During the 1960s, American Motors faced the challenge of competing directly with industry giants like GM, Ford, and Chrysler. In response to this, the company introduced the Rambler Ambassador in 1965 to capture market share from popular models like the Impala, Galaxie, and Monaco. With an extended wheelbase and a redesign by Dick Teague, the Rambler Ambassador emerged as a genuine full-size car.
This particular vintage 1965 Rambler Ambassador 990 convertible, priced at $2,955 (equivalent to $29,907 in 2024), boasts AMC’s largest engine of the time: a 327-cubic-inch V8 delivering 250 horsepower. Despite sharing a similar name with the Chevrolet 327 small-block, AMC’s 327 engine precedes the Chevy version. Interestingly, Kaiser-Jeep utilized AMC 327 engines in their trucks during the mid-to-late 1960s, naming them “327 Vigilantes.”
Equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission and optional “Duo-Coustic” or “Vibra-Tone” rear speakers, this Ambassador provides a glimpse into the luxury features available at the time. Although AMC sold nearly 65,000 Ambassadors in 1965, it couldn’t match the sales figures of competitors like Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler. The Ambassador’s size, closer to midsize cars of the era, played a role in its modest sales performance.
Following its 1968 discontinuation, the Rambler brand transitioned to American Motors Corporation badging. The last model to carry the Rambler name was the 1969 AMC Rambler. While a restored version of this 1965 Ambassador would fetch a decent price, its current state requires extensive restoration, making it a costly endeavor.
The automotive industry witnessed significant changes post-1965, culminating in Chrysler’s acquisition of AMC in 1987. Despite its eventual demise, the Rambler marque left a lasting legacy in the history of American automotive manufacturing.
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