1956 Rambler Cross Country Station Wagon: The Stylish Family Hauler That Changed the Game

Discover the 1956 Rambler Cross Country Station Wagon a compact, stylish, and practical classic car that helped launch a new era in American motoring. Learn about its design, performance, and legacy.

A Bold Beginning: The 1956 Rambler Cross Country

In 1956, American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced a compact station wagon that would redefine American family transportation, the Rambler Cross Country. With its smart design, impressive utility, and competitive pricing, this stylish wagon became a symbol of post-war innovation and a practical alternative to Detroit’s oversized sedans.

According to AMC President George W. Romney, the 1956 model year marked a “new era in motoring.” And with good reason.

AMC President George W. Romney

From Merger to Momentum: AMC’s Strategic Launch

The 1956 Rambler Cross Country wasn’t just another station wagon, it was a product of one of the biggest business deals in U.S. history: the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Car Company, forming American Motors Corporation.

This merger allowed AMC to market the Rambler through both Nash and Hudson dealership networks, broadening its customer base and establishing a unified brand identity across the country.

Compact Yet Capable: Rambler’s Winning Formula

Unlike the bulky, fuel-thirsty cars of the 1950s, the Rambler Cross Country was built on a 108-inch wheelbase, offering impressive interior space without the massive footprint. Its design included:

* Fold-flat rear seats for expanded cargo capacity

* Two-piece tailgate (drop-down gate with lift-up glass)

* Clean, mid-century styling with two-tone paint options

* Spacious interior that fit families, luggage, and weekend gear

 

With a 195.6 cu in inline-six engine, the Rambler Six delivered reliable performance and excellent fuel economy, positioning it as an intelligent choice for the growing middle class.

Performance and Practicality

The standard inline-six engine wasn’t flashy, but it was dependable. Buyers could choose a manual transmission or upgrade to the optional Flash-O-Matic automatic, a luxury touch in a compact car.

Whether commuting, carpooling, or road-tripping, the Rambler Cross Country offered the kind of versatility families craved without the bloated size or expense of full-sized wagons.

A Stylish Alternative in a Chrome-Laden World

At a time when most American cars emphasized length, fins, and flash, the 1956 Rambler station wagon kept things classy and compact. It stood out not for excess, but for efficiency.

Romney’s vision of smaller, smarter vehicles challenged the Big Three automakers and paved the way for the compact car movement in the decades to come.

Legacy of the 1956 Rambler Cross Country

Today, the 1956 Rambler Cross Country Station Wagon enjoys cult-classic status among collectors and enthusiasts. It represents more than just nostalgia, it marks the beginning of a more thoughtful approach to car design in America.

From suburban driveways to vintage car shows, the Rambler continues to turn heads for its:

* Retro charm

* Smart engineering

* Historic importance in American automotive history

The 1956 Rambler Cross Country wasn’t just a car, it was a turning point. Its compact size, innovative features, and family-first design helped reshape American expectations of what a station wagon could be.

For classic car fans, the Rambler is a reminder that big change sometimes comes in small, well-designed packages.

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Friday’s Car Trivia: What year was the first speeding ticket issued in the United States? 

Answer: Harry Myers of Dayton, Ohio earned the first documented paper ticket in the US in 1904

*****

Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few OUR TOP PICKS car care products available on Amazon:

👉 View "how to" videos and our list of recommended car care products

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******

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It’s great to have you here at my website enjoying the insightful  articles, the stunning car photos, and the helpful car detailing tips. 

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The Buick Shafer 8 the Phil "Red" Shafer Special ~ Presented by Kelly Dietrick Exceptional Car Broker

 The Buick Shafer 8 

Call for Pricing and Photos/ Videos/ Documentation 

1934 Shafer Special #2 – Original Indy 500 Race Car by Phil “Red” Shafer | Historic American Racing Icon with Photos & Videos

 

1934 Shafer Special #2 – The Original Phil "Red" Shafer Racing Car

The authentic Shafer Special #2, built and raced by Phil “Red” Shafer, offered with FIA-HTP papers, extensive documentation, period photographs, and video footage. A genuine piece of American racing history and a proven front-runner on today’s vintage circuit.

Legendary Racing Pedigree

• Six Consecutive Indy 500 Starts (1932–1937)

• Pikes Peak Hill Climb competitor

• 1936 George Vanderbilt Cup Entry

• Career also included the 1931 German Grand Prix

Modern Vintage Provenance

• Over 50 VSCCA events

• Monterey Historics – 2nd Place (1993)

• Lime Rock Historics & Vintage Fall Festival – Multi-time winner

• European Competition – raced at nearly every major circuit in the past 20 years

Record-Breaking Success

• Winner – Pittsburgh Grand Prix, Chopard Trophy, Pocono Speedway

• Multiple hill climb records: Mt. Washington, Mt. Equinox, Hunnewell Hillclimb

• Three-time winner – New Hampshire International Speedway

Authenticity & Specification

• Chassis #2 – one of only three Shafer Specials ever built

• Verified original body and chassis, no accident history

• Period-correct repaint in original nitro finish with authentic patina

• Engine: Believed original 1934 unit, tuned to maximum output (Methanol/Alcohol)

• Ford gearbox (1934), modern dual-ratio differential

• New wheels fitted, original set included

• All updates fully reversible to period spec

Provenance & Documentation

• Two large history files with documentation, period photographs, and racing records

• Featured in authoritative works:

  • Floyd Clymer – Indianapolis Race History

  • Jack C. Fox – The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500

  • Loel E. Finn – American Road Racing: The 1930s

• Extensive photo archive and video included – showcasing its historic and modern competition career

Additional Notes

• Street-legal in Switzerland; no Carnet ATA required for European border crossings

• Original fuel tank not included

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⚡ A true blue-chip racing icon, documented in photographs, literature, and video. The Shafer Special #2 offers unrivaled provenance, race-winning credentials, and ready-to-race performance.

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 Call Larry 941-716-4785

*****

Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few OUR TOP PICKS car care products available on Amazon:

👉 View "how to" videos and our list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

******

As an Amazon Associate

It’s great to have you here at my website enjoying the insightful  articles, the stunning car photos, and the helpful car detailing tips. 

Here’s the cool part: When you shop through my blog’s Amazon links — whether it’s for my recommendations or anything else you need — Amazon sends a small commission my way at no extra cost to you. You’ll still get the same great prices, any current discounts, and all of your usual reward points. It’s truly for you just another door so to speak to go to your online Amazon account. 

Every purchase you make through my site helps cover the costs of creating and maintaining the blog — and keeps this community rolling.

So come by, enjoy the cars, explore the gear, and if you’re planning an Amazon purchase on any sort, start from my site. It’s a small click that makes a big difference.

Thanks for the support and happy driving!

1969 Honda S800 MK2 Coupe: The Unsung Hero of Japan’s Sports Car History

 

When people think of classic Japanese sports cars, names like the Toyota 2000GT, Datsun 240Z, or Mazda Cosmo often dominate the conversation. But nestled quietly in the shadows is one of Honda’s most fascinating early creations, the 1969 Honda S800 MK2 Coupe. It may not have received the same level of fame as its contemporaries, but the S800 represents a bold, engineering-first approach that helped lay the foundation for Honda’s performance legacy.

A Brief Evolution: From Motorcycles to Micro-Machines

By the late 1960s, Honda had already carved out a reputation for innovation in the motorcycle world. The leap into automobile production wasn’t just ambitious, it was audacious. Starting with the T360 mini truck and the S500 sports car, Honda quickly showed the world that its engineering prowess extended far beyond two wheels.

The S800 was the culmination of this early experimentation. Originally launched in 1966, the S800 was the successor to the S500 and S600. By 1967, it had already evolved into the MK2 (also known as the S800M), with several key updates aimed at making it more practical and appealing, particularly to Western markets.

Design & Styling: Compact and Purposeful

The 1969 S800 MK2 Coupe was compact, just over 3.3 meters long but what it lacked in size, it made up for in charm and charisma. The Coupe version, with its fastback roofline and snug proportions, gave it a sleek yet minimalistic aesthetic.

Key MK2 updates included:

• Front disc brakes replacing the earlier drum setup
• Conventional drive shaft and differential (instead of the quirky chain-drive seen on earlier models)
• Safety upgrades like side marker lights and dual-circuit braking (to meet U.S. regulations, though the car was never officially sold there)

Despite being a tiny car, the S800 had a presence. Chrome accents, simple yet elegant lines, and a tight wheelbase gave it the look of a true driver’s car.

The Heart of the S800: A High-Revving Marvel

Under the hood sat a 791cc inline-four engine, a jewel of engineering for its time. Producing around 70 horsepower at an astonishing 8,000 rpm, the S800 could rev to 10,000 rpm’s, unheard of outside the world of race cars or motorcycles.

Paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, the car could reach speeds over 100 mph (160 km/h), which was remarkable for a sub-800cc vehicle. This tiny engine with its twin-carburetor setup showcased Honda’s mastery of lightweight, high-revving performance long before VTEC became a household name.

Driving Experience: A True Enthusiast’s Car

What made the S800 MK2 Coupe special wasn’t just the numbers—it was how it felt. The car had a near 50/50 weight distribution, nimble handling, and a ride that communicated everything through the seat and steering wheel. With a curb weight of under 800 kg, it was a featherweight dancer on the road.

Sure, it wasn’t the most powerful car on the market, but enthusiasts loved it for the same reason they love Mazda’s Miata today. It was a purist’s machine. No electronic gimmicks, no unnecessary bulk. Just a simple, beautifully engineered car that begged to be driven hard.

Rarity and Legacy

By the time production ended in 1970, only about 11,500 S800s had been built (including both roadster and coupe variants). Today, surviving examples, especially in well-preserved or restored condition, are highly sought after by collectors and JDM fans alike.

The S800 remains a testament to Honda’s early commitment to doing things differently. It was a sports car that defied logic: tiny engine, big performance. And while the world may have moved on to faster, flashier cars, the 1969 Honda S800 MK2 Coupe remains a symbol of purity, innovation, and bold beginnings.

Final Thoughts

If you ever get the chance to see, or better yet, buy an S800, take it. It’s more than just a vintage Japanese coupe; it’s a rolling piece of history, a reminder of the days when Honda wasn’t just building cars, they were rewriting the rulebook on how to make them sing.

******

 Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few of our favorite car care products available on Amazon:

• Mothers Clay Bar System – Removes embedded contaminants and leaves your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Ceramic Paint Sealant – Long-lasting paint protection with a simple spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking sharp for months.

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

******

As an Amazon Associate

It’s great to have you here at my website enjoying the insightful  articles, the stunning car photos, and the helpful car detailing tips. 

Here’s the cool part: When you shop through my blog’s Amazon links — whether it’s for my recommendations or anything else you need — Amazon sends a small commission my way at no extra cost to you. You’ll still get the same great prices, any current discounts, and all of your usual reward points. It’s truly for you just another door so to speak to go to your online Amazon account. 

Every purchase you make through my site helps cover the costs of creating and maintaining the blog — and keeps this community rolling.

So come by, enjoy the cars, explore the gear, and if you’re planning an Amazon purchase on any sort, start from my site. It’s a small click that makes a big difference.

Thanks for the support and happy driving!

“Mazda 787B: The Roar That Shook Le Mans and Made Racing History”

The little engine that could and did! 

In the dead heat of June 1991, at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, a scream unlike any other pierced the air not human, but mechanical. It was the sound of the Mazda 787B, defying convention, roaring into the history books.

Against a field of giants and decades of European dominance, a bold machine from Japan did the unthinkable. The 787B, with its revolutionary R26B quad-rotor Wankel engine, unleashed nearly 700 horsepower through a high-pitched wail that echoed across the French countryside like a battle cry. With three spark plugs per rotor and a continuously variable intake system, it wasn’t just fast, it was alien, brilliant, alive.

Traditional engines pounded with brute force, but the rotary whispered secrets of another engineering philosophy, lighter, simpler, fewer moving parts. Where others faltered through the night, the 787B endured, relentless and precise. And when the sun rose over Circuit de la Sarthe, Mazda crossed the finish line first,  not just victorious, but immortal.

It was a moment that shattered expectations and rewrote history. Mazda became the first, and remains the only, Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans outright. And with rotary engines banned from the race thereafter, the 787B’s triumph became a legend frozen in time, a singular roar that has echoed for over thirty years.

*****

Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few of our favorite car care products available on Amazon:

• Mothers Clay Bar System – Removes embedded contaminants and leaves your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Ceramic Paint Sealant – Long-lasting paint protection with a simple spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking sharp for months.

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

******

As an Amazon Associate

It’s great to have you here at my website enjoying the insightful  articles, the stunning car photos, and the helpful car detailing tips. 

Here’s the cool part: When you shop through my blog’s Amazon links — whether it’s for my recommendations or anything else you need — Amazon sends a small commission my way at no extra cost to you. You’ll still get the same great prices, any current discounts, and all of your usual reward points. It’s truly for you just another door so to speak to go to your online Amazon account. 

Every purchase you make through my site helps cover the costs of creating and maintaining the blog — and keeps this community rolling.

So come by, enjoy the cars, explore the gear, and if you’re planning an Amazon purchase on any sort, start from my site. It’s a small click that makes a big difference.

Thanks for the support and happy driving!