A little while ago, in one of our “Would You Rather?” games, we presented two AMC Ambassador coupes for your consideration. One had a cool beater vibe, the other was a show car that had mile-deep paint but a couple of questionable mods. Overwhelmingly, the beater AMC won, but while digging through eBay, I found the perfect middle ground between the two cars in the form of this 1971 AMC Ambassador SST.
If this Ambassador looks different than the other two, it should. In 1970 the Ambassador coupe line got a restyle from the doors back that reshaped the C-pillar and the tail of the car. However, the underpinnings, most of the interior and the engine options that the 1969 cars had carried over, and in those aspects, this 1971 was still a player in the game. This burgundy coupe is packing AMC’s 390ci V8, which has plenty of aftermarket support. It’s hooked to what’s essentially a re-named Chrysler 727 automatic.
Inside, the interior starts to show the signs of the upscale trimmings brought on by the SST’s luxurious four-door siblings, the DPL and Brougham. There’s some wear and tear, both inside and out, but nothing is absolutely destroyed. A little coin at an interior shop and some minor rust repair around the rear wheel well chrome and this car would be golden.
At print, this Ambassador is under four grand, and the owner sums up exactly what I’m thinking: “This is one of the coolest cars you will ever see. I keep wondering why this car isn’t highly coveted by customizers.”
I had to bend my monitor in half in order to justify calling this a centerfold.
Whats to consider? Beautiful car. I’ve always liked the styling of these and those that dont are hung up on the “It’s an AMC” thing…which leads me to belive they arent car guys/girls they are brand guys/girls….
People who get hung up on the AMC thing are soulless monsters.
So you’re saying people who like AMC’s have no soul? So I’m going to hell, it’s warming down there anyway so I can enjoy driving my AMC!
Nope, I’m saying those who bash on them are lacking in the soul department.
Thanks, Mooseface; your comment made my day.
beautiful car but the torq-thrust II ‘s have to go.
Shoot. I’d rock that car till the wheels fell off. Then I’d put them back on and drive it until a hard to find Amc part broke and then hunt until I found it.
Almost bought a Rebel wagon with a broken sending unit. Which are made from unobtainium. Wasn’t a deal breaker. Lost the eBay auction
I bought it before the auction ended and got him to take it off Ebay. I love the damn thing. Guy lived just four miles from me. Thought I would never find one.