My August birthday always happens during the Indiana State Fair, and what I often want for my birthday is a trip to the fair with as many of our (all grown up) kids who can make it. It’s common to find at least one classic hanging out in the infield parking lot. Sometimes they get elite parking, like this 1967 Rambler American Rogue I found right next to the fair entrance gate.
The 1966-69 Rogue was based on the American 440 two-door hardtop, but came with a slightly nicer interior and some different exterior trim bits. Rambler introduced the Rogue in ’66 specifically to showcase its all-new 290-cube “Typhoon” V8, which came in 200- and 225-HP versions. It could be mated to a column-mounted three-speed automatic or a floor-mounted four-speed manual.
You could get the 232 six in a Rogue if you wanted one, and starting in ’67, a 343 V8. But the 290 was the most popular choice. That’s not to say the Rogue was popular, however; only about 22,000 of them were sold total across the four-year run. I guess most buyers didn’t find the price premium over the 440 to be worth it.
Ramblers were not uncommon during my 1970s kidhood, but most of them were the lower-trim versions. Skinflints bought Ramblers, you see. I don’t recall having ever seen the hardtop in person before. This car manages to be stubby in both height and length, yet somehow the package hangs together and is attractive.
Further reading
A 1967 Rambler Rogue convertible spotted by Aaron65
A 1966 Rambler American sedan by Paul Niedermeyer
Vintage Car Life Road Test: 1965 Rambler American 440-H – Hot Six! by PN
The rear lift accentuates the stubby aspect .
Very Conservative yet a pleasing looking car .
-Nate
I didn’t think much of the American when they were still common on the streets, but now I think they’re attractively styled for as simple as they are.
It was probably around 1974-75 when I was at a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering of my step-Mom’s extended family. One of the cousins who was a little older than I was (probably 17 or so) was excitedly sharing the news that he now had a car. I asked him what it was, and I have never forgotten the strange look on his face when he said “A 67 Rambler Rogue”.
That look was part pride, part bemusement, part embarrassment, and maybe a little bit of irony. I remember thinking – what an unusual and interesting choice. At that age I was heavy into Mopar and Ford love, so I couldn’t go all-in with congratulations, and it wasn’t a GM car so I couldn’t stifle a groan, but remember thinking that he could have done worse. I don’t think I ever got a ride in it, and don’t think he had it much past high school. He remains the only person I ever knew with one of these.
Today, I find the styling on these fairly attractive. It’s no 67 Dart Swinger, but that hardtop worked really well on the conservative but mostly-attractive body. Nice find, and I really love the color on this one! I knew they were not common, but I did not realize they were as rare as they are.
Reminds me of a fellow I knew at college who had some sort of snafu with the BMV over registering his car. I overheard him say to whoever on the phone was trying to sort that, “Make model and year? 1976 AMC Pacer, of all things.” Those last three words did a lot of work in that sentence!
Have not seen that version and I kinda like it.
Agreed, a nicely styled car. It could have sold here at the right price.
That’s a very pretty one all right, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Rogue in person but I am a lifelong Rambler American fan. 290 and a 4 speed would be fantastic in that car.
Here’s first day of school, September 1971. I am not paying attention to the camera, admiring our twin Rambers.
What a great shot! But they might have renamed it for the Canadian market?
I’ll take the two-barrel 232 six in mine; as fast as many small V8s. Stay tuned.
Cool!!