Cars of the Candidates: Mitt Romney in a Rambler

Editor’s note: Today is a big day in American politics, as Republican and Democrat candidates square off in Iowa’s intramurals — the opening volley in what is sure to be a long and interesting race to each party’s nomination. In keeping with the political season, Cars.com contacted many of the candidates to find out what kind of cars these potential presidents have driven and drive now. While most responded with candor (many campaigns begged off, citing other priorities), several major candidates failed to return our calls. While they’re undoubtedly busy (what with running for president and all) this may prove unfortunate as primary season gets underway. After all, many of the millions of U.S. car buyers vote, just like everyone else.

Mitt Romney, a former Governor of Massachusetts and Republican candidate seeking his party’s nomination, has strong ties to the American automobile industry. His father, George Romney, was the CEO of American Motors Corporation (before he was governor of Michigan). You remember, the company that made Wayne’s Pacer and its 70s cousin, the Gremlin.

According to Romney’s campaign, his first car was a 1963 Rambler Classic, which was one of the vehicles his father helped develop as CEO.

You don’t grow up in Detroit as the son of an auto industry executive without developing a fondness for cars. Romney’s campaign describes him as a car enthusiast, and that’s hard to argue with considering where he announced his candidacy for president: The Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich.

As Romney said in an interview with ABC’s Charlie Gibson, “I wanted to go into the car business. My dad was an automobile executive. I loved cars. I used to go with him to the headquarters of American Motors and look at the clay mockups, upcoming models and criticize them. And he’d smile and act like he was listening to me.”

At the moment, Romney drives a 2005 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1962 Rambler — a gift for his 60th birthday from his five sons.