American convertibles of the Fabulous Fifties and Swingin' Sixties are wonderful collector cars today. They provide the ultimate in flamboyant styling, and -- with powerful engines, supple suspensions, and loads of creature comforts -- pamper their occupants while stylishly floating down the highway. Thankfully, a few of these legendary land yachts have survived in excellent condition.
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Especially desirable today are well-preserved, original examples from manufacturers that have seized to exist decades ago, the so-called orphan cars. Here is a golden opportunity to acquire such a rare and coveted orphan car, one of only 3,499 full-size Rambler convertibles made for 1965, flagships of AMC's Sensible Spectaculars line-up.
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American Motors was created by the merger of Hudson and Nash in 1954. Three years later, the former nameplates were discontinued, and Rambler became the mainstay of the fledgling American Motors Corporation, only to be phased out slowly beginning in 1966. This 1965 model is the first Rambler Convertible on the big 116 inch wheelbase and the last of the Ramblers that were not preceded by the "AMC" moniker. This particular car is even more special, since it features a factory Continental Kit with metal fender skirts, one of Rambler's traditional 1950s design hallmarks. In 1965, less than 500 convertibles featured this superbly attractive option, elongating the already pronounced rear deck even more, to spectacular effect.
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The 1965 AMC Ambassador 990 featured here, VIN *H311826*, is a rare surviving example of the marque. Among those few, it must be one of the finest original, unrestored examples on the planet! Have you ever seen another one like it offered for sale?
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The Ambassador is powered by its original 327 cu. in. V-8 Tri Poised Power power plant. Developed during George Mason's reign in the mid-Fifties, this 327 bears no resemblance to the small-block Chevrolet at all; in fact, it is more closely related to Chevy's 348/396 big block engine family. AMC even sold these sturdy motors to -- then independent -- JEEP for use in their Wagoneers!
This fine engine develops 250 lively horses; it runs and sounds truly excellent, with no ill manners such as leaking, smoking, or (oil) drinking to report at all.
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Engine compartment is of reference quality. Wherever you look, even in the deepest corners, you'll see nothing but clean, factory painted sheet metal and original features. The car's seller stated the 52,823 miles shown on the odometer to be the actual mileage; the Certificate of Title dated 4/16/93 shows 029,449 actual miles. One look under the hood all but confirms this!
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Featuring a razor straight body, the Ambassador still features its -- still very glossy -- factory original paint. Since back in the olden days metallic paints were of the single-stage kind, rather dull and subject to early fading, the car's original owner decided to preserve the finish by adding a layer of clear coat.
Forty-three years later, this clear coat displays a mild cracleé, certainly not significant enough to even consider repainting the car. A car is original only once, as a very wise collector once proclaimed. Needless to say, there are no bubbles, scratches, dings, or dents anywhere: this big Rambler is a thing of beauty!
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Ambassador's factory steel wheels were painted a nicely contrasting red, feature the original simulated knock-off hub caps so popular during that era and near-new GOODYEAR Roadhandler whitewall radial tires of the dimension 225-75/R14 all around.
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Since the convertible top was beginning to show its age, we ordered a brand-new, custom-tailored, red soft top, which closely matches the car's interior color, making this Ambassador look very glamorous, indeed. Hector Larios, our veteran upholstery specialist, also refurbished the top frame and installed new padding; all this was not cheap, mind you, but well worth the additional investment.
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However, the raison d'être of a convertible is cruising with nothing but blue sky above you. The Ambassador looks terrific, either way.
Let's check out the car's interior now!
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The free-spirited opulence of the Sixties is on full display inside the Ambassador with wood appliqué, lots of chrome, deep-set, large, circular gauges, color-coordinated surfaces, and a matching red steering wheel. Strategically placed, grooved trim reminds us of mechanical gears; this unique design cue is carried over to some of the exterior trim as well.
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Details, from left to right:
- Perfectly preserved sunvisors with "Rambler" script vanity mirror
- Updated sound system, concealed within the glovebox
- Beautifully finished rear view mirror
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Brick red upholstery perfectly complements the Willow Green exterior. 50/50 bench accomodates three adults, comes with AMC's famous full reclining option. Upholstery looks immaculate, without any rips or tears. Matching red carpet is in excellent original condition as well.
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Loads of space in rear passenger compartment. Big AMC is a full 6-seater!
Note original top boot and built-in rear speakers.
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Ready for a test drive?
Sure you are, but before we take off, there are two more areas to inspect: the trunk and the undercarriage.
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Cavernous trunk is fully lined with plush black carpeting.
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Rambler's undercarriage presents itself very clean and 100% free of rust. Miraculously, all panels are original; this pampered automobile has never needed any kind of repair to its sensitive unibody structure. AMC was a pioneer of this construction technique, which provides a smooth, rattle-free ride.
Note the brand new dual exhaust, which sounds heavenly mellow.
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Friday, July 4th was another bright and sunny day in San Buenaventura, the big Rambler convertible being just the right set of wheels for our own Independence Day cruise.
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Ambassador starts right up, idles smoothly, and sounds every bit as good as it looks. Aided by power steering, power brakes, power top, and neat features like dual exterior mirrors (driver's is adjustable from the inside), the car is a joy to drive; even our teenage pilot mastered it right away.
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Crusing around the Channel Islands Harbor area, we delighted not only in the California sunshine, but also the many admiring looks this rare and beautiful car received. California dreamin' with your hair in the wind; it truly doesn't get any better than this!
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Returning home, we have become Rambler enthusiasts. Looks, power, ride, handling, braking: the Ambassador is a worthy contender for the title of "Best 1960s Amercian Convertible."
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Here is a golden opportunity to acquire a rare and unusual AMC that'll be a crowd pleaser at a car show as well as in front of the club house. It runs superbly, is ready to go on any trip, and--with its stacked quad headlamps, chrome-edged fenders, and elongated rear deck--you'll never get tired seeing it in your driveway. The exact opposite of a Big Three "belly button" car, this Rambler Ambassador 990 will definitely be a fitting centerpiece for a collection.
Addendum:
We sold this Rambler in July 2008 to a collector in the Netherlands.