page_title: Rambler Six and V8
section_title: 1959
hierarchical_section_title: Rambler Six and V8 / Model years / 1959
caption_attribution_description: English: 1959 Rambler four-door sedan by American Motors Corporation (AMC) - two-tone. Photograph taken at AMCRC car show that was held in Somerset, New Jersey.
context_page_description: The Rambler Six and the Rambler V8 are intermediate sized automobiles that were built and marketed by American Motors Corporation from 1956 to 1960.
  Launched on 15 December 1955, the 1956 model year Rambler Six ushered a "new era in motoring has begun" according to George W. Romney, President of AMC. In 1956, the Rambler was sold through both Nash and Hudson networks of dealerships. This resulted from the merger of the two companies to form AMC in 1954.
  The new Rambler line created and defined a new market segment, the "compact car" as the automobile classification was called at that time. A V8 engine powered model, the Rambler V8, was added in 1957.
context_section_description: Improvements to the Rambler included a full-width die-cast grille while the body side gained an uninterrupted line. Rather than blending into the C-pillar, the belt line continued to the tailfins. Engineering changes included thicker brake linings and larger brakes for V8-powered cars, as well as fuel economy improvements with lower axle ratios and more efficient carburetor for the I6 engines. An electrically engaged overdrive unit behind the three-speed manual transmission was also available. The automatic transmission was operated by pushbuttons on the left-side of the instrument panel. To increase longevity, Rambler mufflers were aluminum-coated on the inside and zinc-coated on the outside. On cars with automatic transmission, engine starting was now incorporated into the neutral pushbutton, thus eliminating the ignition key start switch. Accidental starter engagement was prevented by a lockout when the engine was running.
  A total of eleven models were offered for 1959, all four-door versions of sedans, station wagons, and "Country Club" hardtop (no B-pillar) body styles. Premium options and conveniences continued to be offered including "Weather Eye" air-conditioning, air suspension on V8s, limited slip differentials, an exterior mounted continental tire, as well as the American Motors' exclusive individually adjustable and reclining front seats with headrests. 
  Sales of the bigger Ramblers did very well, especially given the automobile industry's modest recovery in 1959. Ramblers attracted over a quarter-million customers, with the majority of them were sixes, as the Rebel V8 found just 16,399 buyers. Rambler finished 1959 in sixth place among all models produced in the U.S. and AMC ended with $60 million in profits.
caption: 1959 Rambler Six sedan
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