1969 AMC Hurst SC/Rambler in Red White & Blue & Engine Start Up on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@legmaker50]

One of my favorite muscle cars because they are so rare. When I was a teen there was one driving around my town. A very quick car in it's day. Two miles from me there's a show quality Plymouth Superbird I see being driven once in a while. As rare as that is I haven't seen one of these in person on the road for over 40 years. Thanks for posting.

[@loucostabile]

Glad this one is a Winner for you Michael Robinson :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

I LOVE AMC'S

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you "LOVE AMC'S" :-) Did you see this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ6vnI1ui9uWi9E

[@sherrysetliff2502]

Amc, the scrambler, amx, and the machine, way under rated. All engine, no weight , very quick.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing :-)

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I was 14 when this car came out, I was a AMC fanatic when I started driving, I bought a 1972 304 3 speed Gremlin X, took a 390 with a 4 speed out of a Javelin & put it in the Gremlin, it was nearly identical in power balance as the SC, the Gremlin was just a inch or 2 different than the 2 seat AMX. I remember a fellow in a neighboring GA town who had 2 of the SC's he raced one of them & got killed street racing in one of them. After that both cars sat in the families woods for years, don't know what happened to them.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Numa Newbern, WOW on both pieces to your story, the V8 Gremlin & Fellow getting killed racing. Thank you for viewing and sharing your stories, Lou

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

What was great about the AMC products was the engine dimensions external was identical or nearly identical, the small 304 V8 was identical in outside size as the 390 & 401, the 390 and 401 V8 was a simple drop in swap for a Gremlin that came with a 304, if memory serves me correctly the ONLY thing we had to do was shorten the drive shaft a insignificant amount less than 2 inches, then the 390/401 with factory 4 speed that came in the AMX & Javelin & the SC Rambler would drop in with just a hole cut in the floor for the shifter. During the early Gremlin production days there was a AMC dealer out west I think the name was Randal Automotive was marketing a 401 V8 4 speed Gremlin.

[@audieconrad8995]

Imho the Gremlin V8 was the original hot-hatch. They were surprisingly quick in stock form. You didn't see many of them. With mods/engine swaps - ohhh yeeaahh watch out! This gents specs are correct...the Gremlins wheelbase was about 2 inches different than the 2 seat AMX and I believe about 200 lbs lighter. With an AMX motor dropped into a Gremlin?...man... Always loved to see the smirks change to frowns when the Rambler boys showed up back in the day. Long live AMC MUSCLE.

[@w41duvernay]

What happened to your nodded out x gremlin ?

[@deonreddy8661]

Dang!!.... what a car!.... a true American muscle...!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Deon Reddy, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@sporty1701]

When I was in high school (50 or so yrs. ago), I worked at a small family owned AMC dealer in my hometown. The dealer had been in business since the early 1920s selling Hudsons. When AMC ended Hudson production in 1957, they started selling Ramblers. Working there was a wonderful experience and I was always treated like family. Over the years I learned AMC was a feisty and determined auto maker...they always seemed to make the most with the least. By 1969, the only car in AMC's lineup which wore the "Rambler" name, was the "American". This was the final year for the "American" as the all new "Hornet" would replace it that fall. Around since 1958, the Rambler American was a very inexpensive and reliable basic car. Never much to look at, they were a steady seller and helped create traffic in AMC dealer's showrooms. In 1964, the American was completely restyled (thanks to Richard Teague) and was now an attractive and modern compact car. For the next 5 yrs., sales of the American were solid if not spectacular. With the "horsepower war" raging and the new Hornet about to arrive, AMC's marketing people decided that the 1969 Rambler (American) should go out with a bang...a BIG bang. Working with several outside vendors (Hurst among them), the SC/Rambler was a well thought out "budget" performance car...THAT ABSOLUTELY NOBODY EXPECTED! The plan was to build approx. 500 cars and award them to dealers via lottery. Well, as is often the case, word (and pictures) got out and AMC dealers coast to coast were begging for these cars. AMC used up it's entire inventory of 1969 American 2dr. hardtops and ended up building 1512 SC/Ramblers. I'm sure they would have been happy to build many more, but the parts bins were empty and the assembly lines were now being readied for Hornet production. Powering the SC/Rambler was the 390cid/315hp V8. The 315hp rating is more than a little mis- leading...on a dyno, these engines (in stock form) would easily make 330-340hp. I'm sure the lower hp rating was for insurance purposes...but I wonder if someone at AMC thought it would add to the pain of the 396 Chevelle or 400 GTO owner, who'd just been smoked by some guy in a funny looking Rambler...just a thought. As was always the case with AMC engines, these "second generation" V8s (290/304, 340/360 and 390/401) were very well designed and extremely durable. All these V8s share the same basic exterior dimensions. All are "small blocks" and are highly sought after by racers and engine builders as they are "over built" and "under stressed". Like many others, I miss AMC. While everyone in the car business was going "this" way, AMC would almost always go "that" way. Never having the deep pockets of the big three, their focus never strayed... always offering solid, dependable and innovative products. There was a good reason why nearly everyone's grandmother drove a Rambler...she knew that a good car gets you where you want to go (every time) and leaves you with enough money for a new hat and some sensible shoes.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scott Lunsford, Thank you for viewing, and sharing your first hand knowledge of the AMC Brand, and adding to the story. :-) Lou

[@audieconrad8995]

Dude! Extremely well stated! ...and so spot on. Man the Big-3 guys just hated when the Rambler Boys showed up and sleoile their parties! Hehehe...

[@MartinScreeton]

I remembering seeing the full page ads they ran on this in the magazines... I was blown away! Wow!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Martin Screeton, Glad this one brings back nice memories :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy. Lou

[@VideoCallInShow]

I had a '65 Rambler American with reclining buckets, a Flash-O-Matic with center console and I miss that car. I so want one of these. Great job on the resto.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Video Call-In Show, Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of your 65 Rambler :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Thanks Lou, I had a hornet in for work, the head mechanic took me for a spin. What car, what a ride! Again, thanks for the ride along.

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome, and glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like a great Mechanic :-) Lou

[@johnfast1015]

Had a brown 68 rambler, really liked it, miss it now that I think about it. Very cool, quaint, and cute car,

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read this one brings back memories of your car :-) Good news! There will be two more SC/Ramblers coming up in the next few months so stay tuned, Lou

[@dansmusic5749]

I am glad someone pointed out that "AIR" stands for American International Racing (James Garners racing company), not air. American Motors put more into their muscle cars than most people are/were aware of. They were underrated in power (as were many other muscle cars) and could be wound up tight to produce unexpectedly fast times. They even made fun of themselves in their advertising, playing the underdog. So they must have known they would have a a tough time with street cred and designed the cars to be unexpectedly good to gain customer loyalty and pride. I wish an ex-employee would confirm this. Obviously, I am an AM fan. 😇

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dans Music, Glad to read you're enjoying the details of this great car :-) Lou

[@StvMcQueen1]

Great presentation of a rare classic muscle machine, Lou. Thanks! We have a new member in our car club from New Mexico who used to work for AMC and is an aficionado of all their cars, especially the rare "hot" ones. Keep up the good work, and stay healthy! I featured a car just like this one today and he'll be seeing this. Thanks again. ---Jim

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jimbob, Happy to read you enjoy this episode of this wonderful AMC :-) Appreciate the kind words. You stay healthy too, and glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@Oldcarlane]

I am going to paint my 64 rambler like this looks amazing!

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@grumblyone3334]

Love it. Just flat out love it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Grumbly One, We have a WInner! Glad you love it :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@tidedownoutdoors5411]

2 of them, both color schemes on display at Summit Racing in McDonough GA right now!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jason, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jeremythompson9122]

AMC made some really awesome high performance cars and doesn't get nearly the respect they deserve. Winning three Trans Am championships in 1971, 72, and 76 was an incredible feat considering how small of a company AMC was compared to the Big Three. Those red, white, and blue Javelin's kicked ass on the Trans Am road courses.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeremy Thompson, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge on this car :-) Lou

[@MrModelworx]

That is an awesome car Lou thanks for the vid.

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoyed it. My pleasure, ,Lou

[@LynxStarAuto]

Wow I was going to say if only you could get a Machine... then I see recommended videos below 😂 You're killing it Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you Lynx Star Automotive for your wonderful comment. It's appreciated, Lou

[@vmat1000]

Nice car, to say the least. Sweet to see her so involved and knowledgeable about the details. Especially since a girl i knew in the early '70s drove a standard (6) model.

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this one g mat :-) Sounds like you have some fond memories of this one too, Lou

[@ragincajun2263]

I live in southern Illinois. There used to be one of these SC/RAMBLER cars terrorizing the streets back on the 80s down here. Too bad the person that owned it didn't know what they had. Its long gone now. Probably a refrigerator or washing machine now. Always wanted this car because my very first car was a 66 Rambler American 2 door 6 cylinder.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rajin Cajun, Thank you for viewing and sharing your story about this car too, Lou

[@gregh7457]

I only saw 1 of these in san diego and it was in 1976. They were rare even back then. Even took a picture of it with a crappy polaroid. At the time i thought it was just a hopped up rambler that someone had done in their garage. My brother had just bought an amx and my dad bought a 64 american for the family car so i was familiar with amc's somewhat.

[@loucostabile]

HI greg h, Glad you were able to enjoy this one with me :-) Lou

[@gorillacookies3451]

Had a 67 Rogue . light car . Stuck a 390 and T10 4 speed in it . The car was insane

[@loucostabile]

Good times :-) Thank you for commenting and I hope you find many cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@bigjer2899]

DROVE ONE BRAND NEW FROM DEALER IN ROCKFORD...OWNED OTHER FAST CARS AT THE TIME. THIS WAS THE FASTEST CAR I EVER DROVE AT THE TIME. SCALDING HOT PERFORMANCE....SUCKED THE DOORS OFF A '60’ CHEVVY DRAG CAR I RACED

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jerry, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@brucemct1144]

Outstanding detail !!

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this one Bruce McTammany :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@rickarra9396]

These cars are a surprising blast to drive

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rick Arra, Thank you for viewing, sharing your experience, and adding to the story :-) Lou

[@estebandavilaruiz22]

Yo tengo un Rambler American Rally 1969 producido por VAM EN Mexico DF,, fue la primera vercion sport sedan 2 pts motor AMC 6 CIL 282 solo en Mexico con 200 HP y carburador HOLLEY 2 gargantas y lo tenemos desde nuevo, pero el tuyo es admirable FELICITACIONES ¡

[@loucostabile]

Hi Esteban, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@estebandavilaruiz22]

Un carro muy bonito , en Mexico se fabrico la vercion Rambler Rally en 1969 y en Argentina hasta 1982 llamado Torino con estilo Europeo

[@loucostabile]

Hi staystrong Davila, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@N-Scale]

Great Video and a truly great car. I always thought it was the best super car they built. Mike

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mike, I had an opportunity to ride in the car to do the video and it had surprising torque. Fun car for sure, Lou

[@N-Scale]

It was always my favorite.

[@commanderofthenorth3348]

its American a rambler American ,,, beautiful job , just perfectly done ,

[@loucostabile]

Hi COMMANDER of the NORTH, High praise for this car :-) Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@commanderofthenorth3348]

@@loucostabile absolutely my time era . thanks i almost bought a 68 AMX 343 4speed so close ,

[@loucostabile]

@@commanderofthenorth3348 There are plenty from your "time era" one this Channel to enjoy :-)

[@commanderofthenorth3348]

@@loucostabile oh on here all the time after 40 years i'll be racing again next summer HEE HAW ,,,, thinking of my built L-88 BBC in my 88 vette ,lol

[@jimlesperance9971]

when i was racing with help from amc canada they offered me a deal on a amc scrambler but i passed on that.then they offered me a deal on one of the amc 360's.my wife could have driven that car but there were none left when i ordered it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim, Thank you for viewing and sharing your story, Lou

[@pdgray3]

Sweet!

[@loucostabile]

They drove me over in the car to do the interview / review and it's pretty quick too. Lou

[@jeffreycruz4236]

Never knew that car existed. Looks crazy but nice.

[@loucostabile]

Definitely a unique car. Thanks for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@FuckSlowShit]

Jeffrey Cruz You too young for this

[@hotrodder62]

Im not 100% sure of the AIR statement...AIR was on the car hood BEFORE Garner got the cars to go race the baja. And they weren't built JUST for that so why would AMC put that on there for that reason? I have number 50 of the 1512 made and my hood isnt like this one. How many were made this way when you say "early"? I would think 50 would be pretty early unless its even before that. I saw this car at the Rockford AMO show..very VERY nice car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi, Congratulations on having # 50! You have cool car. I don't know much about the car, so I'm learning as meet people, and Viewers share their knowledge (like you are right now). I've known the car exists, so I'm very happy to final video my first SC/Rambler. Thanks for viewing and commenting, Lou

[@canabox7112]

Handle grip shifter?

[@loucostabile]

Ahhh, I guess that's what I called it.

[@chrispappas3750]

I forget what paint scheme that was, A or B.

[@TheJimmieMack]

paint scheme "A"

[@rickarra9396]

Chris Pappas this is the A paint scheme.

[@loucostabile]

TheJimmieMack shared "A".

[@TheReal1953]

Nice lookin' iron. Raced one on the street in '70 with my '70 Hemi 'cuda. Beat it at the quarter by at least three car lengths. Still, it's a great lookin' car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kevin, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@thablacksmith1308]

i bet that car "hauls ass" lovely little car!!

[@loucostabile]

I had a little ride over to the parking lot and back for the video and the car definitely had a little "Giddy Up", Lou

[@thablacksmith1308]

+Lou Costabile yea i bet with that light weight body & all that motor & power!! terrific car!!

[@prophetofevil]

I do not agree that the car shown is a 69 SC/Rambler. In 69 the Rambler had a smaller rear window. The one on the video shows the rap-around rear window that was produced for one year and that year was 1967 and as I recall the SC/Rambler did not say Rogue on it any where, only the 67 Rogue Rambler with the 343 c.i.d.engine had that badge on it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi prophetofevil, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@AlanSpenceAlanGCCMSpence]

i just made a 1/25 scale of this same car, lol

[@loucostabile]

It's a fun car, good choice on the model, Lou

[@noudkersjes8431]

Amazing how he keeps naming him Richard 😂

[@loucostabile]

Hi Noud, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jimlesperance9971]

i know this guy and his wife.they were both members of the same club as me [amc manitoba.] he has several other cars and one is an amc machine. jim

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim, Sounds like the people you know have some nice cars :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou

[@terrysullivan9857]

This is the "A" paint scheme.

[@asd36f]

What is the "B" paint scheme?

[@nickrausch2327]

@@asd36f Since no one answered your question, I thought I would. The "B" paint scheme was mostly white, with red white, & blue stripes painted low on the sides of the body.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Terry, Happy to read you appreciate this cars paint :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@mcgoodle]

I bet they could drive this car as fast as they want, on any highway in America, and every single cop would only give them a warning to slow it down. How could you ticket that beautiful car?

[@loucostabile]

That seem very generous of the Police in most towns :-)

[@balogna5137]

i built 2 fake ones of these wish i had 1 of them back

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car brings back memories of yours :-)

[@senorkaboom]

You know, when you get through rebuilding this car, you still only have an AMC POS.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Smithdsmit, Glad you enjoyed your AMC's and thank you for commenting, Lou

[@grumblyone3334]

Senor, you have no appreciation for some of the more wild, flashy, and flat out cool aspects of automotive Americana. It may or may not be the best in whatever category you're thinking of... but it has more character and history than you'd believe. If that's all you're interested in, Italy's full of guys with 6 figure cars giving themselves handjobs.

[@senorkaboom]

Well, grumbly one, since you seem to know of these Italian fat cats, you must have some "first hand" experience.

[@Juanknes]

senorkaboom Looks like you enjoy trolling in every AMC video.

[@audieconrad8995]

Juan Carlos Damonte - it is amazing to me that there are still AMC haters out there. I believe that guys like the hater couldn't stand when the Rambler boys showed up and ran with the best of 'em...haters need to get over it. All of the cars of the era were respectable. AMC / Mopar / Ford / GM... they all had character...AMC included.