Classics from dry climates tend to attract above-average attention when they hit the market, because they are the vehicles less likely to be the victims of major rust issues. That makes this 1968 AMC Ambassador SST worth a close look. Its presentation is impressive for its age, with no apparent urgent needs. Its interior is spotless, the engine bay houses the 343ci V8, and this classic has a genuine 88,000 miles on the clock. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Ambassador listed here on Craigslist in Van Nuys, California. The seller set their price at $26,900, and may consider free delivery to buyers within a certain radius of the car’s current location.
AMC’s Sixth Generation Ambassador enjoyed a brief manufacturing history, gracing showrooms for the 1967 and 1968 model years. The company introduced the SST variant during the second year, and that is when our feature car left the factory. It presents extremely well in Scarab Gold with a White vinyl top and aftermarket Cragar wheels that accentuate its muscular appearance. The paint shines beautifully, with this YouTube video providing a comprehensive walkaround that exposes only minor chips and imperfections. However, it also reveals vinyl deterioration below the back window that would be worth investigating. It could potentially become a moisture trap that might cause the onset of rust. Several underside shots show nothing worse than a few areas of dry surface corrosion, and no evidence of steel penetration. The trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear.
Powering this SST is a 343ci V8, hooked to a three-speed automatic transmission. The car also features power assistance for the steering and brakes, providing an effortless driving experience. AMC offered two versions of the 343 to SST buyers in 1968, and I am unsure which one this is. Power could vary between 235 and 280hp, with torque figures of 345 or 365 ft/lbs. The seller has recently spent a few dollars on this classic, and the buyer will reap the benefit. The brakes received a range of new components, while it has also been treated to a service, a tune-up, and new mufflers. One unknown is whether there is verifying evidence for the seller’s claim that the Ambassador has a genuine 88,000 miles showing on its odometer. However, the overall condition makes the claim appear plausible. The car runs and drives perfectly, a fact confirmed in the previously mentioned YouTube video.
This Ambassador’s interior isn’t perfect, but it wouldn’t cause the new owner any shame if they rocked up at a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this classic. The carpet exhibits slight wear near the driver’s left foot, but it isn’t severe enough to justify replacement. The Gold upholstered surfaces are impressive, with the same true of the headliner. I think there might be a seam separation developing on the driver’s seat base, but it is hard to make a definitive call. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to the California sun, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. Creature comforts extend to a radio and a remote driver’s mirror.
I have long admired AMC because it was a company that brought to market some interesting and innovative models developed on a shoestring budget. I have often wondered what the marque could have achieved if it had access to the resources available to Ford and General Motors. Would it have become a genuine market force, or would its approach have been more conservative and mainstream? This 1968 Ambassador SST emerged at a time when AMC was in a strong financial position, and its condition is pretty impressive. It has only been on the market for a short time, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
The owner will enjoy this fine AMC for a long time, at his ask.
It likely won’t find a new home.
This was featured in this site September of 2024 with the same asking price and what appears to be the same pictures. Eight months on the market and counting is a pretty clear message the car is overpriced. It looks nice, but not nice enough to prompt potential buyers into action.
Steve R
IMHO a very handsome looking car in a pleasing palette. Had the same drivetrain in my 68 Javelin SST and it was brisk.
My dear Father had a 1967 (DPL?) in blue with a black top. He babied that car until he was not able to drive. Always said Its for my retirement. He got it in a damaged in transit sale from KAT. It had glue sprayed down the side that we removed with Car-Plate and denatured alcohol. I don’t recall the mileage but it was less than 10k. My sister had to sell it as estate expenses were piling up. Needless to say, she didn’t tell me she was doing it. Seeing it advertised for $15k damn near killed me. Always thought these cars as the apex of AMC styling. The brocade cloth interior was icing on the cake. I will admit to not knowing what Turo is and even less of someone offering to rent a vintage car that is being actively marketed. I am no longer part of this automotive zeitgeist. Thank the fates.
Funny, I always thought these cars looked like a cheap knockoff of the 66-67 Ford Fairlane.
Yeah, but looks are deceiving for these cars, they’re very well built, not with cheap materials. They’re easy to work on and reliable as well. If someone’s brave enough to get this they’ll be glad they did. I was.
I always thought these were nice looking. My uncle had a new one like this but a sedan. I don’t like the wheels. They are not AMC issue. For his asking price, MANY better cars can be purchased. AMC was always the underdog.
Looks like a good car. I just don’t know about the price, it seems a little optimistic to me.
IIRC they came with factory air? I liked this generation Ambassador. It had a nice agressive look to it. But yeah, I’d say it’s overpriced by maybe 10k. It doesn’t have the French bordello interior popular then, but split bench seats, 3 on a tree doesn’t get the heart pounding. I usually joke AMC of the 50s and early 60s was for the retired schoolteacher market. This looks like the car for a middle aged divorcee’ who thinks incorrectly she’s a cougar. Put it at 15-18k it should sell in a heartbeat. Something that doesn’t look dowdy, nice for cars and coffee or local cruise nights.
I wondered along the same line as regards the factory AC. Why are there AC controls and vents in the dash but no compressor and lines and related components under the hood? At least the missing items are included in the deal, but there’s still something wonky here.
Get rid of the stupid wheels and put originals back on, and this would be quite nice. But still not $27k nice!
Nice car but the price is just eye-watering! For 1968 the Ambassador came with standard factory air conditioning, the only car in the U.S. other than Rolls Royce to boast that feature. However you can see the compressor is missing and the ad says it’s included but “not currently installed”. You can also see the heater is disconnected.
Cops not patrollin that area/parkin lot. I guess Poncherello & his partner retired with no one to replace them.
I bought one of these for $50 in the early 80’s. It was dark green with what was left of a white vinyl too. Mine was equipped like this one and even the AC worked. It needed a lot of work, but was a nice driver for a beater. I drove it for several years until the engine jumped time and bent the push rods and who knows what other damage. I didn’t think it was worth spending money on, so junked it.
The comment about being well built reminded me of a story about mine. Mine was parked on the street when a kid in a Maverick came flying around a corner, lost control, and plowed into the back of the Ambassador. The Maverick was towed off, likely totaled. If I looked close, the back bumper of the Ambassador was bent by less than a quarter inch. No other damage. These really were built like a tank.
Love AMC’s and this is gorgeous but that price is tough to wrap my head around. Maybe low $20’s and delivery…….
This one very nice AMC that I have seen in a long time! Very clean and the price in not that bad!!