Sixth generation AMC Ambassador

1967

american motors introduced restyled longer, lower, , wider ambassador 1967 model year, riding on 118-inch (2,997 mm) wheelbase, or 2 inches (51 mm) longer before. ambassador s platform 4 inches (100 mm) longer new rambler rebel s 114-inch (2,896 mm) wheelbase. ambassador positioned in standard-size category, against traditional big cars such ford galaxie, chevrolet impala, , plymouth fury. convertible offered again—this time in dpl trim—for 1967; final year 1,260 built. featured new split stack folding mechanism concealed side rails did not intrude backseat area, offering room 3 adult passengers in rear.

the car once again looked new, more rounded appearance sported sweeping rooflines, coke-bottle fenders, greater glass area, , recessed grille bowed forward less of 1965–66 models. taillights wider, rectangular, , divided 1 central vertical bar. motor trend magazine described all-new styling of new ambassador “attractive” , “more graceful , easier on eye in ’67.”

1967 ambassador 990 standard interior



1967 ambassador dpl hardtop satin chrome trim

the 880 two-door sedans sported identical roofline hardtops, had slim b-pillars gave them more open-air coupe appearance. adding more elegance dpl two-door hardtops , convertibles optional satin-chrome finish (paint code p-42) lower body side replacing standard full-length stainless steel rocker moldings. black or white vinyl cover optional on 990 , dpl sedans , hardtops. 990 cross country station wagons available 3m s dinoc simulated wood-grain body side panels trimmed in slim stainless steel frame.

the fastback marlin two-door hardtop built on rambler classic platform in 1965 , 1966, continued 1967, based on larger ambassador platform. featured ambassador s front end, longer hood, , luxury appointments longer fastback roofline previous version.

the ambassador featured lengthy list of standard features , options. interiors rival more expensive cars luxury , quality, yet durable enough take years of normal wear. premium materials , fittings included wood-grain trim, , optional custom package special upholstery , 2 matching pillows. ambassador dpl hardtops included reclining bucket seats center armrest between them (with center cushion third occupant or floor console gear selector), foldaway center armrest rear seat. new safety-oriented instrument panel grouped gauges , controls in front of driver, rest of dashboard pushed forward , away passengers. focusing on safety, there no protruding knobs, steering column designed collapse under impact, , steering wheel smaller previous ambassadors.

amc s long-lived gen-1 family of v8 engines replaced all-new line of 290 , 343 cu in (4.8 , 5.6 l) engines debuted 1966 in rambler american. 4-barrel carburetor , dual exhaust, 343 v8 produced 280 bhp (210 kw) @ 4800 rpm , 365 pound force-feet (495 n·m) of torque @ 3000 rpm. old torque tube design eliminated new four-link, trailing-arm rear suspension system providing more comfortable coil spring ride.

american motors promoted new 1967 ambassador uncompromising automobile red carpet ride in print advertisements, in innovative tv commercial. unfortunately, sales of redesigned models disappointing, due customer confusion caused entire company s abrupt upmarket push, seemed uncomfortably me traditional domestic big 3 s customers, , alienated american motors loyal buyer base. abernethy s ideas of entering new markets not working. these strategy changes resulted in new round of financial problems american motors. because of this, abernathy released amc board of directors later year, , replaced william v. luneberg , roy d. chapin, jr.

1968

1968 amc ambassador sst sedan



1968 amc ambassador base model



1968 amc ambassador dpl wagon

for 1968 model year, new sst trim line placed above mid-line dpl trim ambassador. american motors pioneer in field of air conditioning through kelvinator refrigerator division, , amc s marketing chief bill mcnealy wanted make ambassador stand out in crowded market segment , decided add greater distinction ambassador line making weather a/c system standard equipment. first time volume car manufacturer had done so, cadillac , lincoln had not offered on luxury cars – although of them priced @ more twice as ambassador. while ambassadors came air conditioning standard, consumers order car without air delete option , decrease price $218. amc pointed out in advertising campaign ambassador, other major automaker offered air conditioning standard equipment in 1968 rolls-royce.

due slow sales, both convertible , pillared coupe models dropped line, leaving 990 hardtop coupe , sedan, dpl hardtop coupe, sedan, , wagon, , new sst hardtop coupe , sedan in ambassador line. personal luxury fastback marlin discontinued make way smaller new amc javelin in pony car segment. top-of-the line 1968 ambassador sst version appealing , luxurious package standard v8 power, air conditioning, expensive upholstery, individual reclining front seats, wood-look interior trim, upgraded exterior trim, numerous conveniences such electric clock , headlights-on buzzer.

styling changes minor. taillights recessed in body-color bezels divided single central horizontal bar. front headlight bezels made of nylon , body colored. new injection molded abs plastic grille dominated horizontal bar extended forward in center sides, while outline had squared off edges wrapped forward inner headlight extensions. fender-mounted marker lights added @ front , rear standard equipment, u.s. national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) regulations mandated application (along seat belts beginning january 1, 1968) passenger cars sold in united states 1968.

however, amc s enduring styling feature debuted on ambassador 1968, flush-mounted paddle-style door handles replaced former push-button units on american motors cars, save rambler american. practical , disarmingly simple design predated safety-related mandates , industry norms. interior locking no longer traditional windowsill pushbutton, lever set armrest.

front-wheel alignment made easier , greater accuracy moving camber adjustment upper lower control arm on double wishbone suspension, , caster angle adjustments moved upper control arm drag strut. @ midyear, amc s new top engine, amx 390 cu in (6.4 l) 315 hp (235 kw; 319 ps) v8 became option in ambassador line, bringing total engine options four.

in june 1967, american motors started new advertising campaign created mary wells lawrence of wells, rich, , greene marketing agency. us$12 million amc account high-profile assignment , helped established agency innovative , daring in approach. new advertising violated convention of not attacking competition, , amc s campaigns became highly controversial. publicity worked amc s total retail sales improving 13% fiscal year, 1968 ambassador numbers down.