This car lived most of its life in the California/Nevada desert -- and while that helps prevent rust problems, the heat and sun is not good on the interior components and belts/hoses. Much has been replaced on this car due to same.
During my ownership (I would estimate at 90000 miles) I had to replace the starter.
The head gasket blew at around 100000 miles.
Seats are currently being recovered as the fabric gave out roughly 10 years ago. Again, due to the climate the car was kept in.
The brakes have always been a bit softer than I'd prefer. Likewise, suspension and steering show some play. All of this is changeable.
Some owners report rust-out problems (even in fair climates) at the firewall on the driver's side -- due to a drainage issue with the cowl. I've watched for this problem, but have not faced any issues with this on mine.
The cabin is big, bright, and airy, with good visibility. Excellent headroom (39.3"), legroom (41.0"), etc. It is like driving one's living room down the street.
The look of the car is sharp, with good mid-century design elements and some of the finest in post-tail fin sculpting. It always has a graceful, pretty look.
It is not an especially fast car. The original 6-cylinder (this one has the optional dual-throat carburetor) engine only gives you about 138 hp. Nevertheless, it makes up for this by providing decades of reliable driving with minimum upkeep.
Gas mileage for an older car is incredible. This can pull down 20 miles to the gallon, which I never thought I'd see.
Like the interior, there are acres of room under the hood (less so in the V-8 model), making this a good "first car" for someone who intends to do their own under the hood maintenance. I'm very pleased with this car, and hope to drive it for its next 40 years.
Good first car? I say good second, third or... ONLY car. These cars have such a track record of being so reliable. In a day and age when you have to take these "new and improved" cars in for even a simple spark plug change it's so refreshing to have a car that is so easy to work on (not that you have to), has plenty of room, costs a fraction of the price of a new one (and gets more looks), and there's just something very stress reducing knowing you can go out to your Rambler and when you turn that key there will be no surprises, "check engine" messages on your dash, no beeps, bells, or whistles..it just fires up without any back talk. Comfy as a good pair of well worn 501's..what else can I say.. I truly love this car!
May I ask where you found the starter for your Rambler Classic 770? I have a 1964 Rambler Classic Cross Country 550 that is in need of a starter! We rebuilt the motor about 3000 miles ago and the starter never did work right since. The bendix engages but it won't catch the flywheel ring! It runs great otherwise and even gets 28 miles to the gallon! I would much rather get it running than buy a new car since my husband and I have already invested money and time into it. If anyone can help me PLEASE email me at ladyluxe.designs@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Jenny Laine Mosley
Jacksonville, TX.
I don't know if you saw this website suggested in the other Rambler review, but if you didn't, try looking for your starter here:
http://www.ramblerparts.com/
Good luck with it!
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