Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
This is an incredibly rare car, being only one of 1,798 built. With only 86,000 miles since new, this car is a great car for showing and touring. This was the top-of-the-line AMC convertible and a solid original car with only benefitting from a single quality repaint. The 990 Convertibles (Style No. 6687-7) were the most expensive offering by AMC for 1966, the year that Quality was their sole focus and their “Giant Killer” marketing compaign. This car is a dream to drive!
This motorcar was bought new by Murray Edmondson in Cooksville, Ont. at the Tom McBride Rambler, Ltd dealership in Mimico, Ont. The car was delivered to it’s first owner on December 16, 1965, I’m sure as a family Christmas present to Mrs. Edmondson. We know from records included with the car that by within the first year of ownership the family put 22,000 miles on the car. Shortly thereafter it was retired for occasional use only. The family kept the car for at least about two decades, according to documents with the car.
The car is Paint Code 72 (White) and Trim Code 1691. It is a well optioned car, including the most powerful drivetrain and most power accessories. The car was ordered new with the highest output engine, the veritable 327cid (5.4L) V-8 with 4-barrel carburetor (270bhp) and automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes. With only 86,200 original miles this is an un-restored original car, original interior and top with one repaint. A very nice car that has all the original books, including the original owner’s book, radio handbook, Accessories guide and Warrantee manual.
This car has been very well maintained. It also has new white wall radial tires, power top, AM radio and clock. It has recently been fully serviced and detailed. This car is ready to cruise, show and enjoy. We just rebuilt the Holly carb and performed a service. The car has great power and drives with few of the expected rattles, etc. It drives like a well cared for low mileage original car! It is amazing how much true power the 327 cu in V8 produces!
The Ambassador nameplate was used continuously from 1927 until 1974 (the name being a top-level trim line from 1927–31); at the time it was discontinued, Ambassador was the longest continuously used nameplate in automotive history. The famous American Motors’ designer Richard Teague styled the 1965 and 1966 Ambassador with panache and gave the car an overall integrated look. Motor Trend magazine agreed, calling it a “strikingly handsome automobile” and we wholeheartedly agree!
Built on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, Teague extended the beltline level from the stacked quad headlights to the vertical taillights. The new Ambassadors were as attractive as anything built by AMC’s Detroit-based competitors, and with a list price of around $3,000, few could quibble about the cost of ownership.
This is a very rare opportunity to acquire an important piece of automotive history.
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