View attachment 1716208771This 1968 Rambler was AMC’s development prototype specially built at their factory in Brampton, Ontario for the 1968 Shell 4000 Rally, and later raced in Canada in the early 1970s. Three works rally cars were based on this car to compete in the Calgary to Halifax rally under the factory banner, finishing in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th place. This car was heavily upgraded during assembly and left the factory with special competition equipment and custom features like an upgraded AMX 390 intake, special crank, 16:1 steering box, 4 piston calipers, bigger rear brakes, and Twin Grip rear end. This car has been fully restored with an emphasis on originality, and comes with an extensive documentation file. The original drivetrain was completely rebuilt, balanced, and blueprinted, and the car has been driven around 5000 miles since restoration. It sounds great in
this walkaround video and is described as turn-key and ready for vintage rallying.
First purchased by the seller in 2001, a year was dedicated to gathering historical documentation and talking with AMC factory reps and race team members. Once the history of the car once thoroughly researched, the seller began a comprehensive restoration in which every usable original piece was restored. It is now fully sorted and was restored to look like a cared-for and drivable survivor rather than an overly-done, concours-ready museum piece. Check out the gallery for all the cool Shell 4000 details throughout the car.
The car was extensively tested in 1968 and later served as a chase/support vehicle for the three official works-entered cars. Later sold to a local enthusiast, the car raced in Canada in the early 1970s, including in the Bulova Championship Series (see glovebox sticker below) and the Knox Mountain Hillclimb shown above. Parked sometime in the mid ’70s, it remained stationary until discovered by the seller and restorer.
The interior has been restored to its original appearance, and aside from the original glove box door which was retained for its period decals, almost everything has been replaced. Later in 1969 or so, a four-point roll bar was installed for regional racing at Mosport and Harewood Acres.
Note that all glass remains original as well, again to retain some cool, period-affixed decals–a full set of side and rear replacement glass is included.
Power comes from the original, rebuilt 290 c.i. V8 engine, and the car is full of interesting factory-installed, non-standard upgrades like an 390 intake, special crank shaft, Carter AFB carburetor, four piston front calipers, upsized rear drums, limited slip rear end, custom front and rear springs, staggered rear shock mounts and more.
Engine rebuild work included boring the block as well as full blueprinting and balancing of all internal rotating assemblies. Pistons, cam, lifters, valves and valve guides are all new, and Hooker headers, mid system balance pipe and Thrush mufflers are all original factory equipment that were tested by the factory in 1968 to determine suitability for the race cars.
Documents include internal factory documents, race result sheets, FIA approval and period black and white photos. The car is ready to drive and would be a standout at any vintage rally.
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