dbraud

 by dbraud

1964 AMC Rambler American 440 Convertible

Last weekend, I was performing my normal craigslist search of all cars from 1955 to 1971, when a little Rambler convertible caught my eye. The AMC Rambler was one of the smallest, most affordable, and most fuel efficient cars in 1964 and it drew me in with it’s clean design. The original craigslist post only had 4 pictures that were kind of far away, but it looked good enough from a distance to contact the owner. After a flurry of texts back and forth about the condition of the car and where it could be seen, I contacted my friend Rob who I helped drive to pickup his 1966 Ford F100. He was available to drive me to check the car over.

I prepped with a mad flurry of research on the car, including valuation and history. The ’64 Rambler American was the first year for the third generation. It sported a redesigned look courtesy of designer Richard A. Teague. The wheelbase was extended by six inches vs the outgoing model. The car still sported an inline 6 cylinder engine. The car seemed interesting with the research and I was looking forward to checking out the car.

Upon arriving, the car had a great exterior presence. It just exuded a “buy me” vibe. I spoke with the owner around the history of the car. It was originally an Indianapolis car that had gone through an unknown number of owners, but he had owned it for 10 years. He had the original sticker for the car and some supporting documentation. We walked around the car discussing some of the items that did need work. The fuel gauge and temperature gauges didn’t function. The original windshield wipers had stopped functioning and the vacuum powered controller needed rebuilt. The interior was in slightly dated shape with the seats looking like they were last updated in the 70s with fabric. We went for a test drive in the rambler and I got to experience the wind in my hair. The lack of power steering is an interesting driving dynamic vs more modern cars. I really liked the car, but wasn’t in love with it for the price. After some negotiation with the owner, we reached a deal and the car would be mine.

Links:

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambler_American
AMC Forum: http://theamcforum.com/
Parts:
http://www.ramblerparts.com/
http://www.kennedyamerican.com/
http://www.amcstore.com/catalog.htm

in Automotive 8 comments
 by dbraud

A recent 1966 Ford F100 find

When browsing craiglist for cars recently, a favorite pastime, I came across a truck I knew a friend of mine would love.

A 1966 Ford F100 that claims to be in amazing shape and with an almost unbelievable 60,000 original miles. The truck looks intriguing from the photos and after a quick followup with the owner, Rob and I are heading off to checkout the truck this evening. With any luck the truck will be what it claims and we may have some more content to share around the new truck.

Update: Seeing value in the solid body and bulletproof inline six, Rob purchased the truck with plans for incremental upgrades in the future.

Interested in learning more about the Ford F100s? Check out the F100 Super Nationals: http://www.f100supernationals.com/index.php/fliers
Interesting buyers guide from hagerty.com: https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/Articles/2015/05/06/Ford-F-100-Buyers-Guide

in Automotive 0 comments
 by dbraud

2016 Mazda Miata MX-5

Introducing the 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5.

From the Mazda Press Release:

“Lighter, smaller, quicker and more nimble than its predecessor, MX-5 has adopted Mazda’s full suite of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO—Soul of Motion design. In the process, MX-5 has shed approximately 150 pounds from its predecessor, with a curb weight of 2,332 lbs. when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (2,381 lbs. with the six-speed automatic transmission).

After 26 years and more than 950,000 Mazda MX-5 Miatas sold globally, the 2016 MX-5 has circled back to what made the world fall in love with it in the first place. When the first-generation MX-5 Miata made its world debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, it ushered in a new era of the roadster: fun and affordable, yet with the added benefit of Japanese reliability. And, predictably, its popularity skyrocketed. MX-5s have become daily drivers, weekend toys and championship-winning race cars, alike. Lightweight, nimble and fun to drive, the fourth-generation MX-5 draws inspiration from MX-5s that came before it, pairing the driver as one with the car – in Japanese, it’s loosely translated as “Jinba Ittai.” But it also carves a path that is thoroughly modern and uncharted for Mazda’s flagship roadster. While the purity philosophy behind MX-5 has remained through the years, the 2016 MX-5 has had to adapt, gaining SKYACTIV Technology to make it faster and more efficient and KODO—Soul of Motion design for its striking looks. It is no wonder, then, that MX-5 continues to exist as a class of one, as competitors have come and gone through the years, and it sets the pace for the entire Mazda brand as spirited dynamics and innovation abound throughout the lineup. There has never been a more convincing lineup of cars and SUVs at Mazda than is available today, and every one of them displays a little piece of MX-5 in their value, dynamics and passion.”

 

 

in Automotive 0 comments