All The AMC Facts You Can Stand
1966-1968
American
1966-1969 Rogue
1969 Rambler
 1968 American Four Door Sedan (shown in base trim) |
General Information
The Rambler American was restyled in 1966. The main reason for this restyling was to
gain more clearance in the engine compartment so that air conditioning could be used with
the new 199 and 232 in-line six cylinder engines ( 232 introduced in Classic in 1964,
first available in the American in 1965, 199 replaced the 196 in 1966). 1965 Americans
with A/C had to have the 196 because the 199 was longer, and there was no room for the A/C
condenser with the longer engine. To solve this problem, the 66 models were made 3.8
inches longer, with three inches added to the inside of the engine compartment in front of
the wheels, maintaining the same 106" wheel base. The extra length was obtained by
reshaping the exterior body panels only -- the bare unit body is identical in all respects
to the 64-65 unit body. This redesigned body was used through 1969 but there were several
significant changes made for the 1967 model year that limits the body panels that can be
shared with the later cars. This information is detailed in the 1966-1969 Series 01 Parts Swap Guide.
Note that due to significant differences, 1969 SC/Ramblers are detailed elsewhere on this
site.
AMC began phasing out the Rambler name in 1966, selling the Ambassador and Marlin as AMC
models without the Rambler nameplate. The Rebel was also sold as an AMC beginning in 1968,
leaving just the Rambler American and Rambler Rogue. For 1969 "Rambler" was
dropped from the Rogue name, making it an AMC model, and the American was simply called
the Rambler.
Body Styles and Trim Levels
There were three trim levels and five body styles available. The body styles and trim levels can be determined from either the model number on the door tag or the 4th, 5th, and 6th numbers of the VIN (see VIN Decoder and Unit Body Identification Plate for additional information on decoding the VIN and door tags). The body styles and trim levels are:
- 4 door sedan in 220* and 440 trim (66-68 American, 69 Rambler)
- 2 door sedan in 220* and 440 trim (66-68 American, 69 Rambler)
- 4 door station wagon in 220 trim (66-67 American)
- 4 door station wagon in 440 trim (66-68 American, 69 Rambler)
- 2 door convertible in 440 trim (66 in 440 trim, 67 in Rogue trim)
- 2 door hardtop (66-67 American in 440 trim, 66-69 Rogue)
* 220 designation not used for 68 & 69 base models.
Engines
The available engines are as follows. The 7th character of the VIN is the Engine Code and indicates original engine size:
- Engine Code J, 199 cid inline six, 128 hp, 8.5:1 compression ratio, 1 bbl, 1966-69
- Engine Code L, 232 cid inline six, 145 hp, 8.5:1 compression ratio, 1 bbl (or 155 hp, 2 bbl), 1966-69 (2 bbl only in 66)
- Engine Code M, 290 cid V-8, 200 hp, 9.0:1 compression ratio, 2 bbl, 1966-69
- Engine Code N, 290 cid V-8, 225 hp, 10.0:1 compression ratio, 4 bbl, 1966-69
- Engine Code Z, 343 cid V-8, 280 hp, 10.2:1 compression ratio, 4 bbl, 1967 only
If you are unsure of the size of the engine currently installed, you can check it's size by the following methods:
- For inline six engines, there is a machined pad on the distributor side of the engine between the first and second spark plugs. This contains the six character Engine Day Build Code. The first digit indicates the calendar year the engine was built. 1966 = 8, 67 = 9, 68 = 1, 1969 = 2, etc. Due to a change in the numbering system, 1980 and later uses the last digit of the year (1980 = 0, 1981=1 etc.) . The next two numbers will be the month the engine was made in. A letter code (same as VIN engine code) will tell engine size and compression. It is possible that the engine has been replaced with a newer or older engine. 199, 232, and 258 cid six cylinder engines made between 1964 and 1971 are almost externally identical as are the engines made from 1972 through 1983. The bell housing bolt pattern changed in 1972, so only 72 and later engines are direct bolt in swaps. There will also be a number of different mounting holes on the intake depending on the year as well as valve cover variations. If the original intake and accessories are used there should be few problems swapping in any 71 or earlier engine.
- For V-8 engines, the best way to tell size is to look at the size cast into the engine block near the first and second core (freeze) plugs on either side of the engine. Note that service replacement blocks do not have the displacement cast into them and tear-down to measure bore and stroke is the only way to positively identify the installed engine. The second way to identify engine size is from the tag attached to the valve cover. The valve cover tag will be coded the same as the inline six Engine Day Build Code (see above description).
- V-8 Engine Notes. It is not unusual to find an American with a V-8 engine instead of the original inline four or six, or a larger or newer V-8 to replace the 290 (or rare 343) the car was manufactured with. See performance section for details.
Note: Engine dates are calendar dates and not model year dates. Since model year production actual starts in the previous calendar year, it is possible to have, for example, an engine coded 1966 in a 1967 vehicle and be correct but an engine coded 1968 would not be correct for the same car since no 1967's were manufactured in calendar year 1968.
Transmissions
The following Borg Warner transmissions were used in 1968 Rambler Americans. The general transmission type can be determined by the third digit of the VIN.
- T-96 three speed manual (199 cid six)
- T-14 three speed manual (232 cid six)
- T-15 three speed manual (290 cid V8)
- T-10 four speed
- M36 three speed automatic (199 cid six)
- M37 three speed automatic (232 cid six)
- M40 three speed automatic (290 cid V8l)
Note 1: All three speed manual transmissions are available with an
optional overdrive unit.
Note 2: All 1967 Americans with a 343 used T-10 four speed transmissions
Production Numbers
Columns with a '-' in them indicate that the body and trim style were not offered for that year.
| Body & Trim Style | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 door sedan, 220/base | 15,940 | 12,078 | 15.144 | 16,234 |
| 4 door sedan, 440 | 14,543 | 10,083 | 11,179 | 11,957 |
| 2 door sedan, 220/base | 24,440 | 26,196 | 39,480 | 51,062 |
| 2 door sedan, 440 | 5,252 | 3,317 | - | - |
| 2 door convertible | 2,092 | 921 | - | - |
| 4 door station wagon, 220 | 5,809 | 3,667 | - | - |
| 4 door station wagon, 440 | 6,603 | 4,407 | 10,414 | 13,233 |
| 2 door hardtop, 440 | 10,255 | 4,994 | - | - |
| 2 door hardtop, Rogue | 8,718 | 4,249 | 4,765 | 3,543 |
| Total | 96,652 | 69,912 | 80,981 | 96,029 |
Dates of model introductions:
1966 - Oct 7, 1965
1967 - Oct 6, 1966
1968 - Sept 26, 1967
1969 - Oct 1, 1968
Notable low production number models:
| 1966 | 500 Rogues with the 290 engine. 2 tone yellow/black paint |
| 28 440 converts with the 290 engine - 25 w/auto, 3 w/4 speed | |
| 1967 | 921 Rogue convertibles |
| 58 cars had the 343. 3347 had the 290 | |
| 986 Americans had the 4 speed | |
| 217 Americans had disc brakes | |
| 1968 | 116 4 door sedans with the 290 engine |
| 2604 cars with the 290 engine | |
| 1969 | 33 4 door sedans with the 290 engine |
| 14 2 door sedans with the 290 engine | |
| 1608 Americans had a 4 speed (and 1512 were SC/Ramblers) |
VIN Decoder
VIN Decoder
Model years 1966, 1967, and 1968 will have a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) tag located on the top of the right side shock tower in the engine compartment. Very early 1966 cars will have a serial number instead of a VIN. Model year 1968 cars manufactured after January 1st, 1968 will have a VIN tag in this location as well as on the left side of the dash board. This was due to a new federal law that standardized VIN locations for all manufacturers. This second location is visible through the windshield. Model year 1969 cars will have a VIN tag on the dash board only. The VIN is also stamped into the left frame sill behind the steering gear box. It is necessary to remove the steering gear box to view the VIN in this location.
1966 American Beginning Serial Numbers
It is unknown how many early 1966 vehicles used serial numbers instead of VIN's. It is quite possible that only a few very early production vehicles used them, and they could have had the serial numbers replaced with a VIN before being sold. If you have a 1966 model with a serial number instead of a VIN, please e-mail farna@att.net.
| Engine Size |
Beginning Serial Number |
Beginning Export Number* |
| 199 cid, 1 bbl |
A100001 |
AK100001 |
| 232 cid, 2 bbl |
B100001 |
BK100001 |
| 290 cid, 2bbl |
C100001 |
CK100001 |
| 290 cid, 4 bbl |
D100001 |
* The "K" indicates vehicle was a "knock-down" kit to be exported
and assembled at destination. No 4 bbl 290 V-8 cars were exported.
1966 & 1967 VIN
The VIN can be decoded as follows (sample VIN is a Kenosha built 1966 American convertible with column shifted 3 speed and 232 cid 6):
| Company | Year | Assembly Plant | Transmission | Body Type | Trim Level | Engine | Sequential Serial Number* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | K | S | 7 | 5 | B | 100001 |
Note: Digit 1 is always an A (American Motors).
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*The last six digits are the numbers assigned to the car when it was ordered from the factory. Numbers starting at 100001 are assigned to cars made in Kenosha, WI. Numbers starting at 700001 are assigned to cars made in the Brampton plant in Ontario, Canada.
Note: All 1967's with a 343 were only available with a four speed manual transmission.
1968 & 1969 VIN
The VIN can be decoded as follows (sample VIN is a 1968 Rogue with a 4 speed w/console and 232 cid 6):
| Company | Year | Transmission Type | Series | Body Type | Trim Level | Engine | Sequential Serial Number* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 8 | F | 0 | 9 | 7 | B | 100001 |
Note: Character one is always an A (American Motors) and character four is always a zero (American/Rogue/Rambler).
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*The last six characters are the numbers assigned to the car when it was ordered from
the factory. Numbers starting at 100001 are assigned to cars made in Kenosha, WI. Numbers
starting at 700001 are assigned to cars made in the Brampton plant in Ontario, Canada.
Unit Body Identification Plate
The Unit Body Identification Plate for a 1966-69 Series 01 can be found on the latch edge of the driver's door. Cars built in Canada usually have a "1" in front of the standard numbers listed below. The tag can be decoded as follows:
Body
This is the number assigned to the body as it was being produced. This number is different than the last six digits of the VIN.
Model
This identifies the body and trim styles. The first two digits are the year, the third the series, fourth body style, and fifth trim level. Base trim level is often left out (only four digits). Blanks indicate that the body and trim style was not available for the year in question. Replace "xx" with last two digits of year for complete model number.
| Code w/Body Style and Trim | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xx05-0 = 4 door sedan, 220/base trim | X | X | X | X |
| xx05-5 = 4 door sedan, 440 trim | X | X | X | X |
| xx06-0 = 2 door sedan, 220/base trim | X | X | ||
| xx06-5 = 2 door sedan, 440 trim | X | X | X | X |
| xx07-5 = convertible, 440 trim | X | X | ||
| xx08-0 = 4 door station wagon, 220 trim | X | X | ||
| xx08-5 = 4 door station wagon, 440 trim | X | X | X | X |
| xx09-5 = 2 door hardtop, 440 trim | X | X | ||
| xx09-7 = 2 door hardtop, Rogue trim | X | X | X | X |
Trim
This identifies the interior trim style, color, and seat types. The trim code is a 4 character number that may be prefixed by a "T". The first character is the year, the second the trim level, third color, and the fourth is the seat type. A blank indicates that the body style was not available for the year in question. Letters after the numeric code indicate the corresponding seat and fabric types that were available. Special order interiors were available and will have a code of "00". Codes are as follows:
| Trim Level | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220/base | 623 C/P - Blue 628 C/P - Black and White 629 C/P - Tan |
723 C/B - Blue 728 C/B - Black and White 729 C/B - Tan |
828 C - Gray and White 828 B/M/N - Black and White |
923 A/B/C/D - Blue 928 A/B/C/D - Parchment |
| 440/Rogue | 641 C/D/E/P - Black 643 C/D/E/P - Blue 644 C/D/E/P - Green 645 C/D/E/P - Red 647 C/D/E/P - Aqua 648 C/D/E/P - White 649 C/D/E/P - Saddle |
7414,5 B/C/D/E - Black 7435 B/C/D/E - Blue 7443,5 B/C/D/E - Green 7455 B/C/D/E - Red 7471,3,5 B/C/D/E - Aqua 7482,5 B/C/D/E - White 7495 B/C/D/E - Tan |
843 C/B - Blue 844 C/B - Green 845 C/B - Red 848 C/B - Black and White |
941 A/B/C/D - Charcoal 943 A/B/C/D - Blue 9446 A/B/C/D - Green 9457 A/B/C/D - Red |
| Convertible | 641 C/D/E/V - Black 643 C/D/E/V - Blue 644 C/D/E/V - Green 645 C/D/E/V - Red 647 C/D/E/V - Aqua 648 C/D/E/V - White 649 C/D/E/V - Saddle |
741 B/E - Black 743 B/E - Blue 744 B/E - Green 745 B/E - Red 747 B/E - Aqua 748 B/E - White 749 B/E - Tan |
The list of seat types is as follows:
- A - Base level, bench, Brigadier Pattern (1969 440 only)
- B - Vinylair, Tahiti pattern
- C - Fabric bench seat, "Lancaster" Pattern (1966, 1967) / Saratoga Pattern (1968, 1969)
- D - Bucket seat with fabric insert, "Lancaster" Pattern
- E - Porous vinyl bucket
- M - black and white standard fabric (Regiment Pattern), optional individual reclining seats
- N - black and white standard vinyl (Tahiti Pattern) optional individual reclining seats
- P - Porous vinyl w/fabric insert, "Yucatan" Pattern - station wagon only
- V - Porous vinyl bench - convertible only
Notes
1 - Fabric only
2 - Vinyl only
3 - 440 only
4 - Rogue only
5 - 440 uses B and C seats, Rogue uses B (convertible only), D (hardtop only), and E
seats.
6 - Vinyl for station wagons, all others are fabric
7 - Sedan only
Paint
The following colors were available in 1966-1969. The original color can be determined
by looking at the Paint code on the body tag. If there are two codes separated by a dash,
the first code is the primary body color and the second code is the upper body (sometimes
roof) or accent color. For example, a car that was black with a white top would have a
paint code of 1-72. Paint codes may also be prefixed with a P or suffixed with an A. Note
that some cars were painted non-standard colors. These cars will typically have a code
such as " 00" or "SPEC". This was reserved for large orders in the
special color, usually for fleet use.
| Paint Code | Color | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classic Black | 1966-68 |
| 3 | Antigua Red | 1966 |
| 8 | Mariana Aqua Metallic | 1967 |
| 9 | Bright Red | 1969 |
| 10 | Bright Blue | 1969 |
| 15 | Brisbane Blue Metallic | 1966 |
| 16 | Britannia Blue Metallic | 1966 |
| 17 | Crescent Green | 1966 |
| 18 | Grenada Green Metallic | 1966-67 |
| 19 | Balboa Aqua | 1966 |
| 20 | Cortez Aqua Metallic | 1966 |
| 21 | Marquessa Mauve Metallic | 1966 |
| 23 | Samoa Gold Metallic | 1966 |
| 24 | Caballero Tan Metallic | 1966 |
| 25 | Apollo Yellow | 1966-67 |
| 31 | Strato Blue Metallic | 1967 |
| 32 | Barbados Blue Metallic | 1967 |
| 33 | Royale Blue Metallic | 1967 |
| 34 | Alameda Aqua | 1967 |
| 36 | Yuma Tan Metallic | 1967 |
| 37 | Sungold Metallic | 1966-67 |
| 38 | Stallion Brown Metallic | 1967 |
| 39 | Matador Red | 1968-69 |
| 40 | Flamingo Burgundy Metallic | 1967 |
| 41 | Rajah Burgundy Metallic | 1967 |
| 42 | Satin Chrome | 1967 |
| 43 | Saturn Blue Metallic | 1968 |
| 44 | Caravelle Blue Metallic | 1968 |
| 45 | Blazer Blue Metallic | 1968 |
| 46 | Laurel Green Metallic | 1968 |
| 47 | Rally Green Metallic | 1968 |
| 48 | Tahiti Turquoise Metallic | 1968 |
| 49 | Laredo Tan Metallic | 1968 |
| 50 | Calcutta Russet Metallic | 1968 |
| 52 | Scarab Gold Metallic | 1968 |
| 54 | Turbo Silver Metallic | 1968 |
| 58 | Hialeah Yellow | 1967-68 |
| 59 | Pale Green Metallic | 1967 |
| 62 | Ascot Gray | 1969 |
| 63 | Castillian Gray Metallic | 1969 |
| 64 | Beale St. Blue Metallic | 1969 |
| 65 | Regatta Blue Metallic | 1969 |
| 68 | Alamosa Aqua Metallic | 1969 |
| 70 | Surf Green Metallic | 1969 |
| 71 | Hunter Green Metallic | 1969 |
| 72 | Frost White | 1966-69 |
| 75 | Willow Green Metallic | 1969 |
| 76 | Pompeii Yellow | 1969 |
| 77 | Butternut Beige Metallic | 1969 |
| 78 | Cordoba Brown Metallic | 1969 |
| 79 | Bittersweet Orange Metallic | 1969 |
| 80 | Black Mink Metallic | 1969 |
| 88 | Bright White | 1969 |
Color samples can be viewed at http://autocolorlibrary.com/aclns.html
Sequential Assembly Number
The unlabeled number at the bottom of the body tag is the Sequential Assembly Number. This
number was assigned to the vehicle as it entered the final assembly line. Cars assembled
in Kenosha will have an "E" or "W" preceding the number. This
designated the East or West assembly line. Cars assembled in Brampton will have a
"B" preceding the number. Vehicles were assembled in batches as needed -- i.e.,
10 Americans may be assembled then 20 Classics followed by 15 Ambassadors, etc. Minimum
and maximum sizes of batches are unknown -- in some cases single cars may have gone
through the lines. The first number used each year was 000001. Earlier years used a
different numbering system.
Bibliography
The following sources were used to verify the information contained on this page:
- AMC Rambler Club 1958-1969 Production Handbook
- Cars & Parts Catalog of American Car ID Numbers 1960-1969, ISBN 1-880524-11-2
- 1966-69 American Motors Technical Service Manuals
- 1966-1969 American Motors Collision Parts Guide
- Official AMC production records and trim codes acquired from Thomas Benvie, AMC Historian, tbenvie@attbi.com