluxe, Super and Custom trim. The Deluxe four-door sedan cost US$2,098. Buyers could have a 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) six or a 250 cu in (4.1 L) V8, and an aluminium-block version of the six, about 80 pounds lighter, was optional on the Deluxe and Super. The aluminium engine produced the same 127.5 horsepower as the cast-iron unit. The 1961 model helped Rambler to third place among American makes, with 370,600 cars sold that year.

For 1962 the Super was replaced by a 400 model, the V8 was dropped from the Classic range, and AMC’s Ambassador became the only V8 model. The two-door sedan body was a one-year offering, the tailfins were removed and the rear received round tail lamps. From 1962 all Ramblers had twin-circuit brakes, a safety feature then offered by only a few cars. The popular Custom sedan was cut in price by US$176.

A two-door “post” sedan joined the range for 1963, the year Motor Trend selected the Classic line as its Car of the Year. A pillarless hardtop arrived for 1964 and a convertible for 1965 and 1966. The Classic was built in AMC’s factories in the United States and Canada and assembled under licence or joint ventures for export to more than 100 countries. For 1967 the model was replaced by the Rambler Rebel. In Mexico the VAM Rambler carried the line on under the local Rambler name.

Design and features

• Intermediate size: a 108-inch wheelbase placed the Classic between the compact American and the larger Ambassador.
• Choice of six or V8: a 195.6 cu in six or a 250 cu in V8 at launch.
• Aluminium six: an optional die-cast block with iron liners, 80 pounds lighter than the cast-iron engine.
• Safety: twin-circuit brakes became standard on all Ramblers in 1962.
• Comfort and equipment: push-button automatic transmission and a top Custom trim with bucket seats.

VAM Rambler versions

• Deluxe (1961): the basic trim, from US$2,098 for the four-door sedan.
• Super and Custom (1961): the mid-range and top trims; the Custom had bucket seats in the four-door sedan.
• 400 (1962): the replacement for the Super.
• Two-door sedan (1962–1963): a post sedan added to the range.
• Hardtop and convertible (1964–1966): the pillarless hardtop from 1964 and the convertible for 1965 and 1966.
• VAM Rambler: Mexican assembly by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos.

The Classic was the larger stablemate of the VAM American, and the later VAM Javelin used the American’s compact platform. More cars are in the VAM collection.

Video: VAM Rambler American Rally 1973-1983

Video on YouTube.

Sources

• Rambler Classic, English Wikipedia: origins, 1961 launch, 1962 changes, body styles, engines, award, end of production