Overseas production AMC Ambassador

1 overseas production

1.1 argentina
1.2 australia
1.3 costa rica
1.4 mexico

overseas production
argentina

fifth u.s. generation ambassador 990 built ika 1965 1972

industrias kaiser argentina (ika) produced u.s. third, fourth, , fifth generation ambassadors in córdoba, argentina 1962 1972, , later available special order through 1975.

assembly of ika ramblers began in 1962, argentinean cars being 1961 u.s. versions, equipped 226 cu in (3.70 l) continental i6 engines producing 119 hp (89 kw; 121 ps) @ 4000 rpm, along steering column mounted manual three-speed transmission. ambassador 440 top trim ika model available four-door sedan.

the new generation models amc in u.s. 1963 model year replicated ika. ambassador sedan came in 990 trim , revolutionized argentine automotive market introducing innovations included power steering, power windows, , factory installed air conditioning.

presidential rambler ambassadors, produced in 1968 ika

the ambassador line redesigned 1965 in u.s., argentina. ika rambler models featured 230.5 cu in (3.78 l) overhead camshaft (ohc) straight-six tornado interceptor engines producing 145 hp (108 kw; 147 ps) @ 4200 rpm. developed kaiser motors in u.s. 1963 jeep gladiator pickups , wagoneer vehicles. engine produced in argentina , increased domestic (local sourced) content of ika automobiles lower taxes (tariffs).

the new ika ambassador 990 sedans further upgraded steering column mounted zf four-speed manual transmissions, front disk brakes, front reclining bucket seats center cushion , armrest, luxury features included power windows , air conditioning. road test revista parabrisas described 1965 ika rambler ambassador 990 soft, opulent, , smooth ride @ speeds... big, luxurious , complete... highest expression of comfort tested far magazine.

stretch versions of ika rambler ambassador used official government limousines. presidential models featured longer rear door , side window, broader c-pillar padded vinyl roof cover , small rear window.

australia

1969 ambassador hardtop, new zealand model rhd

australian motor industries (ami) obtained rights assemble , distribute ramblers, , 1961, 1962, , 1963 model year ambassadors built in australia. 1961 sedan, powered 327 cu in (5.4 l) v8, powerful car being assembled in australia @ time. knock-down kits featuring right-hand drive shipped kenosha ami s facilities in port melbourne, victoria. australian-built ambassadors included significant percentage of local content gain import tariff (tax) concessions using parts , components (such interiors , upholstery) sourced australian manufacturers. dash , instrument pack of 1967 ambassador converted rhd amc , thereafter used in australian , new zealand-assembled rambler rebel , matador models, 1967-1974.

costa rica

rambler vehicles marketed in costa rica since 1959. new local content regulations enacted during 1960s required vehicles sold in markets assembled knock-down kits. assembly plant rambler , toyota vehicles established, ecasa, , first ramblers produced in costa rica end of 1965. company built ambassadors , other amc models through 1970, toyota increasing ownership of ecasa.

mexico

american motors first-generation ambassadors exported mexico in first half of 1958 , assembled locally in second half of same year , 1959 under planta reo based in monterrey, nuevo león. model virtually restricted four-door hardtop sedan only. powered four-barrel 327 cubic inch v8 engine 270 gross horse power coupled three-speed automatic transmission. model became marque s top-of-the-line product alongside 3 versions of midsize rambler , rambler american models.

however, low sales figures alongside downfalling relationship between amc , planta reo lead cancellation of contract in second half of 1959. american motors once again exported products mexico , took task of finding new local partner, found in willys mexicana, company become vehículos automotores mexicanos (vam). agreement signed in march 1960 , production began in mexico city.

this agreement meant discontinuation of ambassador line in mexico, new operation had several priorities above offering top-end luxury full-size car line. aside offering existing jeep line, willys mexicana opted focus efforts in compact rambler american, obtained generation change next year, meaning complete retooling of vallejo plant. in 1962, legal , industrial requirements in country became stronger auto industry integration decree issued president lópez meteos in 1962. among contents, banned importation of automobile engines; forcing wm take monumental task of building own engine plant, achieved in november 1964. once rambler american consolidated in mexican market, willys mexicana opted expand product line introducing brand-new second generation rambler classic midsize model larger luxury counterpart economy compact american. in 1963, due problems wm s parent company (the somex bank) further requirements of government auto industry decree, willys mexicana reorganized entirely new company expanded capital , direct investment mexican government, kaiser willys , american motors, resulting in formation of vehículos automotores mexicanos s.a.

after whole corporate transition process between 1960 , 1964 concluded, in rambler marque under vam monumentally surpassed commercial results of local predecessors armadora mexicana , planta reo combined between 1950 , 1959, company in end opted not offer ambassador model. mexican market of era still relatively small , since ambassador shared same styling contemporary midsize model of company, considered internal competition affect sales of simultaneous rambler classic/ambassador line-up. unlike unites states, had larger , diverse market 2 different car lines same styling, amc offer strong difference between both models exclusive v8 engine ambassador , classic being restricted 6 cylinders only. advantage did not exist in mexico since vam produce 6 cylinder engines in lerma plant , v8 engines not imported amc due ban of 1962 decree. instead, vam opted use rambler classic luxurious , flagship model, giving same treatment amc put in ambassador model in , canada. passed on subsequent equivalent rebel , matador models produced under vam.

the 1958-1959 ambassador models represent chapter in model s history present in mexico. these full-size american motors products sold in country alongside second generation vam classic (matador) models. more unique fact factory v8 model, 1 of kind ever sold in mexico belonging american motors.