Car: AMC Rambler Marlin
Year: 1965
What makes it special: The Rambler Marlin, which later became known as an AMC Marlin, was a two-door fastback produced by the American Motors Corporation ( or just AMC ), from 1965 to 1967. A Halo model for the company, it was marketed as a personal luxury car. In 1965, the car was marketed as “Rambler Marlin”. For 1966, the car featured “Marlin” identification only and was officially named “AMC Marlin”, as was the 1967 model.
What made it famous: 1965 and 1966 production Marlins were fastback versions of the mid-sized two-door hardtop Rambler Classic. A total of 2,005 Marlins were built with the smallest engine option, a 145 hp 232 inline-6. The AMC-designed 270 hp, 327 cu in 4-barrel V8, often paired with an automatic transmission that had the shifter in a floor console, accounted for 42% of total production, while less than 6%, regardless of engine option, had the innovative “Twin-Stick” manual transmission with overdrive. The center console-mounted controls offered one longer stick for the regular gears, with a second shorter lever for overdrive selection. It can be shifted as a 5-speed: from 1st to 2nd, to 2nd+OD, to 3rd, to 3rd+OD. Other options included “Solex” tinted glass, power steering, heavy-duty suspension, a “Twin-Grip” limited slip rear, A/C, adjustable steering wheel, power windows, and a choice of an AM radio or an AM/FM unit with “Duo Costic” rear speaker and “Vibra Tone” system to simulate stereophonic sound since stereo broadcasting was not yet widely available in the U.S. Wide-ranging interior colors and upholstery choices were available, and options for the exterior, including accent colors for the roof and side window trim, enabled further customization.
Why I would want one: It is by far one of the coolest, most creative and innovative car models of the mid-60’s.
Fun fact: Its fastback roof design was previewed on the 1964 Rambler Tarpon show car, based on the compact Rambler American model.
