Not being a part of the Big Three undoubtedly put AMC at a disadvantage among U.S. automakers, but that certainly didn’t stop them from producing some satisfying cars, including a few memorable luxury offerings. For 1970, the Ambassador SST was the brand’s flagship, with the package letters standing for Super Sport Touring. This one here on Facebook Marketplace appears to be a well-preserved example overall, and is said to have been under the original owner’s care until he was 92 years old. It’s located in New Ulm, Minnesota, with the asking price of $9,900 not sounding unreasonable based on the condition here. We’d like to thank reader Zappenduster for finding this one and sending us the tip here!
The seller tells us that he’s the car’s second owner, and as you look around this AMC, it becomes apparent that this one has received a lifetime of good care and maintenance. A relative of the original buyer told him that the Ambassador has never been driven in the winter, plus it’s also reported to have always been kept inside when not in use. This one is listed as a survivor, and if the term is used correctly, that means it’s still wearing the original coat of paint. A few cosmetic issues are said to exist, but they’re not very obvious, at least not unless the car is under close scrutiny. I’m not seeing anything glaring on the exterior that would make me want to take any immediate action to make improvements.
While the Ambassador may not have been as plush inside as a Cadillac, it was somewhat luxurious for an AMC product. What’s probably more important than the number of features here is the interior’s condition, which appears close to immaculate, unless I’m missing something. The blue color complements the exterior nicely, and by ’70 standards, those seats look fairly supportive and comfortable.
1970 was a time for growing spurts of V8 engines at AMC, with the 290 being replaced by a 304 and the 343 eliminated in favor of a 360. This one is equipped with the latter, and it’s of the 2-barrel variety. The mileage is stated as 65,201, so if that’s accurate and the mechanics have been properly maintained, there may still be some dependable life left here. The 1970 Ambassador SST is one of those cars that could be considered underrated, as it had some serious competition from the big boys during this period. However, I find myself admiring this one and wouldn’t mind it taking up some real estate in my garage. How about you?
Beautiful car, the writer mentions power windows and I see both power steering pump and a/c compressor but no booster at the master cylinder. Strange choise.
Air conditioning, the smaller 304 V8, and automatic transmission were standard on this model. Power steering and power brakes (disk or drum) were optional, as were electric windshield wipers.
I have a 1971 Ambassador which is essentially the same car but not in nearly as good condition. The main difference in equipment versus the one offered here is mine has crank windows and power front disk brakes. (A panic stop with the manual drum brakes must be a frightening experience!)
The photo clearly shows a crank window on the drivers door. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen power windows/seats thank you on any AMC car.
My 1967 Rebel has power windows. Troublesome on a car that old, I’d much rather it had crank windows.
Would be a great sleeper with a 390 or a 401. If you are driving a four door, you really need something bad*** under the hood.
Call it the Ambadassador.
Ahh yes yes. The last AMC my father bought – after buying Nash since 1948 then AMC’s up to the 70 Ambassador. Same 360 2 bbl same wonderful blue cloth interior but crank windows. But most wonderful of all – Air Conditioning!!! STANDARD!! Rode like a dream. When he went to trade in 3-4 years later Willie’s AMC in Utica NY who he dealt with since 1958 wouldn’t play ball with him.
So he went and bought a Ford LTD. Which proceeded to rust to pieces almost immediately.
My dad had a 1968 Ford LTD and it was a piece of junk. We talked him into buying a 1972 Matador with a 304 V8 and he never looked at another Ford. AMC from then on.
It Is A Shame This Ambassador Having Power Windows But Ordered Without The Disc Brakes Lacking The Power Booster. I Ran An AMC Dealership Up Until The Mid 70’s. We Would Never Order The Ambassador Or The Matador Without Power Disc Brakes. AMC’s Engines Were All Bullet Proof. All V-8’s Had The Same Engine Block. The 304 Up To the 401. They Were all Small Block With Power before 1972. Only The 304,360 Remained ’72 thru ’78. Like All Manufacturers All Engines Were Detuned Per Government Regulation. However The the 360/401 Was Still Available In The Jeep Pick Ups, Cherokee’s, Wagoneer’s Until The Early ’80’s. The 360 Remained Until The Final Year Of The Grand Wagoneer In 1991.
I would consider this Ambassador If It had P/Brakes. I’m To Old To Be Upgrading Anything. Just Want To Buy A Classic Get In And Drive. No Muss No Fuss. Apologies For the Length Of This Post. I am An AMC Aficionado. I Get Carried Away. Lol
Appreciate your remarks, but what’s with the capital letters, so unnecessary.
No. The 304 & 360 blocks were not the same as the 401 block. external dimensions are the same, internally, the 401 was sturdier than the 304/360. The AMC 401 was available in cars through 1974. Jeep used the 401 until 1978.
This car was my old mans ex-Forest Dept. Rangers car, except for a couple niceties, like everything. That car was a police spec’d car, 390 AMX motor, automatic, cop shocks, spotlight, cop,,well, you get the idea. I remember finding rear inside door handles for the back doors, my old man, never being arrested, didn’t know why they went missing,,um, not that I ever was either, I had been in police cars with my trucking shenanigans. That car, was the undisputed, unrivaled burn out king. With posi,( and lousy bias-ply tires) 2 stripes for a block. This was the car, we’d put the back tires on the front, the old man never understood why the front tires wore so fast. We said, “gee, pops, must be an alignment issue”,,;).
To be honest, that police car was a cheap rendition of these cars, this was much more what the public bought.
These postings continually bolster what I’m saying all along, and the site should be renamed “Estate Finds”. Studies show, we are living longer, and at 92 kept the car as long as they could, to the bitter end, they did. It’s a wonderful find, I hope someone steps up and buys this gem,,,the old man in me says not likely.
Lovely looking car. Although I’ve never personally owned or driven an AMC Ambassador, I remember these cars.
nice. lose the bug shield. looks ridiculous.
WHAT POWER WINDOWS???
First I’m going to say that this is a gorgeous Ambassador just as it sits. Someone has taken exemplary care of this car for close to six decades. That counts for something. After all, aren’t we all car people? Can we we improve this car? Sure. Does it need to be? No. It’s survived for 57 years as we see here. That’s good enough for me. Part of ownership is learning about the vehicle and its unique quirks and qualities.
Another beautiful car designed by Dick Teague. They were sharp at the time, but being an AMC didn’t sell as well. I remember them on the streets, all shiny and new. This car brings me back in time, and it is extremely good condition. And power windows, wow! I remember car salesman telling my dad they didn’t want power windows because what if you drove into a river? I guess the original purchase service AMC didn’t believe that. Good for him. This is a very nice example of an American motors car. I’d love to have it, but I have no place to put it in driving is beginning to get difficult for me. This is still a large car just not as large as the big three.
for a moment i thought this was a SLEEK BLACK BEAUTY.
well, close. 5 years newer and blue. beautiful car.
Nice looking Ambassador. Just sold at an estate auction for $5200 I believe. Seemed like an absolute bargain at that price. The lack of power brakes is pretty funky.
AMC advertised as early as ‘68 that AC was standard on these cars