Rambler

The first generation of the Rambler Ambassador appeared in 1958, after American Motors discontinued the Nash and Hudson marques and concentrated on Rambler. Initially marketed as the Ambassador V-8 by Rambler, it became AMC’s flagship, combining Rambler’s unitary construction with greater size, luxury and performance. A 5.4-litre V8 producing up to 270 hp was standard, while sedans, hardtops and station wagons were offered. For 1960 the Ambassador was extensively restyled, gaining a lower, more modern body and improved interior, while retaining its 117-inch wheelbase and powerful V8. Another distinctive facelift followed for 1961, with an unusual trapezoidal grille and revised interior. Despite respectable performance and generous equipment, Ambassador sales remained modest compared with AMC’s smaller Ramblers. From 1962, a substantially redesigned Ambassador moved into the mid-size class.

For 1963, the Rambler Ambassador was completely redesigned, with cleaner styling by Dick Teague, a longer wheelbase and a lighter, more rigid unitized body. The 5.4-litre V8 remained the sole engine. In 1964, the luxurious 990-H hardtop joined the range. From 1965, the Ambassador grew larger and was positioned more clearly as an upmarket model, with six- and eight-cylinder engines and a new convertible. In 1966, the historic Rambler name was dropped, and the car was marketed simply as the AMC Ambassador.