This 1973 Ambassador Coupe represents one of the most forgotten last gasps of the musclecar era before it’s advancement into malaise. Sure, it’s a large by huge car, but if the shape makes you think of the 1970 Rebel “The Machine”, that isn’t far off…both the Ambassador and the Rebel/Matador were based off of AMC’s “senior cars” platform, and while the beginnings of Brougham were creeping in slowly but surely, the 401ci AMC V8 under the hood could still dance if called upon. Sure, it wasn’t 1974 Trans Am Super Duty levels of power, but it wasn’t an embarrassing drop-off either, and it would still make torque for days.
Nowadays, most people would look at an AMC Ambassador and think that somebody tried to make a custom muscle car from Grand Theft Auto or a similar game, simply because you don’t see AMCs on the road much anymore. Even fifteen or twenty years ago, seeing an Ambassador was enough of a reason to crane your neck around for a second look. This particular car is in New York, and it isn’t a rests-perfect car. It is a good driver, one that needs some minor attention but can be driven. At press time, it is sitting with a starting bid of $3,750 and no bids. If you want to have the one car that everybody around keeps asking, “What the hell is that?” while still enjoying the drive, we have found your car.
eBay Link: 1973 AMC Ambassador 401
…Again… there is no such thing as an AMC \”big-block\”….
Thank you. You beat me to it. As an AMC and Pontiac guy I believe I utter the phrase; “There’s no such thing as an AMC and/or Pontiac big block.” at least weekly.
I love the basic lines of this car. It’s the same body style as the 69 ambassador coupe that my dad was driving when I turned 16 and got my license. That car was an SST with the biggest engine at the time, a 390. Very similar to this one except fully loaded with just about every option.
I don’t know if disc brakes were available, but it was scary with the four wheel drums. Even with both feet on the pedal, and all of my body weight, plus whatever force I could generate by pulling up on the wheel and pushing my shoulders into the seat back, I couldn’t haul it down from about 90 or so until 200 feet past the railroad crossing. I would do burnouts in the street in front of the house, but that was the last time I went for a ride when my dad left it at home.