Re: [Amc-list] 1963 AMC Rambler Muscle Car???

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The 64 Pontiac GTO is almost unanimously recognized as the "first muscle car", with the definition being a large engine (usually reserved for large cars -- almost invariably a big block) in a compact TWO DOOR sedan/hardtop/convertible. The "big block" designation gets blurred because technically Pontiac, Buick, Olds, etc., didn't make big block and small block engines like Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler, but they did make engines typically reserved for large cars and smaller versions of their V-8s (usually 350 inches or less) for their compacts. Most people consider all Pontiacs, etc., to be "big blocks" because of their large external size, comaparable to "real" big blocks. The AMC/Rambler 250/287/327 would be in the "big block" category as well if external dimensions and weight were the deciding factors. Of course a compact of the 60s is easily a full size of today! 

So the 57 Rambler Rebel gets beat out by not being a two door. The 58-66 Ambo by not being over 350 inches (some say 400 is the value to use, but allow the Chevy 396 to be counted as the smallest muscle car engine). 

The "Typhoon" Classic was NOT a V-8! The new 232 Typhoon Six was used in the special model that introduced it. 

Joe is almost correct in saying that mid 63 model year was the intro of the Classic V-8. V-8s were available in 1961 Classics also! The 250 V-8 was an option in the ("mid size") Rambler from 1957. AMC actually called them the "Rebel" and gave them a different series number (Series 20), so they technically weren't "Classic" V-8 models, but that's essentially what they are. The Rebel was made from 58-60. The Rambler 6 and Rebel line were merged under the Classic name in 1961. Since the Classic and Ambo shared the same wheelbase beginning in 1962 (essentially the same car, different trim), AMC sought to differentiate between the two with the engine. Classics got a six, Ambos got a V-8. Dealers had a fit, so the 287 was introduced in mid model year as an option for the 63 classic. 

---------------
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 12:05:17 -0700
From: "Thomas Garner" <Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I ran across Ebay Item number 170248201436 and HAD to have a look. 

It claims this car is known as the FIRST un-official muscle car. 

I assume this is an Ambassador if it came with the 327 right? I didn't think the Classic came with a V-8 option until the Typhoon in 64? (I'm asking not stating)

 Was this considered the first Muscle Car?? Really?? Seriously? A Rambler?

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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