In 1971, American Motors Corporation used the tagline, “If you had to compete with GM, Ford, and Chrysler, what would you do?” Yes, it’s humorous, but it’s also the truth – the little guy in a competitive environment must be creative to survive. Our Pick of the Day, a 1971 AMC Ambassador two-door hardtop, reflects the different manner in which AMC produced its cars. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Lake Forest, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Ambassador can trace its heritage back to Nash, which introduced the model for the 1927 model year. It was a special version of the Advanced Six with a fancier interior, and in 1932 it became a proper model. In 1957, the final year for Nash, the Ambassador was still the top-of-the line.
By this time, Nash was part of American Motors Corporation, a company created by the merger with Hudson in 1954. The Ambassador continued into 1958 as a Rambler, though initially it was marketed as “Ambassador V8 by Rambler,” America’s only compact luxury car. Starting in 1962, the Rambler Ambassador (note the name) went from a 117-inch wheelbase to 108. For 1965, the Ambassador moved up to a 116-inch wheelbase, then 118 in 1967 (now branded as an AMC), more in line with its full-size competitors while maintaining its roots as a more practical choice.
But, in 1969, the Ambassador truly began competing toe-to-toe with the Big Three thanks to a grand 122-inch wheelbase. This was a big change from the past, but AMC now was focusing on other ways to beat the Big Three at its own game. In the case of the Ambassador, it came standard with air conditioning – even Cadillac didn’t offer that. In 1971, AMC gave every Ambassador an automatic transmission standard too, whether equipped with the 258ci inline-six or any V8 from the 304 to the 401. You could even get a center console with Shift Command transmission shifter with the Ambassador Brougham hardtop. The Brougham was new for 1971, topping out the series that included DPL and SST. Body styles also included a four-door sedan and station wagon.
This Raven Green 1971 AMC Ambassador Brougham two-door hardtop is powered by the mid-range 360 V8 with dual exhaust system and, of course, automatic transmission. Interior appears to be a cloth split bench seat. Other features include AM radio, clock, vinyl top, full wheel covers, and bumper guards.
The seller does not say much about this car in the listing so, if it piques your interest, it’s worth sending a barrage of questions. For $12,000 (OBO), it appears quite worthy of your queries.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com