1974 AMC Ambassador

1974 amc ambassador sedan

ambassador sales had remained steady since 1970, despite lack of major changes vehicle. however, 1974 model year bring out biggest ambassador—just 1973 arab oil embargo sparked gasoline rationing across nation. ambassador sedan stretched 7 inches (180 mm) compared 1973 versions. additional length due new front end design , stronger energy absorbing bumpers hydraulic backup.

the 1974 ambassador brougham no longer available 2-door (pillar-less) hardtop, leaving 4-door sedan , station wagon body styles in line. hardtop s cancellation due in part low sales volume of ambassador 2-door versions, introduction of all-new 1974 matador coupe featured long hood , short rear deck. new coupe selected best styled car of 1974 editors of car , driver magazine , did not have requisite share typical mid- late-1970s styling hallmarks included upright grille, notchback roof, , imitation landau bars or opera lights.

styling changes sedan , wagon included new front fender caps on same fenders used since 1969, , hood, grille, bumpers, rear fascia, instrument panel, interior trim, hood ornament, , new font ambassador nameplate. grille showed off new squared-off loop-type design surrounding circular recessed quad headlights, , featured forward-protruding center. insert held crosshatch pattern dominated 2 thick horizontal bars connected headlight bezels , contained new parking lights between them. these parking lights had amber lenses, followed grille protrusion forward, , overlaid grille s crosshatch trim. headlamp bezels once again blacked out in recessed areas. new hood , front bumper followed grille s central protrusion forward, giving car slight coffin nose look. contemporary matador saw similar frontal treatment, more pronounced effect , different single headlamp clusters, hood, , grille insert.

at rear, new bumper larger , backed shock absorbers, beefed comply new national highway traffic safety administration regulations standardized front , rear bumpers on passenger cars sustain 5-mile-per-hour (8 km/h) impact no damage. fiberglass end caps added ends of each rear fender on sedans. wrapped inward create recessed space met carryover decklid. in space mounted new rectangular taillight housings, featured taller white backup lights mounted inboard of new taillights. license plate moved rear bumper area between new taillight assemblies, , whole taillight , license plate system on sedans surrounded own loop of chrome trim.

the cargo area , rear design of station wagons remained similar previous ambassadors, save massive new bumper , revised taillamps. wagon available two-row bench seats 6 passengers or rear-facing third row total 8 seat-belted passengers. came numerous practical, appearance, , comfort items standard. these included two-way opening tail gate: (1) hinged @ bottom convenient loading or hauling long cargo , (2) hinged @ side open door ease of entry , exit passengers or cargo; wood grained semi-transparent vinyl side , rear trim, full-length roof rack; chrome , wood grain roof air deflector keep tailgate window clean.

powertrain selections remained same in 1973, v8 engines , automatic transmissions available. when ordered trailer package (special wiring harness heavy-duty flasher , heavy-duty suspension rear sway bar), ambassador rated 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing capacity. other increases 1974 included larger capacity fuel tank, 24.9 us gal (94 l; 21 imp gal), , alternator producing 62 amperes. new sound insulation made ambassador quieter. came lengthy list of standard equipment typically optional on competing makes. these included comfort items such air conditioning, radio, , vanity mirror appearance enhancements such pin striping , whitewall tires.

sales of full-size vehicles, regardless of automaker, fell in 1974 america s focus shifted smaller cars. ambassador sales no different, , in june 1974, final amc ambassador rolled off kenosha, wisconsin assembly line, ending nameplate had been in continuous production in form 48 years.