The Ambassador was American Motors’ top-of-the-line car in the 1960s. In 1963-64, the redesign of the Ambassador and Classic (which rode on the same wheelbase) won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year honors (for ’63). Sales fell off in the second year, likely due to competition from the new and widely popular mid-size Chevy Chevelle. The seller’s car is an Ambassador wagon, likely a 990 series, and is said to run well, though cosmetically challenged. Located in San Leandro, California, this Kenosha project is available here on craigslist for $6,000 OBO. A salute to Tony Primo for the tip!
Because AMC had invested a lot in the 1963 redesign, the 1964 models were little changed. The quickest way to tell them apart is in the flat grille in ’64 vs. a concave grille in ’63. Because the Ambassador and Classic used the same platform and body panels, the former was largely an upscale trim upgrade, which would change in ’65 when the cars went back to separate wheelbases. The Ambassador used a V8 engine as standard, while the Classic started with a 6-banger.
These cars resonate with me because my family owned a 1964 Ambassador 990 4-door sedan in the late 1960s. And my first car as a teenager was a 1964 Classic 770 4-door station wagon. Ironically, both cars would suffer engine problems (the Ambassador eventually needed a valve job, and the Classic sprung an oil leak). The seller’s “Ambo” has 86,000 well-used miles, but the 287 cubic inch V8 and rebuilt automatic transmission are said to be up to the job.
We’re told this driver has a straight and rust-free body, though some work has been done on the driver’s side rear quarter. The interior probably needs an extreme makeover, as the seats are wearing Walmart aftermarket covers/blankets. The wagon has power-assisted windows and tilt steering, not that common for AMC products back in the day. If a restoration is the end game, the buyer will need to be a big Rambler fan, as the acquisition plus fixed-up costs may exceed eventual resale value.
Neat find. Looks like two cars donated panels. And it’s always neat to see astroturf carpeting; usually it means that the floorboards are AWOL, which may or may not be the case here!
Rough for the money. Could use more pictures, but the few included in the ad are not promising. There is a Goodguys show later this month less than 20 minutes from the seller with a large car coral, he probably won’t be negotiable before then.
Steve R
I used to own a 1964 Ambassador. It didn’t have power windows, electric windshield wipers, or tilt steering but was equipped with 327 4bbl V8, factory air, and factory AM/FM “Vibratone” radio. (The car is long gone but I still have the Vibratone unit.) That Ambassador was surprisingly quick but handled like a motorboat with all that weight up front.
These cars had what at the time was very advanced unit body engineering but engines, suspension, and drivetrain were still mired in the 1940s and 1950s. (At least until the 232 six debuted when a modern engine was added to the mix.) Once the GM A-bodies were offered though these became quite a hard sell against the likes of the Chevelle.
What the heck is going on with the front/back two-tone paint on this one? Was this thing cobbled/welded together from two cars? Not many photos, none of the underside. Price seems too high for the condition.
Undercarriage rust is not likely an issue. I live close to the seller, it’s a dry climate, with no snow in 40+ years, it won’t occur to someone selling into the local market to take pictures underneath the car. Automatically including undercarriage photos is a regional thing.
Steve R