1961 Ambassador Custom 327 Rambler @ $9k Canadian

[Ed Luddy]

This is a rare and unusual car, at least here in Canada! Looks to be in nice shape and priced in Canadian $$

 

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/kitchener-waterloo/1961-rambler-ambassador-custom-original-and-solid/1620401124

 

[Ed Luddy]

[TerryB]

Certainly an exercise in unusual styling touches.  Condition does seem quite good overall.  

[Lahti35]

I really dig that, would be a great daily driver. Lots of fun!

 

[58L-Y8]

Looks like a good example of a seldom-seen, low survival rate car.  This advertisement should sell it.

[George Albright]

Rare car. 1961 style only. Checks the boxes! 

[plymouthcranbrook]

We owned one in the 70's Fun comfortable car. Ambassador version.

[Fossil]

Would that make a sweet sleeper or what? With some upgrades to the engine and transmission what fun. 

 

 

[Bloo]

I wouldn't change a thing there. I am a fan of that engine. I'd like it better if it was 3 speed overdrive, but these 61 Ambassadors are uncommon enough you probably don't get to be picky. I can count on one hand how many of these I have seen in the flesh since 1976 or so when I started paying attention. I don't believe they sold many or that they were ever common.

[58L-Y8]

5 hours ago, Bloo said:

I wouldn't change a thing there. I am a fan of that engine. I'd like it better if it was 3 speed overdrive, but these 61 Ambassadors are uncommon enough you probably don't get to be picky. I can count on one hand how many of these I have seen in the flesh since 1976 or so when I started paying attention. I don't believe they sold many or that they were ever common.

Bloo:

We had four AMC dealers within twenty miles here in those years but only rarely did an Ambassador show up.  The sold hundreds of Rambler Americans, Supers, Classics, the area was lousy with them.  By comparison for 1961 production: Lincoln Continental: 25,160; Ambassador: 18,842; Imperial: 12,258; Studebaker Hawk: 3,929. 

AMC kept the Ambassador in the product line to give former Nash and Hudson owners an AMC model they still could consider 'full-sized' which it was nominally in overall length if not width.  Never mind that it was essentially a Rambler Classic with nine additional inches added to the front-axle-to-dash length paired with fancier trim and interior plus the 327 V8 engine.  It was a smart strategy; it kept a percentage of buyers who otherwise would have turned to other makes for a full-sized car.

Steve

[Ed Luddy]

I really like the looks of it. It's the right size for a cruise nite special in heavy traffic and with the 327 it should easily keep up with any car.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Ours was a good highway cruiser as well. We drove from Chicago to Minneapolis a couple of times in it.