1966 AMC Ambassador

1966 hardtops featured formal roof design – dpl model



1966 amc ambassador 990 convertible



1966 ambassador 990 cross country wagon

for 1966, minor changes greeted ambassador range. v-shaped horizontal louver spanned unbroken between headlamps , effect continued twin rectangular trim pieces attached side of front fenders @ leading edges headlamps. effect repeated in new vertical wraparound taillamps top-line models receiving twin set of horizontal ribbed moldings across of trunk lid simulated of front grille. hardtop coupes received redesigned roofline angular in appearance angle cut rear side windows , rectangular rear window. backlight no longer curved , wrapped around c-pillars. changes made more formal notchback popular @ time.

station wagons received new roof (that did not have pronounced dip on rear cargo area) redesigned tailgate , optional simulated woodgrain exterior side panels. available two-rows of seats standard bottom hinged tailgate electric, retracting rear window or optional rear-facing third row featured left side hinged rear door, regular exterior door handle on right side. station wagons carried cross country badge.

the 880 served base model line. two-door sedan price leader @ $2,404, finished least sales model year. more popular , better trimmed 990 models available in sedan, wagon, hardtop, , convertible versions. options included vinyl roof, wire wheel covers, am/fm radio, adjustable steering wheel, , cruise control. new luxury dpl (short diplomat ) two-door hardtop debuted @ top of range.

the dpl included special lower body side trim, numerous standard convenience items such reclining bucket seats upholstered in brocade fabrics or optional vinyl. optional interior trim featured houndstooth fabric , included 2 throw pillows. dpl model aimed compete new, more upscale trimmed plymouth vip, ford ltd, chevrolet caprice , oldsmobile cutlass supreme.

the 232 cu in (3.8 l) i6, 287 , 327 cu in (4.7 , 5.4 l) v8s remained in line, transmission selections included new console mounted four-speed manual. ambassadors continued ordered automatic transmissions.

motor trend magazine tested 1966 dpl equipped 327 engine has snap hadn t felt before , automatic transmission experienced healthy wheelspin both rear wheels [because of twin-grip limited slip differential]... subtle changes in year s suspension, include longer shocks , different springs, have pronounced effect on way car feels , handles. welcome improved steering response. car has new feet-on-the-ground feeling, , body lean seems have been reduced. ride remains good... before, interior s outstanding feature of ambassador. quality such other luxury cars, higher priced ones, imitate it...

perhaps biggest change, however, ambassador lost historic rambler nameplate, car marketed american motors ambassador or amc ambassador . abernethy again responsible marketing move, attempted move stylish new ambassador further upmarket. him, meant rambler name, , economy car image eschewed give car clean slate in market turning away economy , toward v8 performance. evidence suggests abernethy on right track moving ambassador upscale compete other manufacturers luxury models sales of amc s flagship jumped 18,647 in 1964 on 64,000 in 1965, , in 1966 went more 71,000. although ambassador accounted mere fraction of total passenger car sales in u.s., important step in bringing amc s products in line consumer of day wanted.