Rambler Classic

The Rambler Classic is an intermediate-sized automobile built and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1961 through 1966 model years in three generations.

The 1961 Classic line replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 names, which were retired at the end of the 1960 model year.

Initially available as a six-passenger four-door sedan and six- or eight-passenger station wagon versions, AMC added body styles to the model line. Two-door variants became available as a "post" sedan for the 1963 model year, and starting the 1964 versions, a pillar-less hardtop. A convertible was also available for the 1965 and 1966 model years.^{[citation needed]}

Motor Trend magazine selected AMC's Classic line for the 1963 Car of the Year award.

The Rebel name replaced Classic on AMC's entirely redesigned intermediate-sized cars for the 1967 model year. For 1968, the Rambler Rebel line was renamed the AMC Rebel as AMC began phasing out the Rambler marque.

Throughout its production, the Classic was a high-volume seller for the independent automaker. Built in AMC's factories in the U.S. and Canada, the Classic was assembled under license or joint ventures and exported to over 100 nations.

The Rambler line of cars was the focus of AMC's management strategy under the leadership of George W. Romney. Their compact cars (for the era) helped AMC to achieve sales and corporate profit successes. In 1961, the Rambler marque ranked in third place among domestic automobile sales behind Chevrolet and Ford.

Ramblers were available in two sizes and built on different automobile platforms. The larger-sized Rambler series was based on a 1956 design and was renamed the Classic for the 1961 model year to help create a stronger individual identity and contrast from the smaller Rambler American line. American Motors' Edmund E. Anderson designed the new 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Ramblers "that looked new and fresh but were in fact inexpensive reskinned models." American Motors kept the basic body shell longer than the big three domestic automakers to recoup tooling costs and make a profit. Because this cycle time of five to six years was longer than the industry norm of three years at that time, AMC designers facelift to provide the appearance of updated styling changes.