1961 AMC

Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

B276596

Gasoline

OK all you Rambler lovers stop and take a moment to be entralled by the sexiest little ragtop in town. This little gem is fondly known as "Rhoda" so named by one of her former owners of many years. She is a very fine example of a pampered 1961 Rambler American Custom Convertible. The history I have on the car is that it was bought new by a lady who worked in real estate. She kept the car till she passed away then her son kept it until he sold it to a guy I know (this was about 15 years ago). About 18 months ago another friend bought the car from my first friend but couldn't keep it due to a move so I bought it. Unfortunately I am one of those who buys cars then realizes I need to liquidate because I have too many cars. Don't get me wrong, I love Rhoda, but I love my Buick Electra convertible more. Equipped with a 195.6 6 cylinder 1bbl carb motor with a Borg Warner 3 speed automatic transmission, standard steering and brakes. The odometer is about to turn 68,000, how many times that odometer has turned we don't know but the car runs like a top, transmission shifts smooth, power top, radio and heater work great. Body is straight and rock solid. The car was originally painted Fireglow Red Poly but was changed to a different red at the time of restoration. The current red has a kind of orange glow to it in direct sunlight and under flourescent lighting. There are a few nicks and chips, some of which were touched up with an aftermarket red paint and a bottle of it comes with the car but overall the paint is very nice close up. Rhoda's no 20 footer in the show and shine departement. The interior was all recovered in red and white vinyl and it's holding up fine. If the winning bidder decides they want to take Rhoda out on the town for the night but they get too tired to drive home, Rhoda's front seat backs can be made to fold flat making a bed with the back seat and how many Toyota ragtops do you know who are that resourceful as to bring a bed out on a date? All the glass is good, the trim is all there and shines beautifully. The top is serviceable but could use some resealing to keep it weather tight. Leave her out in a heavy rain over night and you'll have an aquarium in the top well by morning---just add fish. While we're on the subject it's only fair to mention most 50 year old cars have some issues and Rhoda is not without her own. Besides what has been mentioned, the areas that need attention are 1)The windshield wipers are vacuum operated and currently do not work. I am told that it is most likely the wiper motor itself having a dried out rubber flap that directs the vacuum but that wiper motors are avaialbe as rebuilds, the horn does not work, the rheostat in the headlight switch is failing so the dash lights sometimes do not come on but all the exterior lights do. The interior seating area lights do not work. The driver's side window needs adjusting as does the rear passenger window so that they roll up and down freely, the front end sqeaks on bumps and one of the counter balance rods in the trunk lid needs to be re-installed but it does come with the car. The carpet that was in the car was worn out so it was discarded to show the floors in the photos and a new red carpet kit will come with the car. While I have posted a few pics here on the auction I have also included a photobucket account that has over 60 pics of the car. http://s916.photobucket.com/albums/ad7/sacto59r/Rhoda/ I have tried to cover all the bases and I think the photos will speak for themselves so now for the usual disclaimers: Car is being sold "as is/where is". This auction has a reserve which means that the car does not sell if the reserve is not met. Please do not write to ask what the reserve is as I will tell you now, instead of later, what I tell anyone who writes wanting to know the reserve and that is: I paid extra for a reserve price, you send me what I paid for a reserve and I will tell you when I receive your payment and it has cleared my bank account. Otherwise just bid what you can afford and, if you are top bidder and have met the reserve at the auction end, you get the car when you have paid me. I'm sorry if I am coming across as snarky but sometimes eBay bidders can be like your kid when they reach the "why?" stage. I actually encourage anyone who doesn't have a question about the reserve to please contact me with your questions. I realize that you may be thousands of miles away and that making a purchase like this is a huge gamble. I know because I have been there. If I do not know the answer I will do my best to have an answer for you before the end of auction. A $1000.00 deposit is due within 72 hours of end of auction with the total balance due within 7 days of end of auction. Buyer is responsible for arranging a transport if not picking the car up in person. I reserve the right the end this auction early as I have the car for sale locally. Thank you for looking.