1964 AMC Rambler

Coupe

195.6

Manual

G53XXXX

Clear

Gasoline

Untitled Document Up for auction is George Romney's very own personal Rambler. Extremely clean and well documented, this historic Rambler Coupe is being offered with no reserve. I'm selling this car without reserve because I urgently need the covered garage space. I only ask that this car goes to a home with a covered garage. What's most amazing about this car is that it's so well preserved and un-restored. To find a car this well preserved is rare, but to find a car this well preserved and with this documentation and ownership history is amazing. The paint is all factory and in excellent shape for its age. It's sharp and is extremely presentable. It does have a couple nicks and very few minor dings, but like I said it's in extremely good shape for its age. George did have a little run-in on the upper part of the grille and the front of the hood. It's very minor and I honestly believe it should be left as is… as George did this during ownership. The interior is exceptional as well. The seats are all factory material and in excellent shape. Everything on the dash is completely functional. The radio plays, although it's a little quite. The blinkers blink, the speedo is accurate, the gas level reads true. The tires are in excellent shape. The glass is in great shape, but does have a tiny star towards the top. At some point the one wiper etched the glass a little, but it can probably be polished out. The engine is the original factory 195.6 inline six and runs very well without smoke. While detailing the engine everything was preserved instead of restored. The transmission is the factory 3 speed manual. It shifts as it's supposed to. I'm not familiar with these transmissions, but the synchro makes a little noise sometimes when downshifting. Could be normal, I don't know. The car handles really well, even though it's spent most of its life garaged. It handles, corners and steers well. No noises or clunks. It's a beautiful car and its fun to drive (and should be driven). Now for the history of this car. It's a fascinating car in that it perfectly matches George Romney's conservative personality. He was worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but truly believed he should live relatively humble. He was the CEO of American Motors and its greatest savior during the 1950's and early '60s. In many ways he was the Father of the Rambler. Although George Mason conceived the car, it was George Romney who would build the Rambler into what it would become. He took the Rambler from a niche vehicle into the 3rd best selling Marque in the US. George Romney was known for Ramblers and Ramblers were known thanks to George Romney. George's oldest Son said that George wasn't normally attached to cars, but this one was different. George had a special bond with this car because he felt he contributed more to these 63-64 cars than at any point in the past. While he left American Motors to become Governor of Michigan in 1962, George had worked directly on the development of the '63/'64. George held onto this specific car and had a friend of the family store it for a number of years. This was unusual for George, as he normally didn't become attached to his cars like he did with this one. Just a couple years before his death, George Romney decided to donate this car to Chrysler (against his son's wishes). The car was put into the Chrysler collection and toured the country at various car shows. Chrysler kept the car in the collection at the Michigan headquarters. This car was loaned by Chrysler to the Mitt Romney campaign in 2007 in order to announce Mitt Romney running for president. It was taken to the Henry Ford Museum and used as a backdrop for his announcement. Around the time of Chrysler's bankruptcy, Chrysler siphoned several cars out to certain private collections. Just prior to this transfer Chrysler signed these cars over to their Museum operation then directed them into private collections. I'm not sure of the reason, but it was odd timing and I've got some ideas. This car was put into a $12 million dollar collection up in Northern California. That's where I became aware of the car and later purchased it. This is a very historic car for both American Motors enthusiasts and anyone appreciating the auto industry of the 1950's & '60s in general. It has great documentation and a wonderful ownership history. The car is being offered with its original registration slips from George Romney's ownership, a copy of the Chrysler title and some other misc Romney items that go along with it. I've always just stored the car in a sealed garage, so I've never registered it. It comes with a clear and clean CA title. I'm offering the car at no reserve. It’s important to me that the car gets a good home. I welcome anyone who wants to view this car in person. Inspecting the car is to be done before the auction ends, not after. Whoever is the high bidder is the winner of the car. As with all old cars, this car is sold as is, where is. I will not arrange shipping, but can help with loading and be available for scheduling. The car is too nice to be shipped open transport, so must go enclosed if shipped any distance. I can suggest a few excellent companies that have fair rates. A $1000.00 non-refundable deposit is required within 24 hours and full payment is required within 3 days. If you have bad feedback (or under 10 transactions) please don't bid. I'm willing to hold the car for a reasonable amount of time while shipping is arranged. I'm more than happy to answer any questions, so please don't hesitate. Don't miss your chance to own this historic Rambler. On Feb-19-13 at 18:15:54 PST, seller added the following information: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Please do not bid unless you at least a 10 feedback score. If you have under 10 please contact me first to verify your bid is legit. I have gone through my vintage items that go along with the car and it will include 5 different published biographies on George Romney, political buttons from his '64 & '68 elections, a souvenir George Romney Texas license plate from 1963/64 (which is cool since the car spent time in Texas around then), original mailers, stickers and so on… in addition to the items shown above. Ebay's messaging system is delaying messages by as much as 24 hours. If you have questions feel free to call direct: 909-234-5836 Attention bidders: Many bidders use an electronic last-second bidding services. If you want to own this car I suggest not running yourself out of time and trying to counter-bid in the last few seconds (you will lose to a machine). I suggest putting the maximum you're willing to pay for this specific car. The highest bidder will win the car. Don't miss your chance. On Feb-19-13 at 18:47:07 PST, seller added the following information: Untitled Document On Feb-21-13 at 18:44:28 PST, seller added the following information: IMPORTANT: If your feedback score is under 10 stars, please call BEFORE bidding.