AMC : AMERICAN 440H 1965 AMC/RAMBLER AMERICAN 440H 2 DR HDTP 58K ORIG MILES

I bought this car in September of this year as I simply fell in love with it and had to have it.  But as it happens sometimes, life does not always go the way you plan and both this car and another one I bought at the same time are going up for sale in order to pay for some unexpected financial issues. So please check my other auctions as well.

Up for auction here is this 1965 Rambler American 440H 2 dr hardtop with 57,987 ORIGINAL DOCUMENTED MILES. I knew nothing of Ramblers prior to buying this car, but have been learning as I go. The American was the economy car offering for Rambler in '65, behind the Ambassador and Classic models. There were 4 variations of this bodystyle, 220, 330, 440 and 440H, the H being the highest trim level and really turning a Plain Jane model into a really dressy car. Prior to buying this car, I have never owned a Rambler or AMC product, always thought they were just weird. However, after owning this car just a short time, I can say that I am very impressed with the build quality and standard features of it and fully believe that these were very high quality cars and very underrated. I will highlight different areas of the car below:

HISTORY - This little Rambler was bought new by A.R. and Muriel Thygesen of Wilmington, Delaware. They traded in a '61 Rambler Classic 4 door, so they clearly liked their Ramblers. It was purchased new from Economy Motors in Wlimington, Del on 2/25/1965 for a total of $2993.35 as per the ORIGINAL sales invoice included with the car. The Thygesens kept the car in their care for the next 32 years. On June 20,1997 after her husband's passing, Muriel, now no longer driving, through their family attorney, sold the car to Charles DeHaven of Arden, Del. according to the old copied notorized title. The car had traveled just 32,031 miles since new at that point. For whatever the reason, as paperwork does not indicate it, Mr DeHaven never took possesion of the car and it remained in a storage garage owned my Mr. Denis 'O Sullivan where Denis had overseen the car for the family. A letter from the attorney to Denis on 5/29/1997 informs him that the car was to be sold to a party, but again, it never happened. In the meantime Denis decided he would like to own the car and bought it from Mrs Thygesen. Denis would own the car for the next 12 years. Denis used the car for family outings and personal enjoyment giving his daughter rides quite often as she took a real liking to the Rambler. From the tiime he took ownership until 6/23/2003 Denis put 25,740 miles on it and did repairs as needed and also had the car completely re-painted. But after 6/03 Denis became much more involved with his business and for the most part, the little Rambler sat in his storage garage for the next 6 years, being driven just 62 miles. Denis realized it was time for the little Rambler to find a new home as it was just not being used much anymore. He offered the car to his now grown daughter, but apparently she loved her new Honda a bit more. Girls! And so it went up for sale. And that is where I come in as the third owner. The car is now registered and insured through Hagerty in my name here in Vermont. I have put just 10 miles on it The dates and mileages of the last gas stops, since 12/01 are hand written on an old gas receipt. which he left hanging from the ash tray and was still there when I got the car. The car is now stored in my climate controlled garage.

PRODUCTION/CODES - 8164 440H's produced in 1965, Model Code 6509-7=1965 2 door hardtop 440H, W prefix=232 "six", Paint Code 54-A=Woodside Green Metallic acrylic enamal, Trim Code 544-H=optional green vinyl bucket

EXTERIOR - The car was painted about 10 years ago according to Denis. At that time, he had a basecoat/clearcoat complete repaint done. The trim for the most was not removed, but carefully taped. This was not a body-off restoration, but rather a nice driver quality paint job. It was lightly buffed and still retains a beautiful, deep luster. There are numerous little chips and flaws as would be expected on a driver, none of which really detract from the overall look of the car. The color is the original Woodside Green Iridescent, code #54-A. The center section of the roof, between the factory moldings is painted white. The color combo is really sharp. Whatever bodywork was done must have been done pretty well as now, a decade later, still looks quite good. The only areas to speak of are some small bubbles on the passenger side of the cowl and a small bubble just over the center of the passenger side real wheel at the opening molding. There is some light surface rust under the trunk mat, but floor is quite solid, no soft spots. As a car painter myself for many years, I could pick this car apart all day long. Of course I could do that with most all of the "restored" cars out there too. This car is a nice driver that has been cared for over the decades and it still shows quite well. But please do not expect a show car. The side mirrors are pitted and as are the bumpers, rear bumper also has a dent and a slight bend. Both bumpers have small rust spots as well, both look very presentable when you stand back and look at the car, but if I were going to keep it, rechromed or nice used bumpers would be on my list.  The remainder of the chrome and stainless trim are in good condition overall. The radial whitewall tires are all in very good condition, mounted on original steel wheels and optioned with the full deluxe Rambler Spinner hub caps with the "R" logo, very sharp. I really love this bodystyle, simple, elegant and very tasteful. Compare the front end to the famous '64 Chrysler Turbine Show Car with it's tunneled highlight housings. Dick Teague and the rest of the Rambler design team really hit a home run with this one. And in my opinion, is a much prettier body than the more squared looking '66 and later American and Rogue models.

INTERIOR - One of the coolest parts of this 440H is the almost entirely original interior. This is the optional wide bucket seat interior, with 3 tone upholstery and side panels. It's hard to believe this was an economy car. Compare this interior to many of it's more expensive peers at the time and it holds up quite well. The unique acoustic material headliner is surrounded by chrome trim. The seats are well constructed and very comfortable. In fact the front seats are not only individually adjustable, but recline too, try that in your '65 Mustang! The padded dash has no cracks, the seats have no tears. The headliner has a very small tear, direct center, which I was going to cover with a factory dome light to fix. Both interior "C" panels have lights as well as two underdash lights. It really lights up at night, looks awesome. The original carpet has 2 thin areas around the base of the trans tunnel, but hard to see. Drop down the passenger side sunvisor and you'll find an optional factory Rambler vanity mirror for those big date nights. Neither the fuel or temp guages work, might be senders or ? Otherwise all lights, wipers, horn, emergency brake light etc, work. This interior reminds me of the tri-tone Pontiac interiors of the early sixties. Of course they were alot more money. But check out how cool those seat belt buckles are!

DRIVETRAIN - I've owned many cars in my 50 years, all but two have been V8's. Let's face it, I LOVE that rumble. So I was a bit apprehensive about buying a car with a six. My old '68 Mustang was not the smoothest thing around with that buzzy 200 cubic incher. But I have to admit, after putting just 10 miles on this 440H, I am convinced that this optional "W" code 232 CI/155hp 2bbl Torque Command Six, is a far superior engine that the Ford. With it's seven main bearings and 8 counterweights, this engine was the biggest of the three sixes offered. It is surprisingly quick, smooth and delivers very respectible gas mileage. Of course this is a small, light car, so that helps. Combined with the 3 speed auto Flash-O-Matic transmission (don't you love that name?) the total performance is quite respectible and would probably outrun some of the smog equipped, anemic V8's of the late 70's and early 80's and certainly is more responsive. The engine compartment, while not greasy would really look great if it was to be completely detailed like it was when new, including painting the underside of the hood. Something I was going to do if I were keeping the car. The car is a pleasure to drive, comfortable, quiet, smooth and all the power you need to motivate this sweet little bodystyle down the road.

FACTORY EQUIPMENT AS PER ORIGINAL SALES INVOICE - Visibility group, appearance group, 2 barrel carb, padded dash, tinted glass, deluxe seat belts, light group, power steering, whitewall tires, spinner hub caps, 232 ci 155hp Torque Command engine, auto trans

INCLUDED WITH THE CAR ARE SOME ORIGINAL ITEMS THAT CAME WITH IT - Original dealer invoice, original dated owner's manual, orig window sticker of the trade-in vehicle only, Easter card from Muriel from 3/93 from Oslo, Norway to family members mentioning the Rambler, attorney letter from 1997, gas receipt from 11/01, sunglasses that belonged to Mr. Thygesen in their original case from the sixties, copy of notorzed title from 6/97, some misc receipts and title from Denis.

FACTORY LITERATURE I HAVE AQUIRED FOR THE CAR - Factory brochures including '65 Rambler American 10 page color "One of the Sensible Spectaculars," "The Sensible Spectaculars" 3 model color fold-out, 6 page "The Sensible Spectaculars" 3 model color brochure, larger 14 page color full line brochure, 14 page "Features and Options" black and white brochure, 1965 Rambler Dupont Color Chip Charts, 1965 Rambler "Challenge to Change" Sweepsstakes packet, 3 model post card size fold out, 1965 Rambler Technical Service Manual.

OTHER ITEMS INCLUDED THAT I HAVE ACQUIRED FOR THE CAR - Two correct, original side mirrors with the correct "R" logo to replace the pitted ones on the car now. They are used originals with no pitting and excellent chrome, 4 new custom engraved "R American 440" upper and lower radiator hose clamps, custom "R" machined air cleaner locking nut, new repro Rambler compass from AMC authority Eddie Stakes and an NOS green full width floor mat with the AM script logo. This is actually a rear mat, but could be used for the front, just does not go up as high as front mats do, but it is mint, as-new, still in the Rambler box.

SO THERE IS NO CONFUSION, WHEN YOU REGISTER A CAR IN VERMONT AS WITH SOME OTHER STATES, THEY DO NOT ISSUE YOU A NEW TITLE ON VEHICLES 15 YEARS OR OLDER. YOU GET TO KEEP THE PREVIOUS TITLE AND THEY ISSUE YOU A REGISTRATION CARD AND STICKERS FOR YOUR NEW PLATES. THAT IS HOW IT IS DONE HERE. I GUARANTEE 100% THAT YOU WILLL HAVE NO PROBLEMS REGISTERING THIS CAR IN YOUR HOME STATE. ONCE YOUR DMV SEES IT HAS COME FROM A NON-TITLE STATE, THEY WILL ISSUE YOU A NEW TITLE FROM YOUR STATE. FEEL FREE TO CHECK WITH YOU LOCAL DMV. I HAVE SOLD OLDER CARS IN THE PAST AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE, NEW YORK, CALIFORNIA AND INBETWEEN, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE THIS WITH A CAR THAT HAS NO TITLE, TOTALLY DIFFERENT. THIS CAR IS 100% LEGAL, REGISTERED, ROADWORTHY AND INSURED THROUGH HAGERTY IN MY NAME IN THE STATE OF VERMONT. THANKS

I HAVE AN ADDITIONAL 47 PICTURES I CAN SEND, ENGINE COMP, UNDERSIDE AND MORE, BUT WILL NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT 802 485-7411 UNTIL 10PM EASTERN TIME/7PM PACIFIC. ASK ME ABOUT STORAGE. IF STORAGE IS AN ISSUE, THE CAR CAN STAY WITH ME IN MY HEATED GARAGE AS LONG AS NEEDED ONCE PAID FOR. I WILL ASSIST IN SHIPPING IN ANY WAY I CAN, BUT COST IS BUYER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU LIKE. GOOD LUCK, BRENT

HELLO EBAYERS, AS OF MONDAY, 10/09, KEEP THIS IN MIND. I HAVE HAD MANY REQUESTS FOR THE REST OF THE PHOTOS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PHONE CALLS AND HAVE A LEAST A COUPLE GUYS WHO SEEM QUITE INTERESTED IN EITHER CAR I'M SELLING. I NEED TO SELL BOTH THESE CARS. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS, YOU CAN MAKE ME AN OFFER. IF WE CAN STRIKE A DEAL, I CAN ADJUST THE BUY IT NOW PRICE AS WE SPEAK OVER THE PHONE AND THAT PERSON CAN THEN HIT THE BUTTON TO END THE AUCTION AND THEY WILL WIN THE CAR. THERE WILL BE NO OFF-EBAY DEALS. THANKS, BRENT.