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Next generation Rambler American.

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That’s right. Why not a new Rambler American wagon? The compact wagon was introduced in 1958 and produced until 1969, and saw 3 generations. I say a 4th generation would be an ideal new affordable compact EV for the 21st century. It would compete against new affordable EVs from Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai and many others coming soon.

As it turns out, Chrysler still owns the Rambler trademark, according to the result of a 2008 case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. That means a new Rambler would be part of Stellantis. Who has no affordable EV in the US yet. Although they do have a couple, like the new Citroen e-C3, starting at a bit over $25,000, in Europe. Stellantis was teasing us last year with a new “$25,000 Jeep EV” that was “coming soon,” according to fired CEO Carlos Tavares. I haven’t heard of anything since…

Ford just announced a spectacular event scheduled for August 11th, where they will introduce their all-new low-cost EV platform and the 1st model based on it. Stellantis should do the same. They already have EV platforms in Europe; they could use them over here since they were planning a $25,000 EV Jeep for the US. And the Rambler brand would be perfect to offer multiple models based on one platform, as they used to.

They might not be a coupe or a convertible anymore, but a sedan, a Crossover, a wagon, and a small pickup would be welcome. This would be a “K-Car 2.0” for Chrysler’s owner. Stellantis’ answer to Ford’s “Model T moment,” as described by its CEO.

A new $30,000 roomy EV with the latest tech and a friendly design. The old Rambler American was offering a more European flair than its competition while being inexpensive and roomier. A perfect match for an EV platform.

It would also be quite interesting to see something like this against Ford’s all-new lineup. (They are thinking of up to 8 new models based on the low-cost platform.)

However, the last thing Stellantis needs is yet another brand to take care of… Although I think Jeep, a Luxurious Chrysler, Sporty Dodge, and affordable Rambler does sound like a good choice for North America.

With or without Stellantis.

Conversation 7 comments

  1. “affordable” used to be the space Plymouth occupied, though in the 1970s until Plymouth was retired in 2001, it was near impossible to tell the difference between the Dodge and Plymouth cars..

  2. “Why not a new Rambler American wagon?” Because anything called a “Rambler American” would never sell. Vince, you’ve really crossed the line with this one.

  4. A ramber station wagon was the first new car my dad bought after I was born. That’s the car I learned to drive in. I would love to have a rambler station wagon. At one time, I even looked for one to restore.

  6. The Rambler American did not come out until 1959, and it was a remake of the 1955 Nash Rambler. It was redesigned in 1961 and 1964, and continued to be made until 1969. I learned to drive on a 1955 Nash Rambler, and owned a 1959 American and a 1964 convertible, and my parents also bought a 1969. They were solid, reliable cars that were attractive and economical, but not as popular as GM or Ford.

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