Founded in 1954 following a merger between Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Car Company, American Motors Corporation (AMC) became the country’s fourth-larger carmaker. Purchased by Chrysler in 1988, AMC didn’t manage to keep up with the Big Three in terms of sales and popularity. However, the corporation rolled out quite a few exciting vehicles, especially during the golden muscle car era. The 1969 SC/Rambler is one of them.
The story of the Rambler began in 1950 when Nash Motors introduced the nameplate on America’s first successful compact car, establishing a new market. The name remained in use following the merger and soldiered on as the Rambler American until 1969. Initially offered with a six-cylinder engine, the Rambler got an optional V8 in 1966. AMC discontinued the nameplate three years later, but not before it created a muscle car version called the SC/Rambler.
Based on the hardtop model, the SC/Rambler resulted from a collaboration with Hurst Performance and AMC’s ambition to take the compact racing. Developed specifically for the F/Stock class of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), the SC/Rambler hit showrooms with a laundry list of extra goodies. It included front disc brakes, a heavier sway bar, staggered shocks, anti-hop rear axle links, race-spec mirrors, and Magnum 500-style wheels.
More importantly, the big snorkel on the hood fed air to a 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine. Usually offered in the Javelin and AMX, the 315-horsepower lump turned the mundane Rambler into a 14.3-second quarter-mile runner. And that number dropped to less than 13 clicks with proper tuning and the numerous over-the-counter upgrades available at AMC dealerships.
Described as one of the “most visually arresting” vehicles from the golden muscle car era, the SC/Rambler also came wrapped in a bold livery combining AMC’s corporate colors: red, white, and blue. The company offered two versions. The “A scheme” was the flashiest of the pair, thanks to its red side panels and blue arrow on the hood. The “B scheme” was slightly more restrained, sporting an all-white finish with blue and red stripes on the lower side panels.
While NHRA regulations dictated that 500 production models must be built for homologation, AMC made 1,512 SC/Ramblers. The run included 1,215 examples finished in the “A scheme” and 297 cars painted in the “B scheme.” The latter is arguably the rarest, but “A scheme” cars are also hard to come by nowadays. That’s because many were either raced and crashed or simply sidelined as more powerful muscle cars became available. The example you see here is one of those “A scheme” examples begging for a second chance at life.
Found in Norwood, New Jersey,” this SC/Rambler hasn’t touched the tarmac in quite a few years. While it still sports its original livery, the compact had its original front fenders replaced with regular Rambler units. The trunk lid was also replaced, though the photos suggest the original panel is still with the car. The front fascia is missing, while the interior is loaded with spare parts that may or may not belong to this car.
And I say that because the owner provides next to no information aside from the fact that it’s an “early production car” and that the SC/Rambler still has the original transmission. Sadly enough, though, the 390 V8 is long gone, and that’s terrible news for such a cool, desirable, and valuable classic.