In an industry that has leaned towards downsizing starting in the 1970s, the 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird is one example that history has shown to have experienced the opposite, as it was upsized into a four-seater for 1958. Our Pick of the Day is another vehicle that was nudged up in size . . . twice!: the 1967 AMC Marlin. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Farmingdale, New York. (Click the link to view the listing)
As you may know, the Marlin originated as the 1964 Rambler Tarpon, a sporty fastback show car that was based on the new, redesigned American, Rambler’s compact model. However, the American wasn’t slated to accommodate a V8 until 1966, potentially limiting the Tarpon’s appeal. For that reason, American Motors decided to promote the production version on the midsize Classic platform.
This car, as you know, was introduced for the 1965 model year and renamed “Marlin.” Though a notch up in size, the Marlin’s proportions were not as graceful, and the V8s available were not up to the task of handling GTOs and others in the segment, most of whom did not offer a mid-size fastback.
For 1965-66, the Marlin wallowed in the marketplace, achieving about 15,000 in two years. Then, strangely, AMC (the company shed the corporate Rambler name in 1966) moved the Marlin up to the redesigned, full-size Ambassador platform. Yes, the Marlin was now bigger, but it wore its proportions better. The Marlin also was the recipient of AMC’s new series of V8s. However, the car-buying public was not interested in this new-improved Marlin, as sales fell to 2,545.
This 1967 AMC Marlin is quite unusual on several levels. First are the two-toning mods along the sides and the hood—this car looks great, especially with those mag wheels, right? But this Marlin is one of the few (one source says 355) built with the 232ci inline-six. Would you believe the transmission is a three-speed on the column? Sakes alive! But this isn’t some sporty-looking car that wallows and wheezes on the road, mind you, as the Marlin has been upgraded with Wilwood front disc brakes and a new exhaust system. Other features include red cloth and vinyl interior with front bench, AM radio, and a cluster of Sunpro gauges.
If you picture a bell curve with normal distribution, you can imagine a whole bunch of Chevys, Mustangs, and the like stuck in the middle of the bell. The Marlin is something that’s on the tails of the distribution, making it a unique bruiser of an automobile that catches everyone’s eyes yet won’t saddle you with 10 mpg gas bills. That’s sounds like a win/win for $29,900.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
