’62 Rambler American LS!

Did you know Rambler made an LS powered Rambler in ’62, No I didn’t either.  It seems Sam Bromagem decided to make his own LS powered 346ci Rambler.  I would venture today it would be a hot seller especially in this configuration with Sam’s handiwork and excellent motorcraftmanship. 

This year was the second-gen model in Rambler Compact offering.   This followed the bathtub design ’58 which is popular with guys who want big blown engines in small grocery getters!  Did you know the Rambler American was America’s first successful compact car that was an alternative to the growing import market.  AMC built over 125,000 Americans due to its affordability, reliability, and strong resale value. While it didn’t match the sleekness of contemporary compacts, it was a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers and a symbol of AMC’s early success in the compact segment.

This is the first LS Rambler that I have shot with a GM LS1, with headers, and Fuel Injection and K & N air cleaner.  The wiring was done by Gorden Jenkens, the wizard of wiring.  Cooling is with an Aluminum radiator with twin 10” fans.  Of course, the engine compartment saw serious metal work to fit this new heart beat into where a “6” was the previous tenant.   Breathing this LS is thru 2 ½” exhaust with Flowmaster’s of course.  The chassis by Sam using 2×3 tubing with independent front suspension to fit the LS heartbeat.  Getting the Horsepower to the back is thru a 4L60 Transmission feeding a GMoma 10 Bolt with 3.73 gears, a stop light sleeper.  Keeping the ride in line during those fast stops is disc/drum big brakes.

The interior is sweet and tastefully done with buckets, with lots of sound deadening to keep the roar outside not inside and a kool 2” drop panel at the dash.  First time I have seen a rear mounted evaporator with ducts to the rear package tray in a long time, not like your dad’s Chrysler.  The body is covered with Crystal Green PPG accented with frenched headlights.  The side cast on the green fits the body line perfectly giving that two tone look with one color.  Since Sam did most of the fabrication mechanical items, he got Dave Frey to do the paint, body and interior for a complete package.  Sam found this barn find in Chino Valley with “No Rust”, wow!  Sam is a retired machinist, Sam of all trades and a Bonafide Motorhead.  In his spare time, he leads the Romeos to lunch every Friday, “Retired Old Men Eating Out Somewhere”, yes he fits the bill.  His next ride will be a ’56 Chevy Heartbeat Bel Air, post car of course as it’s his favorite ride.