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The Rustomod YouTube channel finishes their Rambler project and this ultimate sleeper wagon has no problem doing burnouts with groceries in the back.

Sleeper cars look so unassuming and bland that most would not believe that they're quick and fast. These so-called sleeper cars have some deep potential under their hood, which makes them even more appealing.

This 1961 AMC Rambler station wagon looks old and crappy, yet it’s powerful enough to blow away most cars on the road. The Rustomod Garage chronicled on their YouTube channel how they transformed this Rambler from stock to a Chevrolet C4 Corvette-powered sleeper.

Rustomod had always wanted a sleeper car. The choice was a 1961 American Rambler Classic Cross Country Super Wagon. Rustomod, however, wanted a sleeper to drive like a newer car despite its old-looking exterior. So, they decided to build a sleeper on a new chassis derived from a 1987 Chevrolet C4 Corvette.

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The project started by scanning the wagon body of the Rambler and turning it into a 3D CAD file. They also did it to the chassis of the C4 Corvette, which they had to dissemble first before making the CAD scan. While they would retain the Rambler body, Rustomod planned to fabricate a new frame from the C4 Corvette.

Thus, they started designing the frame, suspension mounts, seating position, engine, and transmission fitment, as well as the wheel and tire fitment. This is all to see how everything would fit together before they begin the manufacturing process.

Since the Rambler sleeper wagon needed an interior, Rustomod looked for possible donors. A 2003 Lincoln Aviator for another project was sitting idle outside, so they decided to use its floor pan. Once he completed fabricating the Corvette frame, Rustomod fitted the entire Aviator floor pan onto it.

A sleeper needed a potent engine, so Rustomod swapped in an LS1 engine from a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro and mated it with a T56 transmission. They also fabricated a new transmission tunnel.

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Then, they started modifying the Rambler body to fit the custom C4 Corvette chassis, which had its engine and transmission taken out temporarily. Rustomod then installed a roll cage and dropped the body to the frame. To maintain the classic Rambler appearance, they made the custom aluminum wheels look like old steel rims.

Rustomod re-installed the LS1 engine and T65 transmission and then fitted a fabricated exhaust. Following some test drives, the 500-hp 1961 Rambler sleeper wagon is now ready to hit the road.

Julybien Atadero writes from the island of Cebu covering various automotive topics including new sports cars, classic muscles, pickup trucks and SUVs. While I like peace and quiet, I love playing with my kid. When I have nothing else to do, I watch documentaries and animations.