“Basic transportation for the man who hates gingerbread.” – American Motors Rambler Ad From 1969

The Rambler American is a compact car that was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1958 and 1969.

Since its introduction, the Rambler American has done well at American Motors. For its final model year, 1969, the “American” name was dropped as the car was now referred to as the “American Motors Rambler.” Continuing the tradition of minimal changes, the models received a new “suspended” accelerator pedal and cable throttle linkage. Additional safety equipment for the 1969 models included front shoulder belts and headrests for both front outboard seating positions and the front parking lights stayed on with the headlights. On the exterior, the center horizontal chrome grille bar was deleted.

In part to commemorate the impending discontinuation of the Rambler name, American Motors added the Rogue-based SC/Rambler to the line (detailed separately). Total production for the 1969 model year was 96,029. After the 1969 model year, a completely redesigned model, the AMC Hornet, replaced the American.

Basic transportation for the man who hates gingerbread.

Millions of Americans are sick of gingerbread.

Of paying hundreds of dollars for chrome that’s out of date before it’s paid for.

These people want basic transportation. And nothing more.

But they are very, very particular about how they define basic transportation.

So are we.

Basic transportation is a car that doesn’t look like a roller skate.

A car you don’t have to fold up into. Or out of.

A car with enough power to keep some fool from running up your tailpipe as you accelerate onto a turnpike.

A car that doesn’t gulp gas.

Or cost you a fortune in labor every time it gets dented.

(European labor is cheap in Europe. But it’s expensive in America. As many

a foreign car owner has discovered to his dismay.)

The Rambler is basic transportation. I With a 128-horsepower engine.

With seating for six, instead of four.

With gas mileage of about 20 miles per gallon.

With an engine in the front, and a trunk in the back, and room for four suitcases in the trunk.

The Rambler lists for only $199 more than even the basic Volkswagen.

And $285 less than any other 6 cylinder American car.

Yet it has most of the advantages of both.

It’s a solid value.

Like bread and butter.

American Motors Rambler $1998

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Rambler 2-door sedan, federal taxes included. State and local taxes, destination charges, if any, options excluded.