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74-542: In some countries, such as the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia, a limousine service may be any pre-booked hire car with a driver , usually, but only sometimes a luxury car. In particular, airport shuttle services are often called "limousine services", though they often use minivans or light commercial vehicles . The word limousine is derived from the name of the French region Limousin ; however, how

148-559: A Rambler Ambassador . All Ambassadors included AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine, while the Rambler Classic models were limited to I6 engines. The standard V8 was available either the regular fuel, two-barrel carburetor with 8.7:1 compression ratio, 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) version or the premium gasoline, four-barrel version with 9.7:1 compression ratio producing 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS). The 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase 1962 Ambassador

222-565: A ridesharing company . Vehicles for hire include taxicabs pulled rickshaws , cycle rickshaws , auto rickshaws , motorcycle taxis , Zémidjans , okadas , boda bodas , sedan services , limousines , party buses , carriages (including hackney carriages , fiacres , and caleches ), pet taxis , water taxis , and air charters . Share taxis , paratransit , dollar vans , marshrutkas , dolmuş , nanny vans , demand responsive transport , public light buses , and airport buses operate along fixed routes, but offer some flexibility in

296-417: A 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase. Its features included the new 327 cu in (5.4 L) AMC V8 engine (equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts and rated at 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) and 360 pound force-feet (490 N⋅m) of torque) mated to a BorgWarner supplied 3-speed automatic transmission with push-button gear selection. In 1956, AMC first produced its own V8,

370-532: A car, a steam Locomobile . U.S. limousine business declined in the 21st century due to the effects of the Great Recession , the subsequent rise of ride sharing apps , and an industry crisis precipitated by deadly stretch limousine crashes in 2015 and Schoharie, New York, in 2018 . Moreover, during this time, people who would have once utilized limousines began opting to travel more discreetly in cars like black SUVs . The limousine body style usually has

444-550: A clock, full wheel covers as well as additional padding for the rear seat, dash, and sun visors. To enhance the visual length of the cars, a full-length bodyside molding was painted in a contrasting color on the Super trim models or enclosed a brushed aluminum panel on the Ambassador Custom series. Ambassadors now came with a unique compound curved windshield that cut into the roof. This improved visibility, did away with

518-726: A console with the Twin-Stick manual or available automatic transmission. Approximately 2,955 units were built. The Rambler Marquesa was exhibited at auto shows during the 1964 model year. Its existence was later unknown. However, the Ambassador 990-H based show car remained in its original condition and is now on display at the Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth, Colorado , the most comprehensive collection of Nash, Rambler, and AMC vehicles and their history. The two-door hardtop

592-431: A different kind of vehicle. However, the car wore "Rambler Ambassador" badges on its front fenders. The 1958 Ambassador is a substantially longer car than the 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Rambler Six and Rebel V8 . However, both lines shared the same basic body, styling, and visual cues. However, all of the Ambassador's extra nine inches (230 mm) of wheelbase (and, therefore, overall length) were added ahead of

666-428: A dual chamber master brake cylinder and dual-circuit brake system, thus separating the front and rear brakes so that in the event of the failure of one component, some braking function would remain. This design was offered by only a few cars at that time. The 1962 models were equipped with "Walker" (brand) flow-through mufflers and a ceramic-coated exhaust system. Dealer-installed options included rear fender skirts and

740-564: A live rear axle using 4-link trailing arms, and coil springs at all four wheels. However, the suspension was revised, resulting in better handling. Equipped with the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 and the BorgWarner pushbutton-operated three-speed planetary gear and torque converter automatic transmission, the Ambassadors reached 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in just over 9 seconds and passed

814-492: A modern overhead valve V8 displacing 250 cu in (4.1 L), with a 3.25-inch stroke, forged steel crankshaft, which when equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, was rated at 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS). In 1957, AMC bored the 3-1/2-inch 250 CID V8 to 4 inches and 327 cu in (5.4 L) displacement, which, when offered in the Rambler Rebel used solid lifters and Bendix electronic fuel injection,

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888-474: A new option, an industry first. AMC touted the added comfort the headrests provided, as well as their potential for reducing whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision . Other changes included the activation of the starter through the neutral pushbutton (on automatic transmission-equipped cars) and the addition of an optional "Powr-Saver" engine fan, which featured a fluid-filled clutch for quieter high-speed operation. The 1959 model year also saw

962-417: A partition separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment. This partition usually includes an openable glass section so passengers may see the road. Communication with the driver is possible either by opening the partition window or using an intercom system. Limousines are often long- wheelbase vehicles to provide extra legroom in the passenger compartment. There will usually be occasional seats (in

1036-415: A permanent top projecting over the chauffeur. This former type of automobile had an enclosed passenger compartment seating three to five persons, with only a roof projecting forward over the open driver's area in the front. Wealthy owners of expensive carriages and their passengers were accustomed to their private compartments leaving their coachman or driver outside in all weathers. When automobiles arrived,

1110-413: A pillarless hardtop Cross Country station wagon . The 1958 Ambassador was offered in a single high-level trim level and came equipped with such luxury items as an electric clock, twin front and rear ashtrays, Nash's traditional "deep coil" spring suspension front and rear, split-back reclining front seats that fold down into a bed, as well as upscale fabrics for the interior. Management had found that

1184-433: A pillarless sedan ( hardtop ) and station wagon were available in the top-of-the-line "Custom" trim version. Three trim levels started with a "Deluxe" sedan reserved for fleet customers. The "Super" was the entry-level consumer version and available only as a pillared sedan and pillared six- or eight-passenger station wagon body styles. The top "Custom" trim models in both pillared or hardtop versions included fender ornaments,

1258-412: A retrimmed Hudson equivalent, called Rebel , to offer Hudson dealers . As sales of the large-sized Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models slowed, Romney determined that consumer confidence in the historic Nash and Hudson nameplates had declined. Reluctantly, he decided that 1957 would be the end of both nameplates, and the company would concentrate on the new Rambler line, which was registered as

1332-508: A separate marque for 1957. The market positioning meant that "the AMC Ambassador was a car with no real competitors throughout most of the sixties" because it was viewed as a luxury-type car and could be put against the higher-end large-sized models from the domestic Big Three automakers. Still, the Ambassador was more of a midsized car. American Motors planned to produce a stretched a 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase version of

1406-464: A spotlight on the accelerator pedal and a net above the padded sun visors to hold lightweight items. The top-of-the-line Ambassador Custom models came standard with individual "airliner" reclining front seats that now had even more luxurious fabrics than in previous years. All Ambassadors included the AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 , but for the first time, it was available in two versions. First

1480-497: A three-speed manual transmission, operated by one of the two console-mounted "sticks" in conjunction with an overdrive unit that was controlled by the second "stick" in both 2nd and 3rd gears. This gave the driver the option of using five forward gears. The 990-H was the most luxurious two-door model and included the high-compression 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) V8 as well as a specially trimmed interior featuring 2+2-style bucket seats, center armrests front and rear, as well as

1554-469: A tow hitch. In 1962, George Romney was elected as the new governor of Michigan, and in February, Roy Abernethy became CEO. A total of 36,171 Rambler Ambassadors were built for 1952, and AMC dropped from third to fourth place in total U.S. industry sales for the year. In 1962, Romney resigned from AMC to run for Governor of Michigan , a position he won. The automaker's new president, Roy Abernethy , who

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1628-410: A trapezoid grille and headlights that floated in a body-colored panel. At the same time, the front fenders arched downward and forward of the leading edge of the hood. Unlike anything else on the market, AMC's marketing department promoted the look as "European". While the new look was meant to distinguish the Ambassador from the lower-priced Ramblers, it was neither a consumer success nor well-received in

1702-416: Is finished with unique paint colors with a darker roof, wire wheel covers, and dual striped whitewall tires. The interior features matching shade of brocade upholstery on the bucket seats that continues on the headliner and the door panel trim. The center console housed the automatic transmission shifter and the centrally-located power window switches. No matter how much success the new Ramblers achieved in

1776-413: The "knee knocker" dogleg design of AMC's first-generation wrap-around windshield, and resulted in an even stiffer unitized structure. The 1960 Ambassador had a low cowl, providing excellent visibility with the compound windshield. All 1960 Ambassadors came with a new instrument cluster under a padded cowl and illuminated controls for lights, wipers, fan, and defrost functions. Additional conveniences included

1850-618: The 1956 Nash and Hudson Rambler line, on which all the 1958 Ramblers were based. The Ambassador had an excellent power-to-weight ratio for its time and provided spirited performance with 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) times of less than 10 seconds with low 17-second times through a quarter-mile (402 m) dragstrip . It could be equipped with a limited slip differential , as well as power brakes, power steering, power windows, and air conditioning . Numerous safety features (such as deep-dished steering wheels and padded dashboards) came standard, while lap seat belts were optional. For 1959,

1924-586: The 1960 model year, with the Custom sedan being the most popular body and trim version (10,949 units). Only 302 Deluxe (fleet) sedans were delivered. The 1961 Ambassador continued the previous year's 117-inch (2,972 mm) primary unitized platform , but received an unusual new front-end styling that was overseen by AMC's in-house design department headed by Edmund E. Anderson . The pillar-less four-door hardtop sedan and station wagon models were no longer available for 1961. The Ambassador's new design consisted of

1998-463: The 1965 Ambassador with panache and gave the car an overall integrated look. Motor Trend magazine agreed, calling it a "strikingly handsome automobile". The overall linear design look could be described as "chunky" or "chiseled". All Ambassadors were built on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, or four inches (100 mm) longer than the Classic models. Teague extended the beltline level from

2072-460: The 1969 AMC Ambassadors . As of 2023, stretch limousines comprise one percent of U.S. limousine company offerings. That total was down from about ten percent in 2013. A variety of vehicles have been converted into novelty limousines. They are used for weddings, parties, and other social occasions. Another style of novelty limousine are those painted in bright colors, such as purple or pink. Vehicles converted into novelty stretch limousines include

2146-410: The 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) two-barrel 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 as standard, with the four-barrel 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) version as optional. The automaker did not offer a four-speed manual transmission to compete with Ford or GM's sporty mid-size V8 offerings. Instead, AMC offered its innovative "Twin-Stick" manual transmission. The "Twin-stick" option consisted of

2220-566: The AMBASSADOR name was repeated across the rear trunk lid. The overall effect was relatively fresh, as the new roof had a lower, lighter look to complement the lower fins and grille. The design changes and the new grille provided "a more expensive look". The 1960 Ambassador was available only with four doors in sedan and station wagon body types. The station wagons had two rows of seats for six adult passengers or an additional rear-facing third row for an eight-passenger version. Additionally,

2294-403: The Ambassador line as AMC emphasized the transformed Rambler American compact-sized models. The "electric-shaver" grille on the 1963 model was replaced with a flush-mounted design, and the engine and transmission options were widened. A two-door hardtop body style called 990-H was added for the first time since 1957. The base 880 models were dropped from the line. The 1964 Ambassadors featured

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2368-469: The Ambassador received a revised grille, side trim, and redesigned rear door skins that swept into the tailfins instead of terminating at the C-pillar. Scotchlite reflectors were also added to the rear of the tailfins to increase visibility at night. Front and rear bumpers were over 20% thicker and featured recessed center sections to protect license plates . Adjustable headrests for the front seats were

2442-635: The East German Trabant , Volkswagen Beetle , Fiat Panda , and Citroën 2CV . There are instances of Corvettes, Ferraris, and Mini Coopers being stretched to accommodate up to 10 passengers. Vehicle for hire A vehicle for hire is a vehicle providing private transport or shared transport for a fee , in which passengers are generally free to choose their points or approximate points of origin and destination, unlike public transport , and which they do not drive themselves, as in car rental and carsharing . They may be offered via

2516-766: The Hemi Chrysler 300C , the DeSoto Adventurer , the Dodge D500, the Plymouth Fury, and the Chevrolet fuel-injected 283. The 1962 Ambassador was the same vehicle and should also reach 60 mph about as quickly as did the 1957 Rambler Rebel. The 1962 Ambassador received a new front end similar to the 1961 and 1962 Classic's, but with a crosshatch design, recessed center section, and Ambassador lettering. New, rectangular taillights were seen at

2590-595: The Rambler platform for Nash dealers to be the new Nash Ambassador and another for Hudson dealers. Shortly before committing to production of the new long-wheelbase versions of the Hudson and the Nash, CEO Romney dropped the Nash and Hudson marques. Although the Nash and Hudson names were canceled, work on the car itself continued, and American Motors introduced debuted in the fall of 1957, the 1958 "Ambassador V-8 by Rambler" on

2664-399: The U.S. Following George W. Mason 's unexpected death in the fall of 1954, George Romney (whom Mason had been grooming as his eventual successor) succeeded him as president and CEO of the newly formed American Motors. Romney recognized that to be successful in the postwar marketplace, an automobile manufacturer would have to be able to produce and sell cars in sufficient volume to amortize

2738-583: The U.S. called jump seats ) at the front of the compartment (either forward-facing, rear-facing, or able to face either direction). Many nations have official state cars designed to transport government officials. The top leaders have dedicated and specially equipped limousines. The United States Presidential State Car is the official car of the President of the United States. Stretch limousines are longer than regular limousines, usually to accommodate more passengers. Stretch limousines may have seating along

2812-540: The United States) had a removable or folding roof section over the rear passenger seat. In the United States, sub-categories of limousines in 1916 were the berline , defined as "a limousine having the driver's seat entirely enclosed", and the brougham , described as "a limousine with no roof over the driver's seat." The president of the United States has ridden in a variety of brands of state cars starting from 1899 when President William McKinley first to ride in

2886-401: The addition of an optional "Air-Coil Ride" air suspension system, utilizing airbags installed within the rear coil springs. An engine-driven compressor , reservoir, and ride-height control valve comprised the rest of the system. Still, as other automakers discovered, the troublesome nature of air suspension outweighed its benefits. The option proved unpopular and was discontinued at the end of

2960-436: The area's name was transferred to the car is uncertain. One possibility involves a particular type of carriage hood or roof that physically resembled the raised hood of the cloak worn by the shepherds there. An alternate etymology speculates that some early chauffeurs wore a Limousin-style cloak in the open driver's compartment for protection from the weather. The name was then extended to this particular type of car with

3034-439: The automotive press. Moreover, overall automobile industry sales fell as the entire U.S. economy was experiencing the recession of 1960–1961 . Standard was the 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 with a synchromesh manual transmission . Optional was the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) "power pack" version with a dual exhaust system featuring new ceramic-coated mufflers guaranteed for

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3108-473: The car's configuration and details. At the time, curved side glass was used exclusively in a few much more expensive luxury cars. The design attribute increased interior room and visibility, reduced wind noise, and enhanced the styling of the vehicles. The Ambassador also featured a squared-off Thunderbird -type roofline. The front end featured forward-thrusting upper and lower ends with a vertical bar "electric shaver" chrome grille insert. The Ambassador's grille

3182-460: The cowl, meaning that the passenger compartment had the same volume as the smaller Ramblers. The Ambassadors came with plusher interior and exterior trims while the front end incorporated the Rebel "V-Line" grille from the prototype Hudson model. Through effective market segmentation , the Ambassador was positioned to compete with the larger models offered by other automakers. Model identification

3256-508: The ends of restyled rear fenders, which lost their fins entirely. The exterior trim was reshuffled, and a new two-door pillared sedan debuted. A new '400' trim line was added at the top of the trim series, with Super and Custom models remaining. The Ambassador offered even more luxurious interiors to differentiate it from the Rambler Classic. The 400 models were available with vinyl upholstered front bucket seats and headrests along with color-coordinated shag carpets. The 1962 Ambassador came with

3330-446: The high cost of tooling. Toward that end, he set out to increase AMC's market share with its Rambler models that were selling in market segment in which the domestic Big Three ( General Motors , Ford Motor Company , and Chrysler ) automakers did not yet compete . While the development of a redesigned 1958 Nash Ambassador, based on a stretched and reskinned 1956 Rambler body was almost complete, AMC's designers were also working on

3404-465: The industry's wheelbase length standards, rather than the modern vehicle classification by interior and cargo space. The 1965 Ambassador represented a fundamental shift in corporate ideology, a shift away from primarily fuel-efficient vehicles, to bigger, faster, and potentially more profitable cars. Although the Ambassador rode the same platform as its 1963 and 1964 forebears, the 1965 models looked all-new. American Motors' designer Dick Teague styled

3478-500: The life of the car. The 1961 Pure Oil Company Economy Trials, designed to parallel everyday driving experiences closely, saw the Ambassador capture 9 of the first ten places in the V8 engine category and win the top of its class. By the 1962 model year, the Ambassador's platform was in its fifth season on the market. While Rambler sales had been good enough for third place in industry sales (behind Chevrolet and Ford ), AMC's management

3552-464: The marketplace, Roy Abernethy was not completely satisfied. Using the experience he gained as an outstanding salesman as a guide, Abernethy closely looked at the direction that American Motors' competition was going and decided that the company would be much more successful if its products competed more directly with the Big Three. He would achieve this by pushing all AMC vehicles further upmarket among

3626-456: The model year. Ambassador sales improved considerably over 1958, reaching an output of 23,769; nearly half of which were Custom four-door sedans. Less popular was the hardtop station wagon, of which 578 were built. The decision to discontinue the Nash and Hudson brands resulted in developing the second-generation Rambler Ambassador design. It was the only American midsize, luxury high-performance car offered in 1960. The "Ambassador by Rambler"

3700-637: The more rattle-prone, traditional body-on-frame construction, which was still the industry standard. In 1963, AMC's new 112 in (2,845 mm) wheelbase cars (Ambassadors and Classics) used a revolutionary method of unit construction, which automobile manufacturers have almost universally adopted. AMC Ambassador and Classics used outer panels stamped from single sheet metal panels that included door frames and outer rocker panels. This resulted in an extremely rigid and rattle-free structure, better fit of doors into frames, production cost savings as well as reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The "uniside" structure

3774-1188: The nameplate Ambassador applied to Nash's full-size cars. The nameplate referred to a trim level between 1927 and 1931. Ambassadors were continuously manufactured at AMC's Lake Front plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin until 1974, as well as at AMC's Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, between 1963 and 1966. Australian Motor Industries (AMI) assembled Ambassadors from knock-down kits with right-hand drive from 1961 until 1963. The U.S. fifth-generation Ambassadors were manufactured by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) in Córdoba, Argentina from 1965 until 1972, as well as assembled by ECASA in Costa Rica from 1965 through 1970. Planta REO assembled first-generation Ambassadors in Mexico at its Monterrey, Nuevo León plant. Fifth- and seventh-generation Ambassadors were modified into custom stretch limousines in Argentina and

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3848-399: The philosophy of building smaller cars than its larger "Big Three" competitors. However, they also had a high degree of interchangeability in parts to keep tooling costs and production complexity to a minimum. The automaker, which pioneered "styling continuity", introduced all-new styling for the 1963 model year Ambassadors and claimed that these were "functional changes .... not change just for

3922-451: The point of origin and/or destination. Some of the largest vehicle for hire companies include Uber , Ola Cabs , Bolt , DiDi , and Grab . AMC Ambassador The Ambassador is an automobile manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1957 through 1974 over eight generations, available in two- and four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, four-door station wagon as well as two-door convertible body styles. It

3996-487: The public associated the Rambler name with small economy cars and did not want the upscale nature of the new Ambassador to be so closely associated with Rambler's favorable, but economical image. Therefore, a decision was made that the larger Ambassador would be marketed as the Ambassador V-8 by Rambler to identify it with the Rambler name's burgeoning success, but to indicate an air of exclusivity by showing it to be

4070-510: The quarter-mile in 17 seconds. The Ambassadors featured soft springs and a solid build, making them ride silently and smoothly, according to reviewers. The year set a new record for AMC, with total production reaching almost half a million cars and total revenue exceeding $ 1 billion. The Rambler Six and V8 along with the Rambler American represented almost 95% of AMC's automobile sales. A total of 23,798 Ambassadors were built for

4144-450: The redesign was billed a success, with Motor Trend Magazine bestowing Car of the Year status on the entire 1963 Rambler line, including the Ambassador. The marketing formula for the Ambassador generated record sales for the model, with buyers favoring more luxury and features, as evidenced by the Ambassador 990 models outselling the 880 versions by nearly 2-to-1, while the base 800 model

4218-456: The sake of change". The Ambassadors featured a 4-inch (102 mm) longer wheelbase, but were 1.2-inch (30 mm) shorter due to reduced front and rear body overhangs, as well as a 3-inch (76 mm) drop in overall height. Designed by Dick Teague , the 1963 Ambassador's shape was much tighter, cleaner, and smoother, with almost all of its parts interchangeable between it and the new Classic. All Ambassadors used unitized structure instead of

4292-498: The same people required a similar arrangement for their chauffeurs. As such, the 1916 definition of limousine by the US Society of Automobile Engineers is "a closed car seating three to five inside, with driver's seat outside". In Great Britain, the limousine de-ville was a version of the limousine town car where the driver's compartment was outside and had no weather protection. The limousine- landaulet variant (also sold in

4366-802: The sides of the cabin. A "stretch limousine" was created in Fort Smith, Arkansas , around 1928 by the Armbruster coach company. Their vehicles were primarily used to transport famous "big band" leaders, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman , and their members and equipment. These early stretch limousines were often called "big band buses". Armbruster called their lengthened cars "extended-wheelbase multi-door auto-coaches". Their 12-passenger coaches were used by hotels, taxis, airlines, corporations, and tour companies. Knock-down programs by automakers made coachbuilders stretch vehicles, but Armbruster also custom built limousines using unibody construction such as

4440-516: The stacked quad headlights to the vertical taillamps to stretch the cars visually. The Ambassador featured longer, squared-off rear fenders with vertical wrap-around taillights, taller trunk lid , squared-off rear bumper-mounted low, and squarer rear wheel arches. At the front, the Ambassador again sparked minor controversy with its new vertically stacked quad headlights, slightly recessed in their bezels, as they flanked an all-new horizontal bar grille. This new wall-to-wall grille projected horizontally in

4514-499: The various market segments , shaking off the company's economy car image, and offering vehicles once again in all three major American car size classes: compact, intermediate, and full-size. The American and Classic were strong competitors in the former two segments, so for the 1965 model year, he set his sights on turning the Ambassador into a proper full-size car by stretching the Classic's wheelbase and giving it different styling. The general sizes of automobiles at that time were set by

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4588-494: Was classified as a full-size car from 1957 through 1961, mid-size from 1962 until 1966, and again full-size from 1967 through 1974 model years. When discontinued, the Ambassador nameplate had been used from 1927 until 1974, the longest continuously used car nameplate until then. The Ambassador nameplate was used variously as the Ambassador V-8 by Rambler , Rambler Ambassador , and finally AMC Ambassador. Previously,

4662-576: Was developed" with the 800 as the Ambassador's base trim model (replacing the previous year's Super model) for the police, taxi, and fleet market, a 880 model (in place of the Custom), and the up-level 990 trim (replacing the previous 400 models). The 1963 Ambassadors were offered only with the 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8, in either 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) two-barrel or 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) four-barrel versions. AMC's smaller 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 engine

4736-649: Was differentiated from the Classic's grille by including the Ambassador's name in script within the small horizontal bar between the upper and lower grille sections. Round quad headlights were slightly recessed in chrome bezels mounted side by side within the grille at its outermost edges. Overall, the new Ambassadors were described by the staff of Automotive Fleet magazine as "probably the finest looking cars ever produced by American Motors". Ambassadors were again available in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and four-door station wagon body styles, but new trim lines debuted for 1963. A "Mercedes-like three-number model designation

4810-450: Was less popular and had a total of 43 two-door sedans built for the year. The automaker did not have the resources of GM, Ford, and Chrysler, nor the sales volume to spread out its new model tooling and advertising costs over large production volumes; however, Richard Teague "turned these economical cars into smooth, streamlined beauties with tons of options and V-8 pep". The 1964 model year introduced minor trim changes and new options for

4884-407: Was lighter than its 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase predecessors and was a spirited performer with the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. This was like the 1957 Rambler Rebel, which was the quickest four-door sedan made in the United States that year, achieving 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration in just over 7 seconds and making it faster than

4958-466: Was located on the car's front fenders and deck lid. Super trim level Ambassadors featured painted side trim in a color that complimented the body color; Custom models featured a silver anodized aluminum panel on sedans and vinyl woodgrain decals on station wagons. Ambassador body styles included a four-door sedan and a hardtop sedan, a four-door pillared station wagon, and the hardtop station wagon. This body style first saw duty as an industry first in

5032-485: Was marketed by AMC as America's Compact Luxury Car. The 1960 model year lineup was reskinned, using new fenders, hood, deck lid, door skins, roofline, grille, taillights, bumpers, windshield, and backlight. The lower hood line, lower windshield cowl, simplified side trims, and egg-crate grille with stand-up letters spelling AMBASSADOR were significant. At the same time, the tailfins were reduced in height and were canted to either side, making for an integrated appearance, and

5106-505: Was only offered in the Classic line. The automatic transmission was controlled by a steering column-mounted lever, replacing the previous pushbutton system. Maintenance was reduced with service intervals of the front wheel bearings increased from 12,000–25,000 miles (19,312–40,234 kilometres), the recommended engine oil change was at 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres), and all Ambassador models included an alternator and an electronic voltage regulator as standard equipment. Sales were brisk, and

5180-428: Was rated at 288 hp (215 kW; 292 PS). In 1958, the Ambassador was equipped with a hydraulic lifter version of AMC's 327 CID V8 rated at 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS). Although AMC's 327 CID V8 shares its displacement with the Chevrolet small-block, AMC's 327 came out six years before Chevrolet first offered its 327 engine in 1962. The Ambassador was available in a body style exclusive to its line,

5254-439: Was responsible for the increasing sales under Romney, reacted to the mounting competition (in 1963, AMC built as many cars as they had in 1960, but overall total car sales had increased so much that it gave the automaker sixth place in domestic production; the same output in 1960 had put them third) in a logical way: "Let's get rid of this Romney image." A completely redesigned larger Rambler lineup appeared. The new cars continued

5328-485: Was superior to the conventional production methods in which multiple smaller pieces were welded together. There were 30% fewer parts and the result was greater structural rigidity, quieter car operation, and an overall weight reduction of about 150 pounds (68 kilograms). Curved side glass and push-button door handles were new and costly upgrades. Still, they contributed to the new Rambler's handsome, elegant, and modern Mercedes-like bodyside styling by adding refinement to

5402-557: Was the original 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS), 360 lb⋅ft (490 N⋅m) of torque, performance version equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor and a 9.7:1 compression ratio, which required premium fuel, and a second economy version running on regular gasoline making 250 hp (186 kW), 340 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m) of torque, equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and an 8.7:1 compression ratio. The 1960 Ambassadors continued with an independent front suspension with upper and lower A-arms, an enclosed drive shaft (torque tube) with

5476-454: Was working on a revolutionary and somewhat costly design set to debut for the 1963 model year. In the meantime, American Motors needed to save money. Since the Ambassador's sales had fallen in 1961, it was decided that the car would be downsized for 1962 to directly share the body, windshield, and 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase with the Classic platform. Accordingly, the car was marketed as

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