Identify this...

A friend who does a lot of trail running came across this hulk of a wreck. Can you identify it?

Aaaannnnnnddd, go!

There are two wrecks like that on the hike up to Party Rock,  above Lake Lure NC.  But they look like vehicles that were abandoned after they slid off the very bad logging road.   Yours looks more like it was dropped out of an aircraft.

To start I see a strut suspension, 2 door hardtop with a distinctive body line and big chrome bumpers.  There probably isn't that big an overlap on timeline for both struts and big chrome bumpers.  

From what little I can see of that rear pillar and quarter, it's making me see Dodge Coronet:

Or maybe Ford Fairlane:

Sonic said:

To start I see a strut suspension, 2 door hardtop with a distinctive body line and big chrome bumpers.  There probably isn't that big an overlap on timeline for both struts and big chrome bumpers.  

This..  chrome bumpers and Mcpherson struts has got to narrow it down.

The crease down the side made me think "Nova".

bludroptop said:

Sonic said:

To start I see a strut suspension, 2 door hardtop with a distinctive body line and big chrome bumpers.  There probably isn't that big an overlap on timeline for both struts and big chrome bumpers.  

This..  chrome bumpers and Mcpherson struts has got to narrow it down.

 

 

Why does it look like there's a Macpherson and a regular shock?  

Front suspension seems like it has early British style two piece upper control arms, and a yoke, suggesting AMC.

The additional shocks threw me off a bit, but I have known some people (raises hand) who added damping by bolting a cheap second pair of shocks to their front suspension.

The doors don't seem right for anything AMC, but I am going to stand firm and say it's the remains of an AMC until stronger evidence to the contrary is presented.

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

I'm also in the AMC camp due to the rear axle hub visible in first pic. I'm thinking ambassador. Gonna search images for that front furn signal shape.

i'm going with 1965 AMC Ambassador for front bumper end shape, front turn signal shape, b-pillar width, body-line crease.

Oh, I missed the axle!

I am now focusing on the rear quarter window length and roof shape, because there is not much else to go by.  The C pillar seems wrong for a Rebel.  Looks just right to be a 2 door Rambler.

I guess this means the guy in the Cadillac told him how to get it out of second gear?  

i'm sticking with 65-66 Ambassador 2 door hardtop.  consistent front bumper features, body line below door handles, and the recess for finger clearance where the door handle should be.

You may be right, but I can't see how one can tell the difference with what is left of the vehicle.

Because of the rectangular turn signals, I's say AMC - Rambler; the  hoop behind the rear door jamb makes me think convertable.

Definitely a car 

Did he look for skeletons?

thatsnowinnebago said:

Definitely a car 

Was a car

I'm sure the owner knows what he has and won't take any lowball offers from his $60,000 asking price.

If you zoom in on the last picture you can see the lower control arm. And the fact that there's no engine. I think I see a bellhousing at the firewall. Does that help?

It looks like it was front steer and the blinkers are in the lower half of the front bumper.

Mr_Asa said:

bludroptop said:

Sonic said:

To start I see a strut suspension, 2 door hardtop with a distinctive body line and big chrome bumpers.  There probably isn't that big an overlap on timeline for both struts and big chrome bumpers.  

This..  chrome bumpers and Mcpherson struts has got to narrow it down.

 

 

Why does it look like there's a Macpherson and a regular shock?  

Damnit.  My bad, guys.  Thats an exhaust.  The upper portion is a section of braided flex pipe.

65-66 rambler classic or Ambassador based on the "that's totally amc/rambler front suspension" and the shape of the front bumper end/turn signal. I had a 66 Classic 660 and a lot looked very familiar to me right away

lack of trim on the body crease lends me towards AC's Ambassador over a Classic

edit: that's not a mac strut, it's a spring mount and that is a shock behind it. 

Definitely the early Ambassador. AMC trunion front suspension, but pre-68 door handles are your two major clues.