page_title: Rambler American
section_title: 1962
hierarchical_section_title: Rambler American / Second generation / 1962
caption_attribution_description: English: 1962 Rambler American 400 convertible as used in the TV series "3rd Rock from the Sun" - rear. This vehicle was donated by the show's creators and producers: Bonnie and Terry Turner. Picture taken in The Rambler Legacy Gallery of the The Kenosha History Center.
context_page_description: The Rambler American is a compact car that was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation between 1958 and 1969. The American was the second incarnation of AMC's forerunner Nash Motors second-generation Rambler compact that was sold under the Nash and Hudson Motors marques from 1954 and 1955.
  The American can be classified in three distinct model year generations: 1958 to 1960, 1961 to 1963, and 1964 to 1969. During the entire length of its production, the car was sold under the Rambler brand name, and was the last Rambler named automobile marketed in the Canadian and United States markets.
  The compact Rambler American was most often the lowest priced car built in the U.S. It was popular for its economy in ownership, as was proven by numerous Mobilgas Economy Run championships. After an optional second-generation AMC V8 engine was added in 1966, it also became known as a powerful compact performance model that also included the 390 cu in version built in conjunction with Hurst, the 1969 SC/Rambler.
context_section_description: Setting new sales records, American Motors continued its "policy of making changes only when they truly benefited the customer." The 1962 model year Rambler American lineup was essentially the same as 1961. Model designations changed with the Custom trim becoming a 400.
  A new "E-stick" option combined a manual 3-speed transmission with an automatic clutch as a low-cost alternative to the fully automatic transmission. The E-stick was also available in conjunction with an overdrive unit. The system cost $59.50, but offered stick-shift economy, performance, and driver control without a clutch pedal by using engine oil pressure and intake manifold vacuum to engage and disengage the clutch when shifting gears.
  Although the "Big Three" domestic automakers had introduced competitive compact models by 1962, the Rambler American remained the oldest, smallest, "stubbornly unique" refusing "to conform to Detroit's standard pattern for scaled-down automobiles" and "free of gimmicky come-ons." A 10,000-mile (16,093 km) road test by Popular Science described the 1962 Rambler American as "sturdy, solid, dependable little automobile, comfortable to drive ... a good buy for what it's built for – transportation, not a status symbol."
  The automaker's president, George W. Romney, appeared prominently in advertisements asking potential customers to "think hard" about new cars and describing "more than 100 improvements in the 1962 Ramblers" and why they are not available in competitive cars, as well as AMC "workers as progress-sharing partners" so that buyers can "expect superior craftsmanship."
caption: The 1962 Rambler American "400" Convertible used in the 3rd Rock from the Sun TV show
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