Losses and Lessons: Faulty latch hoodwinks owner of ’64 Rambler

VEHICLE COVERED: 1964 AMC Rambler

WHAT WENT WRONG: Imagine driving your classic car 35 mph down a busy street when suddenly there’s a loud bang and you can’t see a thing. That’s exactly what happened to the owner of a 1964 AMC Rambler when the hood latch let go and the car’s hood flew up, blocking his view. Fortunately, he was able to avoid pedestrians, parked cars and telephone poles while pulling safely to the side of the street.

DAMAGE/LOSS: The Rambler’s hood and passenger-side fender received extensive damage. Repair and repainting of the hood, fender and cowl, as well as the installation of new hood latches, resulted in a bill of $1,135, which Hagerty paid.

LESSON: Whenever you open the hood of your car – and classic automobile owners typically check their fluids and filters more often than other drivers – make doubly sure that it latches properly when you close it. If the catch doesn’t seem to be secure, have a body shop or restoration shop adjust it for you. While these may seem like obvious suggestions, they might help you avoid a potentially serious accident.