This 1966 AMC Ambassador 990 convertible is said to have been purchased by the seller’s father-in-law in 1982, and it was acquired by the seller in 2019. During the interim period, the car was refurbished with a repaint in red, replacement of the power-operated black convertible top, and retrimming of the white upholstery. A 327ci V8 is linked with a three-speed Flash-O-Matic automatic transmission, and other equipment includes power-assisted steering, power brakes, wheel covers, dual exhaust, tilt steering, and an AM radio. This Ambassador is now offered in Arizona with an owner’s manual, service manuals, receipts, spare parts, a set of a 15″ aftermarket wheels and tires, January 1966 issue of Motor Trend, and a Washington title in the seller’s name.
American Motors built 1,798 examples of the Ambassador convertible for 1966. This car is said to have been repainted in Magnetic Red (a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette paint color) during the aforementioned refurbishment, which was conducted around 2008, at which point the power-operated black soft top and matching top boot were replaced. Equipment includes dual side mirrors, chrome bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, and bright trim on the rocker panels and elsewhere. Blemishes in the paint and other imperfections are pictured in the gallery below, including scratches on the front bumper, faded paint around the wrap-around taillight lenses, pitted chrome on the tailight bezels, and bubbling on the driver-side headlamp bezel.
Steel 14″ wheels wear covers and are mounted with 215/75 Hankook Optimo whitewall tires. Braking is provided by power-assisted drums at all four corners, and the car also has power steering. Dings and scrapes are noted on the wheel covers, and the tires were manufactured in 2011.
The cabin features front and rear seating that was reupholstered in white with red piping in 2008. Amenities include a fold-down center armrest, front and rear lap belts, an American Motors All Transistor AM radio, a Weather Eye heater, a map light, and remote adjustment for the driver-side mirror. The dash is scratched, the door panels are separated in places, and the clock is inoperative.
The two-tone steering wheel is attached to a tilting column and frames a 120-mph speedometer as well as a combination gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 75k miles.
The 327ci V8 was factory rated at 270 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The four-barrel carburetor is a 600-cfm Holley four-barrel that was replaced in 2014. An oil leak is noted.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Flash-O-Matic automatic transmission. The transmission and the differential were rebuilt in 2009, and the car has been undercoated.
The chassis number A6KA75Q103856 is shown above, whereas the Washington state title lists the VIN with an 8 in the fifth position rather than a 7: A6KA85Q103856. The Washington title carries a “Classic” brand and also indicates that use tax was waived as a result of the owner receiving the vehicle as a gift. A May 2024 Level I Vehicle Inspection form from the state of Arizona is shown in the gallery.