Editing Rambler (automobile) (section)

==Rambler 1950–1957==
{{main|Nash Rambler}}

Under the direction of Charles Nash's successor, [[George W. Mason]], [[Nash-Kelvinator|Nash-Kelvinator Corporation]] began the development of a small car that could be produced inexpensively for the post-[[World War II]] economy. Both General Motors and Ford had plans to develop smaller-sized cars after the war, but did not realize them.<ref name="Vance">{{cite web |last1=Vance |first1=Bill |title=Nash Rambler America's first compact car |url= https://www.timescolonist.com/driving/bill-vance-nash-rambler-americas-first-compact-car-5001984 |work=Times Colonist |date=28 January 2022 |access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref> Moreover, [[steel]] shortages following the war limited the amount of [[raw material]]s that Nash could obtain. Hence, Mason ordered the development of a "compact car" that would have greater appeal to consumers, because the Crosley in production at that time was considered too small to be practical. The new Nash compact featured a unique [[convertible]] design. It included many standard features that were typically options on other cars. This approach maximized [[profit (accounting)|profit]]s for the company. Nash-Kelvinator trademarked '''Rambler''' in 1950, the same nameplate as was used by its predecessor company in the early 1900s.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Phillips |first1=David |title=Rambler returns under new trademark, heralding postwar small cars |magazine=Automotive News |date=19 May 2020 |url= https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts-history/rambler-returns-under-new-trademark-heralding-postwar-small-cars |access-date=14 January 2023}}</ref>

When introduced, the Rambler was an immediate success for Nash. As the steel quotas related to the [[Korean War]] eased, the Rambler line was broadened in its model types, first a [[station wagon]] and two-door hardtop (no [[Pillar (car)|B-pillar]]) named "Country Club", and later a two-door sedan. A further expansion of the line for 1954 included a four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] and station wagon called "Cross Country" on a stretched [[wheelbase]], which proved to be as successful as the first generation of two-door sedan convertibles. The Rambler became the most successful of the early post-Second World War American compacts compared to the [[Henry J]] (and rebadged [[Allstate (automobile)|Allstate]] version), [[Willys Aero]], and [[Hudson Jet]].<ref name="Vance"/>

The first generation of modern Ramblers carried a modified version of Nash's ''Airflyte'' styling, which included closed wheel openings. While the wheel openings of any car are a major source of [[drag (physics)|wind resistance]], the design was rather primarily an engineering design to increase the strength of the car for impact resistance. The engine is positioned between massive inner fender bulges to allow for the skirted front fenders along with a narrow {{convert|52.25|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} front track to provide a turning circle of {{convert|37|ft|m|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Niedermeyer |first1=Paul |title=Junkyard Classic/Automotive History: 1955 Rambler Cross Country - How Rambler Won The Compact And Price Wars Of The 1950s And Saved AMC |url= https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/junkyard-classic-1955-rambler-cross-country-wagon-how-rambler-won-the-1950s-compact-war/ |work=Curbside Classic |date=25 January 2021 |access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref> Ramblers continued to use this styling until 1955 when the front wheels were revealed by a periodic design update.

In 1954 the Rambler offered the first combination heating and air conditioning unit available on American cars. The unit could be an add-on or could be installed at the factory for $395, which at that time was about the lowest-cost unit available in an American car.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Low Cost Air Conditioner Cools or Hears by Turning Know |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=May 1954 |volume=101 |issue=5 |page=86 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=oN0DAAAAMBAJ&dq=1954+Popular+Mechanics+Nash+Low+Cost+Air+Conditioner+Cools+or+Heats&pg=PA86 |access-date=14 January 2023 |via=Google Books}}</ref>

In 1954, [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC) was formed from the [[mergers and acquisitions|merger]] of Nash-Kelvinator and the [[Hudson Motor Car Company]]. Following the merger, 1955 and 1956 Ramblers were badged as both Nashes and Hudsons, with no visible differences. Rambler became a marque in its own right for the 1958 model year. The Nash and Hudson makes continued as a "senior" model only through 1957, after which all AMC's offerings were marketed as Ramblers, except the imported 1958–1962 [[Nash Metropolitan|Metropolitan]].

<gallery widths="220" heights="180">
File:Nash Rambler (4252280021).jpg|1951 Nash Rambler Custom two-door sedan
File:1951 Nash Rambler Deliveryman (15112959125).jpg|1951 Nash Rambler Deliveryman
File:1952 Nash Rambler blue wagon front.jpg|1952 Nash Rambler wagon
File:1954 Nash Rambler Custom Country Club at 2015 AACA Eastern Regional Fall Meet 3of9.jpg|1954 Nash Rambler Custom Country Club
File:Flickr - DVS1mn - 55 Rambler Country Club (3).jpg|1955 Rambler Country Club, made by American Motors Corporation
File:1956 Nash Rambler (11398983695).jpg|1956 Nash Rambler 4-Door Sedan
File:1957 Rambler Custom Cross-Country wagon AnnMD-a.jpg|1957 Rambler Custom Cross-Country wagon
</gallery>