Fourth generation AMC Ambassador

1963

1963 rambler ambassador 990 sedan

in 1962 romney left amc run governor of michigan, position won. automaker s new president, roy abernethy, responsible increasing sales under romney, reacted mounting competition (in 1963 amc built many cars had in 1960, overall total car sales had increased gave amc sixth place in production; same output in 1960 had put them third) in logical way: let s rid of romney image.

a redesigned larger rambler lineup appeared. new cars continued philosophy in building smaller cars larger big 3 competitors had high degree of interchangeability in parts keep tooling costs , production complexity minimum. company, pioneered styling continuity , introduced all-new styling 1963 model year ambassadors , claimed these functional changes .... not change sake of change. ambassadors featured 4-inch (102 mm) longer wheelbase, 1.2-inch (30 mm) shorter due reduced front , rear body overhangs, 3-inch (76 mm) drop in over-all height.

designed richard a. teague, 1963 ambassador s shape tighter, cleaner, , smoother, of parts interchangeable between , new classic. ambassadors used unitized structure instead of more rattl-prone, traditional body-on-frame construction still industry standard. in 1963, amc s new 112 in (2,845 mm) wheelbase cars (ambassadors , classics) used revolutionary method of unit construction has since been universally adopted automobile manufacturers. amc ambassador , classics used outerpanels stamped single sheet metal panels included both door frames , outer rocker panels. resulted in extremely rigid , rattle-free structure, better fit of doors frames, production cost savings , reduced noise, vibration , harshness. uniside structure superior conventional production methods in multiple smaller pieces welded together. there 30% fewer parts , result greater structural rigidity, quieter car operation, , over-all weight reduction of 150 pounds (68 kilograms).

curved side glass , push-button door handles new , costly upgrades, contributed new rambler s handsome, elegant, , modern mercedes-like bodyside styling, adding greater elegance in detail. @ time, curved side glass used in more expensive luxury cars, increased interior room , visibility, reducing wind noise , improved proportions , styling of cars. ambassador featured squared-off thunderbird-type roofline. front end featured forward-thrusting upper , lower ends vertical bar electric shaver chrome grille insert. ambassador s grille differentiated classic s grille use of ambassador name in script in small horizontal bar between upper , lower grille sections. round quad headlights recessed in chrome bezels mounted side-by-side within grille @ outermost edges. overall, new ambassadors described staff of automotive fleet magazine finest looking cars ever produced american motors.

ambassadors once again came in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, , 4-door wagon body styles, new trim lines debuted. mercedes-like three-number model designation developed 800 ambassador s base line (replacing previous year s super model) police, taxi, , fleet market, 880 model (in place of custom), , level 990 trim (replacing previous 400 models).

the 1963 ambassadors offered 327 cu in (5.4 l) v8, in either 250 hp (186 kw; 253 ps) 2-barrel or 270 hp (201 kw; 274 ps) 4-barrel versions. amc s smaller 287 cu in (4.7 l) v8 engine offered in classic line. automatic transmission controlled steering column mounted lever, replacing previous pushbutton system. maintenance reduced service intervals of front wheel bearings increased 12,000–25,000 miles (19,312–40,234 kilometres), recommended engine oil change @ 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres), , ambassador models included alternator , electronic voltage regulator standard equipment.

sales brisk, , redesign billed success, motor trend magazine bestowing car of year status on entire 1963 rambler line, including ambassador. marketing formula ambassador generated record sales model buyers favoring more luxury , features evidenced ambassador 990 models outselling 880 versions 2-to-1, while base 800 model had total of 43 two-door sedans built. automaker did not have resources of gm, ford, , chrysler, nor sales volume spread out new model tooling , advertising costs on large production volumes; however, richard teague turned these economical cars smooth, streamlined beauties tons of options , v-8 pep.

1964

the 1964 model year introduced minor trim changes , new options. electric-shaver grille on 1963 model replaced flush-mounted design, , engine , transmission options widened. two-door hardtop body style called 990-h added first time since 1957. base 880 , 880 models dropped line.

the 1964 ambassadors featured 250 hp (186 kw; 253 ps) 2-barrel 327 cu in (5.4 l) v8 standard, 4-barrel 270 hp (201 kw; 274 ps) version optional. automaker did not offer 4-speed manual transmission compete sporty mid-size v8 offerings ford or gm. instead, amc offered innovative “twin-stick” manual transmission. twin stick option consisted three-speed manual transmission, operated 1 of 2 console mounted sticks in conjunction overdrive unit controlled second stick in both 2nd , 3rd gears. gave driver option of using 5 forward gears. 1 magazine noted twin-stick, 270 hp (201 kw; 274 ps) ambassador heading sub 16-second quarter-mile when blew clutch.