172-446: The Ambassador is an automobile manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1957 through 1974 over eight generations, available in two- and four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, four-door station wagon as well as two-door convertible body styles. It was classified as a full-size car from 1957 through 1961, mid-size from 1962 until 1966, and again full-size from 1967 through 1974 model years. When discontinued,
344-409: A 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 -inch (88.9 mm) bore, 287 cu in (4.7 L) 3 + 3 ⁄ 4 inches (95.3 mm), and the 327 cu in (5.4 L) a 4-inch (101.6 mm) bore. A number indicating the bore size is cast on the top of the engine block's flywheel housing immediately behind the right bank cylinder head . The block features a deep skirt where the casting extends below
516-525: A Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65-centimetre-long (26 in) scale-model toy for the Kangxi Emperor that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known with certainty if Verbiest's model was successfully built or run. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, self-propelled mechanical vehicle in about 1769; he created
688-552: A Rambler Ambassador . All Ambassadors included AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine, while the Rambler Classic models were limited to I6 engines. The standard V8 was available either the regular fuel, two-barrel carburetor with 8.7:1 compression ratio, 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) version or the premium gasoline, four-barrel version with 9.7:1 compression ratio producing 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS). The 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase 1962 Ambassador
860-417: A 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase. Its features included the new 327 cu in (5.4 L) AMC V8 engine (equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts and rated at 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) and 360 pound force-feet (490 N⋅m) of torque) mated to a BorgWarner supplied 3-speed automatic transmission with push-button gear selection. In 1956, AMC first produced its own V8,
1032-407: A Fiat vehicle. Toyota , Nissan , Suzuki , Mazda , and Honda began as companies producing non-automotive products before the war, switching to car production during the 1950s. Kiichiro Toyoda's decision to take Toyoda Loom Works into automobile manufacturing would create what would eventually become Toyota Motor Corporation , the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Subaru , meanwhile,
1204-511: A Rebel (or later Classic) through 1964. For 1965 and 1966 the 287 and 327 were both available in the Classic and Ambassador. The AMC 327 was sold to Kaiser-Jeep from 1965 until 1967 for use in the Jeep Wagoneer SUV and Gladiator pick-up truck. Jeep named it the "Vigilante" V8. Two-barrel carburation was standard on these Jeep models, but a four-barrel high-compression version was available in
1376-513: A V8 engine in their vehicles that was designed, built or supplied by any other manufacturer. The first design was produced from 1956 through 1967. An Electrojector version was to be the first commercial electronic fuel injected (EFI) production engine for the 1957 model year. The second design was introduced in 1966 and became available in several displacements over the years as well as in high-performance and racing versions. In 1987, Chrysler Corporation acquired AMC and continued manufacturing
1548-530: A V8 version of the Rambler six and included associated upgrades such as stronger front springs and rear axle. The Rebel model name also differentiated it from the standard six-cylinder Rambler. The big Nash and Hudson cars were also dropped after 1957, replaced by the 1958 "Ambassador by Rambler" — a stretched Rebel with the 327 V8 instead of the 250. The 327 was exclusive to the Ambassador line and could not be ordered in
1720-536: A clock, full wheel covers as well as additional padding for the rear seat, dash, and sun visors. To enhance the visual length of the cars, a full-length bodyside molding was painted in a contrasting color on the Super trim models or enclosed a brushed aluminum panel on the Ambassador Custom series. Ambassadors now came with a unique compound curved windshield that cut into the roof. This improved visibility, did away with
1892-437: A combination of the use of feet and hands, and occasionally by voice on 21st-century cars. These controls include a steering wheel , pedals for operating the brakes and controlling the car's speed (and, in a manual transmission car, a clutch pedal), a shift lever or stick for changing gears, and a number of buttons and dials for turning on lights, ventilation, and other functions. Modern cars' controls are now standardised, such as
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#17328521763892064-645: A console with the Twin-Stick manual or available automatic transmission. Approximately 2,955 units were built. The Rambler Marquesa was exhibited at auto shows during the 1964 model year. Its existence was later unknown. However, the Ambassador 990-H based show car remained in its original condition and is now on display at the Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth, Colorado , the most comprehensive collection of Nash, Rambler, and AMC vehicles and their history. The two-door hardtop
2236-431: A different kind of vehicle. However, the car wore "Rambler Ambassador" badges on its front fenders. The 1958 Ambassador is a substantially longer car than the 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Rambler Six and Rebel V8 . However, both lines shared the same basic body, styling, and visual cues. However, all of the Ambassador's extra nine inches (230 mm) of wheelbase (and, therefore, overall length) were added ahead of
2408-428: A dual chamber master brake cylinder and dual-circuit brake system, thus separating the front and rear brakes so that in the event of the failure of one component, some braking function would remain. This design was offered by only a few cars at that time. The 1962 models were equipped with "Walker" (brand) flow-through mufflers and a ceramic-coated exhaust system. Dealer-installed options included rear fender skirts and
2580-552: A live rear axle using 4-link trailing arms, and coil springs at all four wheels. However, the suspension was revised, resulting in better handling. Equipped with the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 and the BorgWarner pushbutton-operated three-speed planetary gear and torque converter automatic transmission, the Ambassadors reached 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in just over 9 seconds and passed
2752-475: A long-established wagon and coach manufacturer, started to build cars in 1897 and commenced sales of electric vehicles in 1902 and petrol vehicles in 1904. In Britain, there had been several attempts to build steam cars with varying degrees of success, with Thomas Rickett even attempting a production run in 1860. Santler from Malvern is recognised by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain as having made
2924-487: A marine engines marketed as "Fireball" by the Gray Marine Motor Company starting in 1958. Gray started offering the 250 in 1959. The 250 was offered in 135, 160, 170, 175, 178, and 185 horsepower versions. The 327 was made in 188, 215, 220, 225, and 238 horsepower levels. Gray used the 250 through 1966. The 327 was used as a 220 hp model in 1967, the last year an AMC V8 was used. The new-generation AMC V8
3096-485: A modern overhead valve V8 displacing 250 cu in (4.1 L), with a 3.25-inch stroke, forged steel crankshaft, which when equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, was rated at 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS). In 1957, AMC bored the 3-1/2-inch 250 CID V8 to 4 inches and 327 cu in (5.4 L) displacement, which, when offered in the Rambler Rebel used solid lifters and Bendix electronic fuel injection,
3268-656: A new model DMG car was produced and the model was named Mercedes after the Maybach engine, which generated 35 hp. Maybach quit DMG shortly thereafter and opened a business of his own. Rights to the Daimler brand name were sold to other manufacturers. In 1890, Émile Levassor and Armand Peugeot of France began producing vehicles with Daimler engines, and so laid the foundation of the automotive industry in France . In 1891, Auguste Doriot and his Peugeot colleague Louis Rigoulot completed
3440-474: A new option, an industry first. AMC touted the added comfort the headrests provided, as well as their potential for reducing whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision . Other changes included the activation of the starter through the neutral pushbutton (on automatic transmission-equipped cars) and the addition of an optional "Powr-Saver" engine fan, which featured a fluid-filled clutch for quieter high-speed operation. The 1959 model year also saw
3612-412: A pillarless hardtop Cross Country station wagon . The 1958 Ambassador was offered in a single high-level trim level and came equipped with such luxury items as an electric clock, twin front and rear ashtrays, Nash's traditional "deep coil" spring suspension front and rear, split-back reclining front seats that fold down into a bed, as well as upscale fabrics for the interior. Management had found that
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#17328521763893784-432: A pillarless sedan ( hardtop ) and station wagon were available in the top-of-the-line "Custom" trim version. Three trim levels started with a "Deluxe" sedan reserved for fleet customers. The "Super" was the entry-level consumer version and available only as a pillared sedan and pillared six- or eight-passenger station wagon body styles. The top "Custom" trim models in both pillared or hardtop versions included fender ornaments,
3956-494: A pioneering electronic fuel injected (EFI) "Electrojector" in that larger size beginning in 1957. American Motors' president, George W. Mason , had negotiated a verbal agreement with Packard that the two companies would supply parts for each other when practical. This was a prelude to a possible merger of the two companies at a later date, but that never occurred. With the industry-wide acceptance of V8 engine designs after World War II , AMC started buying Packard V8s in 1954 for
4128-423: A quarter of world oil production as of 2019 . Both petrol and diesel cars pollute more than electric cars. Cars and vans caused 8% of direct carbon dioxide emissions in 2021. As of 2021 , due to greenhouse gases emitted during battery production, electric cars must be driven tens of thousands of kilometres before their lifecycle carbon emissions are less than fossil fuel cars; however this varies considerably and
4300-419: A result, Ford's cars came off the line in 15-minute intervals, much faster than previous methods, increasing productivity eightfold, while using less manpower (from 12.5 manhours to 1 hour 33 minutes). It was so successful, paint became a bottleneck. Only Japan black would dry fast enough, forcing the company to drop the variety of colours available before 1913, until fast-drying Duco lacquer
4472-412: A retrimmed Hudson equivalent, called Rebel , to offer Hudson dealers . As sales of the large-sized Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models slowed, Romney determined that consumer confidence in the historic Nash and Hudson nameplates had declined. Reluctantly, he decided that 1957 would be the end of both nameplates, and the company would concentrate on the new Rambler line, which was registered as
4644-500: A separate marque for 1957. The market positioning meant that "the AMC Ambassador was a car with no real competitors throughout most of the sixties" because it was viewed as a luxury-type car and could be put against the higher-end large-sized models from the domestic Big Three automakers. Still, the Ambassador was more of a midsized car. American Motors planned to produce a stretched a 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase version of
4816-460: A spotlight on the accelerator pedal and a net above the padded sun visors to hold lightweight items. The top-of-the-line Ambassador Custom models came standard with individual "airliner" reclining front seats that now had even more luxurious fabrics than in previous years. All Ambassadors included the AMC's 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 , but for the first time, it was available in two versions. First
4988-467: A steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods and was of little practical use. The development of external combustion (steam) engines is detailed as part of the history of the car but often treated separately from the development of true cars. A variety of steam-powered road vehicles were used during the first part of the 19th century, including steam cars , steam buses , phaetons , and steam rollers . In
5160-526: A steam-powered tricycle. He also constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts . His inventions were limited by problems with water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of
5332-487: A three-speed automatic or a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission and made the car "suitable for the Stoplight Grand Prix." The 343 cu in (5.6 L) has a bore and stroke of 4.08 in × 3.28 in (103.6 mm × 83.3 mm). The basic 343/2V produced 235 hp (175 kW; 238 PS) and was built from 1967 through 1969. Output for the optional four-barrel carburetor version
AMC Ambassador - Misplaced Pages Continue
5504-497: A three-speed manual transmission, operated by one of the two console-mounted "sticks" in conjunction with an overdrive unit that was controlled by the second "stick" in both 2nd and 3rd gears. This gave the driver the option of using five forward gears. The 990-H was the most luxurious two-door model and included the high-compression 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) V8 as well as a specially trimmed interior featuring 2+2-style bucket seats, center armrests front and rear, as well as
5676-561: A three-wheeled car powered by electricity at the International Exposition of Electricity . Although several other German engineers (including Gottlieb Daimler , Wilhelm Maybach , and Siegfried Marcus ) were working on cars at about the same time, the year 1886 is regarded as the birth year of the modern car—a practical, marketable automobile for everyday use—when the German Carl Benz patented his Benz Patent-Motorwagen ; he
5848-463: A tow hitch. In 1962, George Romney was elected as the new governor of Michigan, and in February, Roy Abernethy became CEO. A total of 36,171 Rambler Ambassadors were built for 1952, and AMC dropped from third to fourth place in total U.S. industry sales for the year. In 1962, Romney resigned from AMC to run for Governor of Michigan , a position he won. The automaker's new president, Roy Abernethy , who
6020-410: A trapezoid grille and headlights that floated in a body-colored panel. At the same time, the front fenders arched downward and forward of the leading edge of the hood. Unlike anything else on the market, AMC's marketing department promoted the look as "European". While the new look was meant to distinguish the Ambassador from the lower-priced Ramblers, it was neither a consumer success nor well-received in
6192-407: A two-barrel carburetor and all high-compression models received a four-barrel carb. The low compression of 8.7:1 and high of 9.7:1 was affected by a difference in pistons. The AMC 327 was also offered as a marine engine as the "Fireball" by Gray Marine Motor Company . The AMC 327 was to be the first commercial electronic fuel injected (EFI) "Electrojector" production engine. Press reports about
6364-408: A two-barrel or four-barrel carburetor, respectively. It was built from the mid-1966 model year through the 1969 model year. It has a bore and stroke of 3.75 in × 3.28 in (95.3 mm × 83.3 mm). Only 623 cars were built in 1966 with the 290 engine. These engines were available in special Rambler American two-door Rogue models. The newly powered Rogue was available with either
6536-429: A variety of lamps . Over the decades, additional features and controls have been added to vehicles, making them progressively more complex. These include rear-reversing cameras , air conditioning , navigation systems , and in-car entertainment . Most cars in use in the early 2020s are propelled by an internal combustion engine , fueled by the combustion of fossil fuels . Electric cars , which were invented early in
6708-673: A way to head off on unchaperoned dates, plus they had a private space to snuggle up close at the end of the night." Similarly the costs to society of car use may include; maintaining roads , land use , air pollution , noise pollution , road congestion , public health , health care, and of disposing of the vehicle at the end of its life; and can be balanced against the value of the benefits to society that car use generates. Societal benefits may include: economy benefits, such as job and wealth creation, of car production and maintenance, transportation provision, society wellbeing derived from leisure and travel opportunities, and revenue generation from
6880-494: Is 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) and produces 365 lb⋅ft (495 N⋅m) of torque (gross). This version has a 10.2:1 compression ratio. The 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMX engine had a bore and stroke of 4.165 in × 3.574 in (105.8 mm × 90.8 mm). It received heavier main bearing support webbing than the smaller AMC V8s, as well as a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods . Forged cranks and rods were used for their known strength—there
7052-476: Is called " Fordism " and was copied by most major industries. The efficiency gains from the assembly line also coincided with the economic rise of the US. The assembly line forced workers to work at a certain pace with very repetitive motions which led to more output per worker while other countries were using less productive methods. In the automotive industry, its success was dominating, and quickly spread worldwide seeing
AMC Ambassador - Misplaced Pages Continue
7224-448: Is expected to improve in future due to lower carbon electricity , and longer lasting batteries produced in larger factories. Many governments use fiscal policies, such as road tax , to discourage the purchase and use of more polluting cars; and many cities are doing the same with low-emission zones . Fuel taxes may act as an incentive for the production of more efficient, hence less polluting, car designs (e.g., hybrid vehicles ) and
7396-415: Is finished with unique paint colors with a darker roof, wire wheel covers, and dual striped whitewall tires. The interior features matching shade of brocade upholstery on the bucket seats that continues on the headliner and the door panel trim. The center console housed the automatic transmission shifter and the centrally-located power window switches. No matter how much success the new Ramblers achieved in
7568-464: Is generally acknowledged as the inventor of the car. In 1879, Benz was granted a patent for his first engine, which had been designed in 1878. Many of his other inventions made the use of the internal combustion engine feasible for powering a vehicle. His first Motorwagen was built in 1885 in Mannheim , Germany. He was awarded the patent for its invention as of his application on 29 January 1886 (under
7740-404: Is measured at the flywheel for both systems. For example, even with the modifications to reduce emissions and increase efficiency, AMC's 401 cu in (6.6 L) engine was among the strongest factory-spec engines available in an American car in 1971, with more horsepower than Pontiac 's standard 455 cu in (7.5 L) and Chevrolet 's 454 cu in (7.4 L) that powered
7912-408: Is not related or manufactured by Chevrolet , whose 327 V8 was introduced five years later in 1962. The AMC 327 engine debuted in a special edition 1957 Rambler Rebel , of which 1,500 were made. They were an early American muscle car . All Rebels had silver paint with a gold-anodized "spear" on each side. The 327 was not available in any other Rambler models in 1957. The Rebel's engine differs from
8084-666: Is purely a coincidence. The AMC 360 has a displacement of 359.80 cu in (5,896.1 cc). The 2-barrel produced 235 hp (175 kW; 238 PS) to 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) in 1970 to early 1971 while the 4-barrel produced 285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS) to 295 hp (220 kW; 299 PS), 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) to 220 hp (164 kW; 223 PS) from mid-1971 through 1975, 140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) to 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) in 1976, 129 hp (96 kW; 131 PS) in 1977, and 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) from 1978 through 1991. This engine
8256-621: Is that cars can use lighter batteries. Most cars are designed to carry multiple occupants, often with four or five seats. Cars with five seats typically seat two passengers in the front and three in the rear. Full-size cars and large sport utility vehicles can often carry six, seven, or more occupants depending on the arrangement of the seats. On the other hand, sports cars are most often designed with only two seats. Utility vehicles like pickup trucks , combine seating with extra cargo or utility functionality. The differing needs for passenger capacity and their luggage or cargo space has resulted in
8428-826: Is the replacement of physical knobs and switches by secondary controls with touchscreen controls such as BMW 's iDrive and Ford 's MyFord Touch . Another change is that while early cars' pedals were physically linked to the brake mechanism and throttle, in the early 2020s, cars have increasingly replaced these physical linkages with electronic controls. Cars are typically equipped with interior lighting which can be toggled manually or be set to light up automatically with doors open, an entertainment system which originated from car radios , sideways windows which can be lowered or raised electrically (manually on earlier cars), and one or multiple auxiliary power outlets for supplying portable appliances such as mobile phones , portable fridges, power inverters , and electrical air pumps from
8600-464: Is the usual formal term in British English . "Autocar", a variant likewise attested from 1895 and literally meaning " self-propelled car", is now considered archaic. " Horseless carriage " is attested from 1895. "Automobile", a classical compound derived from Ancient Greek autós ( αὐτός ) "self" and Latin mobilis "movable", entered English from French and was first adopted by
8772-1531: The Ambassador nameplate had been used from 1927 until 1974, the longest continuously used car nameplate until then. The Ambassador nameplate was used variously as the Ambassador V-8 by Rambler , Rambler Ambassador , and finally AMC Ambassador. Previously, the nameplate Ambassador applied to Nash's full-size cars. The nameplate referred to a trim level between 1927 and 1931. Ambassadors were continuously manufactured at AMC's Lake Front plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin until 1974, as well as at AMC's Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, between 1963 and 1966. Australian Motor Industries (AMI) assembled Ambassadors from knock-down kits with right-hand drive from 1961 until 1963. The U.S. fifth-generation Ambassadors were manufactured by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) in Córdoba, Argentina from 1965 until 1972, as well as assembled by ECASA in Costa Rica from 1965 through 1970. Planta REO assembled first-generation Ambassadors in Mexico at its Monterrey, Nuevo León plant. Fifth- and seventh-generation Ambassadors were modified into custom stretch limousines in Argentina and
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#17328521763898944-574: The Automobile Club of Great Britain in 1897. It fell out of favour in Britain and is now used chiefly in North America , where the abbreviated form "auto" commonly appears as an adjective in compound formations like " auto industry " and " auto mechanic ". In 1649, Hans Hautsch of Nuremberg built a clockwork-driven carriage. The first steam-powered vehicle was designed by Ferdinand Verbiest ,
9116-789: The Bendix -developed system in December 1956 were followed in March 1957 by an AMC price bulletin offering the EFI option on the Rambler Rebel for US$ 395, but due to supplier difficulties, fuel-injected Rebels were only available after June 15. Teething problems with the Electrojector unit meant that only a few engineering and press cars were built, estimated to be no more than six units. At least two pre-production Rebels with EFI, however, are known to have been built. One
9288-628: The Bricklin SV-1 sports car for the 1974 model year. The 360 was the last AMC V8 to be manufactured. It continued to be produced after Chrysler bought American Motors in 1987 as the standard engine in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer through 1991, with the only modification being the "360" casting replaced with "5.9L" on the side of the block. The 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8 produced 325 hp (330 PS; 242 kW) and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m; 58 kg⋅m) of torque in all except
9460-631: The Great Depression , by 1940, only 17 of those were left. In Europe, much the same would happen. Morris set up its production line at Cowley in 1924, and soon outsold Ford, while beginning in 1923 to follow Ford's practice of vertical integration , buying Hotchkiss' British subsidiary (engines), Wrigley (gearboxes), and Osberton (radiators), for instance, as well as competitors, such as Wolseley : in 1925, Morris had 41 per cent of total British car production. Most British small-car assemblers, from Abbey to Xtra , had gone under. Citroën did
9632-645: The Portsmouth Block Mills , England, in 1802. The assembly line style of mass production and interchangeable parts had been pioneered in the US by Thomas Blanchard in 1821, at the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts . This concept was greatly expanded by Henry Ford , beginning in 1913 with the world's first moving assembly line for cars at the Highland Park Ford Plant . As
9804-511: The Wankel engine has had more than very limited success. All in all, it is estimated that over 100,000 patents created the modern automobile and motorcycle. Large-scale, production-line manufacturing of affordable cars was started by Ransom Olds in 1901 at his Oldsmobile factory in Lansing, Michigan , and based upon stationary assembly line techniques pioneered by Marc Isambard Brunel at
9976-559: The crankshaft centerline, forming a very rigid crankcase gallery. The oil system feeds a central gallery to the cam and crankshaft first from front to rear and then dividing at the front to feed the two lifter galleries from front to rear. From the rear of the two lifter galleries oil is then supplied up to the two rocker arm shafts which serve as galleries to lubricate the valvetrain . The fore and aft direction changes are designed to eliminate stale oil areas which tend to form sludge deposits. American Motors' first V8 in-house engine,
10148-409: The history of the car , became commercially available in the 2000s and are predicted to cost less to buy than petrol-driven cars before 2025. The transition from fossil fuel-powered cars to electric cars features prominently in most climate change mitigation scenarios , such as Project Drawdown 's 100 actionable solutions for climate change. There are costs and benefits to car use . The costs to
10320-440: The tax opportunities. The ability of humans to move flexibly from place to place has far-reaching implications for the nature of societies. Cars are a major cause of urban air pollution , with all types of cars producing dust from brakes, tyres, and road wear , although these may be limited by vehicle emission standards . While there are different ways to power cars, most rely on petrol or diesel , and they consume almost
10492-413: The "knee knocker" dogleg design of AMC's first-generation wrap-around windshield, and resulted in an even stiffer unitized structure. The 1960 Ambassador had a low cowl, providing excellent visibility with the compound windshield. All 1960 Ambassadors came with a new instrument cluster under a padded cowl and illuminated controls for lights, wipers, fan, and defrost functions. Additional conveniences included
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#173285217638910664-1041: The 1.8% annual average reduction between 2010 and 2015. Given slow progress to date, the IEA estimates fuel consumption will have to decrease by 4.3% per year on average from 2019 to 2030. The increase in sales of SUVs is bad for fuel economy. Many cities in Europe have banned older fossil fuel cars and all fossil fuel vehicles will be banned in Amsterdam from 2030. Many Chinese cities limit licensing of fossil fuel cars, and many countries plan to stop selling them between 2025 and 2050. AMC V8 engine The AMC V8 may refer to either of two distinct OHV V8 engine designs that were developed and manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC). The engines were used in cars and trucks by AMC, Kaiser, and International Harvester as well as in marine and stationary applications. Contrary to long-believed misinformation, from 1956-1987, AMC never installed
10836-533: The 1908 Ford Model T , both American cars, are widely considered the first mass-produced and mass-affordable cars, respectively. Cars were rapidly adopted in the US, where they replaced horse-drawn carriages . In Europe and other parts of the world, demand for automobiles did not increase until after World War II . In the 21st century, car usage is still increasing rapidly, especially in China, India, and other newly industrialised countries . Cars have controls for driving , parking , passenger comfort, and
11008-487: The 1950s, Chevrolet shared bonnet, doors, roof, and windows with Pontiac ; by the 1990s, corporate powertrains and shared platforms (with interchangeable brakes , suspension, and other parts) were common. Even so, only major makers could afford high costs, and even companies with decades of production, such as Apperson , Cole , Dorris , Haynes , or Premier, could not manage: of some two hundred American car makers in existence in 1920, only 43 survived in 1930, and with
11180-431: The 1955 Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet . These Packard V8s were supplied with extra-thick head gaskets to reduce power output and came mated to Packard " Ultramatic " automatic transmissions only. In addition to the verbal agreement, Packard sent AMC some parts bids, but these were rejected as too expensive. George W. Romney , AMC's new leader, decided against further relationships with Packard shortly after entering
11352-616: The 1956 Nash and Hudson Rambler line, on which all the 1958 Ramblers were based. The Ambassador had an excellent power-to-weight ratio for its time and provided spirited performance with 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) times of less than 10 seconds with low 17-second times through a quarter-mile (402 m) dragstrip . It could be equipped with a limited slip differential , as well as power brakes, power steering, power windows, and air conditioning . Numerous safety features (such as deep-dished steering wheels and padded dashboards) came standard, while lap seat belts were optional. For 1959,
11524-580: The 1960 model year, with the Custom sedan being the most popular body and trim version (10,949 units). Only 302 Deluxe (fleet) sedans were delivered. The 1961 Ambassador continued the previous year's 117-inch (2,972 mm) primary unitized platform , but received an unusual new front-end styling that was overseen by AMC's in-house design department headed by Edmund E. Anderson . The pillar-less four-door hardtop sedan and station wagon models were no longer available for 1961. The Ambassador's new design consisted of
11696-405: The 1965 Ambassador with panache and gave the car an overall integrated look. Motor Trend magazine agreed, calling it a "strikingly handsome automobile". The overall linear design look could be described as "chunky" or "chiseled". All Ambassadors were built on a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, or four inches (100 mm) longer than the Classic models. Teague extended the beltline level from
11868-808: The 20th and 21st centuries because there are more cars; the 1980s oil glut even fuelled the sales of low-economy vehicles in OECD countries. The BRIC countries are adding to this consumption. As of 2023 few production cars use wheel hub motors . In almost all hybrid (even mild hybrid ) and pure electric cars regenerative braking recovers and returns to a battery some energy which would otherwise be wasted by friction brakes getting hot. Although all cars must have friction brakes (front disc brakes and either disc or drum rear brakes ) for emergency stops, regenerative braking improves efficiency, particularly in city driving. Cars are equipped with controls used for driving, passenger comfort, and safety, normally operated by
12040-425: The 250 was discontinued with a new 287 cu in (4.7 L) version replacing it in 1963. All these engines share common external dimensions, lightweight - about 600 lb (270 kg) - forged crankshaft and rods, as well as most other parts. The stroke for all Gen-1 V8s is 3 + 1 ⁄ 4 -inch (82.6 mm). Engine displacement was a factor of the bore : the 250 cu in (4.1 L) has
12212-410: The 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) two-barrel 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 as standard, with the four-barrel 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) version as optional. The automaker did not offer a four-speed manual transmission to compete with Ford or GM's sporty mid-size V8 offerings. Instead, AMC offered its innovative "Twin-Stick" manual transmission. The "Twin-stick" option consisted of
12384-585: The 250, was used in AMC automobiles from 1956 through 1961. It was a modern OHV/pushrod engine design and made its debut in the Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet "Specials" of 1956. These cars had the top-of-the-line model trim, but were built on the shorter wheelbase (Statesman and Wasp) models (hence the name "Special"attached). The 250 uses solid lifters and came in two- and four-barrel carburetor varieties (4V only in Nash/Hudson "Specials"). The 250 V8
12556-449: The 327s installed in the 1957 Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models in that it uses mechanical valve lifters and a higher compression ratio. Since both engines were rated at 255 hp (190 kW), it is probable that the Rebel's was underrated. The Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet "Special" models were dropped after 1957, replaced by the 1958 Rambler Rebel with the 250 V8. The Rebel was
12728-559: The AMBASSADOR name was repeated across the rear trunk lid. The overall effect was relatively fresh, as the new roof had a lower, lighter look to complement the lower fins and grille. The design changes and the new grille provided "a more expensive look". The 1960 Ambassador was available only with four doors in sedan and station wagon body types. The station wagons had two rows of seats for six adult passengers or an additional rear-facing third row for an eight-passenger version. Additionally,
12900-709: The AMC "tall-deck" 360 cu in (5.9 L) version until 1991 for use in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV. This engine is most commonly referred to as the Rambler V8. It's also referred to as the AMC GEN1 (first generation AMC V-8) and sometimes as the Nash V8. Design work on AMC's first V8 engine began in 1954, yielding an engine produced in three displacements between 250 cu in (4.1 L) and 327 cu in (5.4 L) from 1956 until 1966 - including
13072-403: The Ambassador line as AMC emphasized the transformed Rambler American compact-sized models. The "electric-shaver" grille on the 1963 model was replaced with a flush-mounted design, and the engine and transmission options were widened. A two-door hardtop body style called 990-H was added for the first time since 1957. The base 880 models were dropped from the line. The 1964 Ambassadors featured
13244-464: The Ambassador received a revised grille, side trim, and redesigned rear door skins that swept into the tailfins instead of terminating at the C-pillar. Scotchlite reflectors were also added to the rear of the tailfins to increase visibility at night. Front and rear bumpers were over 20% thicker and featured recessed center sections to protect license plates . Adjustable headrests for the front seats were
13416-552: The Benz car to his line of products. Because France was more open to the early cars, initially more were built and sold in France through Roger than Benz sold in Germany. In August 1888, Bertha Benz , the wife and business partner of Carl Benz, undertook the first road trip by car, to prove the road-worthiness of her husband's invention. In 1896, Benz designed and patented the first internal-combustion flat engine , called boxermotor . During
13588-495: The Classic instead of a separate model. When the 250 was discontinued in 1961. A V8 engine was not offered in the Rambler models with the exception of the 327, which was only available in the top-of-the-line Ambassador. Dealers complained, so the 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8. was introduced in mid-model year 1963 as an option for the "mid-size" Rambler. Like the 327, it uses hydraulic valve lifters. Only two-barrel models were produced, there were no four-barrel options from
13760-554: The Corvette. The 304 has a displacement of 304 cu in (5.0 L), which produced 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS)(gross rating) in 1970-71 and was built starting in 1970. Output declined yearly thereafter, initially due a shift from SAE Gross to SAE Net horsepower. 1972-75 models were rated at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) (net rating from 1972 onwards). It was rated at 130.5 hp (97 kW; 132 PS) in 1978, and 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS) in 1979,
13932-732: The Hemi Chrysler 300C , the DeSoto Adventurer , the Dodge D500, the Plymouth Fury, and the Chevrolet fuel-injected 283. The 1962 Ambassador was the same vehicle and should also reach 60 mph about as quickly as did the 1957 Rambler Rebel. The 1962 Ambassador received a new front end similar to the 1961 and 1962 Classic's, but with a crosshatch design, recessed center section, and Ambassador lettering. New, rectangular taillights were seen at
14104-532: The Rambler platform for Nash dealers to be the new Nash Ambassador and another for Hudson dealers. Shortly before committing to production of the new long-wheelbase versions of the Hudson and the Nash, CEO Romney dropped the Nash and Hudson marques. Although the Nash and Hudson names were canceled, work on the car itself continued, and American Motors introduced debuted in the fall of 1957, the 1958 "Ambassador V-8 by Rambler" on
14276-420: The Rebel was a far more-advanced setup than the mechanical types then appearing on the market and the engines ran fine in warm weather, but suffered hard starting in cooler temperatures. All the EFI cars were reportedly converted to four-barrel carbs before being sold; none are known to have existed outside the engineering department at AMC. The main problem was that early electronics were not fast enough for "on
14448-399: The U.S. Following George W. Mason 's unexpected death in the fall of 1954, George Romney (whom Mason had been grooming as his eventual successor) succeeded him as president and CEO of the newly formed American Motors. Romney recognized that to be successful in the postwar marketplace, an automobile manufacturer would have to be able to produce and sell cars in sufficient volume to amortize
14620-594: The US's first pedestrian car casualties in 1899 in New York City. There are now standard tests for safety in new cars, such as the Euro and US NCAP tests, and insurance-industry-backed tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, not all such tests consider the safety of people outside the car, such as drivers of other cars, pedestrians and cyclists. The costs of car usage, which may include
14792-617: The United Kingdom, sentiment against them led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807, Nicéphore Niépce and his brother Claude created what was probably the world's first internal combustion engine (which they called a Pyréolophore ), but installed it in a boat on the river Saone in France. Coincidentally, in 1807, the Swiss inventor François Isaac de Rivaz designed his own " de Rivaz internal combustion engine ", and used it to develop
14964-629: The United States. His patent was challenged by Henry Ford and others, and overturned in 1911. In 1893, the first running, petrol-driven American car was built and road-tested by the Duryea brothers of Springfield, Massachusetts . The first public run of the Duryea Motor Wagon took place on 21 September 1893, on Taylor Street in Metro Center Springfield. Studebaker , subsidiary of
15136-400: The addition of an optional "Air-Coil Ride" air suspension system, utilizing airbags installed within the rear coil springs. An engine-driven compressor , reservoir, and ride-height control valve comprised the rest of the system. Still, as other automakers discovered, the troublesome nature of air suspension outweighed its benefits. The option proved unpopular and was discontinued at the end of
15308-412: The auspices of his major company, Benz & Cie. , which was founded in 1883). Benz began promotion of the vehicle on 3 July 1886, and about 25 Benz vehicles were sold between 1888 and 1893, when his first four-wheeler was introduced along with a cheaper model. They also were powered with four-stroke engines of his own design. Emile Roger of France, already producing Benz engines under license, now added
15480-439: The automotive press. Moreover, overall automobile industry sales fell as the entire U.S. economy was experiencing the recession of 1960–1961 . Standard was the 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 with a synchromesh manual transmission . Optional was the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) "power pack" version with a dual exhaust system featuring new ceramic-coated mufflers guaranteed for
15652-456: The availability of a large variety of body styles to meet individual consumer requirements that include, among others, the sedan/saloon , hatchback , station wagon/estate , coupe , and minivan . Traffic collisions are the largest cause of injury-related deaths worldwide. Mary Ward became one of the first documented car fatalities in 1869 in Parsonstown , Ireland, and Henry Bliss one of
15824-552: The brand name Daimler . It was a horse-drawn stagecoach built by another manufacturer, which they retrofitted with an engine of their design. By 1895, about 30 vehicles had been built by Daimler and Maybach, either at the Daimler works or in the Hotel Hermann, where they set up shop after disputes with their backers. Benz, Maybach, and the Daimler team seem to have been unaware of each other's early work. They never worked together; by
15996-455: The car visible to other users, so that the vehicle can be used at night; in some jurisdictions, daytime running lights ; red brake lights to indicate when the brakes are applied; amber turn signal lights to indicate the turn intentions of the driver; white-coloured reverse lights to illuminate the area behind the car (and indicate that the driver will be or is reversing); and on some vehicles, additional lights (e.g., side marker lights) to increase
16168-471: The car's configuration and details. At the time, curved side glass was used exclusively in a few much more expensive luxury cars. The design attribute increased interior room and visibility, reduced wind noise, and enhanced the styling of the vehicles. The Ambassador also featured a squared-off Thunderbird -type roofline. The front end featured forward-thrusting upper and lower ends with a vertical bar "electric shaver" chrome grille insert. The Ambassador's grille
16340-433: The center to create an effect somewhat opposite to the 1963's grille treatment. Automobile A car , or an automobile , is a motor vehicle with wheels . Most definitions of cars state that they run primarily on roads , seat one to eight people, have four wheels , and mainly transport people over cargo . There are around one billion cars in use worldwide. The French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built
16512-464: The clean sheet V8 into production in less than 18 months due in part to being able to apply the research and development efforts that were done by Kaiser-Frazer for engines that never reached production. One of AMC's engineers, David Potter, had worked on developing V8 engines for Kaiser-Frazer. American Motor's first V8 engine debuted having 250 cu in (4.1 L) in 1956 with a 327 cu in (5.4 L) version in 1957. Production of
16684-443: The cost of: acquiring the vehicle, repairs and auto maintenance , fuel, depreciation , driving time, parking fees , taxes, and insurance, are weighed against the cost of the alternatives, and the value of the benefits—perceived and real—of vehicle usage. The benefits may include on-demand transportation, mobility, independence, and convenience, and emergency power . During the 1920s, cars had another benefit: "[c]ouples finally had
16856-408: The cowl, meaning that the passenger compartment had the same volume as the smaller Ramblers. The Ambassadors came with plusher interior and exterior trims while the front end incorporated the Rebel "V-Line" grille from the prototype Hudson model. Through effective market segmentation , the Ambassador was positioned to compete with the larger models offered by other automakers. Model identification
17028-577: The development of alternative fuels . High fuel taxes or cultural change may provide a strong incentive for consumers to purchase lighter, smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, or to not drive . The lifetime of a car built in the 2020s is expected to be about 16 years, or about 2 millionkm (1.2 millionmiles) if driven a lot. According to the International Energy Agency the average rated fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles fell by only 0.9% between 2017 and 2019, far smaller than
17200-405: The dog-leg exhaust ports and 50-52 cc combustion chambers. They are commonly identified by the first three (319) or last three (291 for the 360-401 heads; 304 used a different casting) digits of the casting number. There was a U.S. auto industry-wide shift to lower compression ratios in mid-1971, so AMC increased combustion chamber size to 58-59 cc. The first three digits of the casting number on
17372-744: The driver from a crash perspective, but more dangerous for other vehicles and road users. The weight of a car influences fuel consumption and performance, with more weight resulting in increased fuel consumption and decreased performance. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV , a typical city car , weighs about 700 kilograms (1,500 lb). Heavier cars include SUVs and extended-length SUVs like the Suburban . Cars have also become wider. Some places tax heavier cars more: as well as improving pedestrian safety this can encourage manufacturers to use materials such as recycled aluminium instead of steel. It has been suggested that one benefit of subsidising charging infrastructure
17544-412: The end of that year there were more than 16 million electric cars on the world's roads. Despite rapid growth, less than two per cent of cars on the world's roads were fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars by the end of 2021. Cars for racing or speed records have sometimes employed jet or rocket engines, but these are impractical for common use. Oil consumption has increased rapidly in
17716-508: The ends of restyled rear fenders, which lost their fins entirely. The exterior trim was reshuffled, and a new two-door pillared sedan debuted. A new '400' trim line was added at the top of the trim series, with Super and Custom models remaining. The Ambassador offered even more luxurious interiors to differentiate it from the Rambler Classic. The 400 models were available with vinyl upholstered front bucket seats and headrests along with color-coordinated shag carpets. The 1962 Ambassador came with
17888-508: The engine design is unique. The Gen-2 AMC V8 was first introduced at 290 cu in (4.8 L) in 1966. It was used exclusively in the Rambler American model in the first year. The 343 cu in (5.6 L) came out in 1967 and the AMX 390 cu in (6.4 L) arrived in mid-1968. These engine blocks were unchanged through the 1969 model year. The head used during this time
18060-408: The factory for the 287 as this was the economy model V8. The 287 engine was produced through the 1966 model year. The AMC 327 is similar to the 287 , but displaces 327 cu in (5.4 L) due to the bore increase to 4 inches (101.6 mm). Unlike the 250, most 327s were produced with hydraulic valve lifters. All Gray Marine 327s came with solid lifters, as did the 1957 Rebel. The AMC V8
18232-555: The first petrol-driven car in the country in 1894, followed by Frederick William Lanchester in 1895, but these were both one-offs. The first production vehicles in Great Britain came from the Daimler Company , a company founded by Harry J. Lawson in 1896, after purchasing the right to use the name of the engines. Lawson's company made its first car in 1897, and they bore the name Daimler. In 1892, German engineer Rudolf Diesel
18404-496: The first steam-powered road vehicle in 1769, while the Swiss inventor François Isaac de Rivaz designed and constructed the first internal combustion-powered automobile in 1808. The modern car—a practical, marketable automobile for everyday use—was invented in 1886, when the German inventor Carl Benz patented his Benz Patent-Motorwagen . Commercial cars became widely available during the 20th century. The 1901 Oldsmobile Curved Dash and
18576-410: The flow was forced to go down into the exhaust manifolds. By switching to a convex floor the curvature of the flow starts in the head and proceeds much more smoothly into the exhaust manifold resulting in less turbulence and better flow. The center two intake bolts on each head were relocated to prevent accidental mix-ups of Gen-2 and Gen-3 intakes. AMC heads 319 and 291 used between 1970-mid 1971 have
18748-417: The fly" engine controls. This setup was utilized by Chrysler for the 1958 model year on its Dodge , Chrysler, Plymouth , and DeSoto carlines. It too failed, having the same problems. Bendix licensed patents based on their 1950s design (patent dated 1960) to Bosch , who perfected it as the basis for their D-Jetronic , et seq. injections system, first used in 1967. The 250 and 327 were also offered as
18920-425: The founding of Ford France and Ford Britain in 1911, Ford Denmark 1923, Ford Germany 1925; in 1921, Citroën was the first native European manufacturer to adopt the production method. Soon, companies had to have assembly lines, or risk going broke; by 1930, 250 companies which did not, had disappeared. Development of automotive technology was rapid, due in part to the hundreds of small manufacturers competing to gain
19092-446: The high cost of tooling. Toward that end, he set out to increase AMC's market share with its Rambler models that were selling in market segment in which the domestic Big Three ( General Motors , Ford Motor Company , and Chrysler ) automakers did not yet compete . While the development of a redesigned 1958 Nash Ambassador, based on a stretched and reskinned 1956 Rambler body was almost complete, AMC's designers were also working on
19264-494: The highly optioned Super Wagoneer from 1966 until 1968. Kaiser-Jeep switched to the Buick 350 in 1967 after AMC discontinued the 327. The Buick V8 engine option continued through 1971 after which Jeeps returned to AMC V8 engines, American Motors having purchased Jeep from Kaiser in 1970. There were low- and high-compression versions of the 327 starting in 1960. Prior to 1960, all 327s were high compression. All low-compression models used
19436-513: The idea of different makes of cars produced by one company, called the General Motors Companion Make Program , so that buyers could "move up" as their fortunes improved. Reflecting the rapid pace of change, makes shared parts with one another so larger production volume resulted in lower costs for each price range. For example, in the 1930s, LaSalles , sold by Cadillac , used cheaper mechanical parts made by Oldsmobile ; in
19608-403: The individual include acquiring the vehicle, interest payments (if the car is financed), repairs and maintenance , fuel, depreciation , driving time, parking fees, taxes, and insurance . The costs to society include maintaining roads, land-use , road congestion , air pollution , noise pollution , public health , and disposing of the vehicle at the end of its life . Traffic collisions are
19780-462: The industry's wheelbase length standards, rather than the modern vehicle classification by interior and cargo space. The 1965 Ambassador represented a fundamental shift in corporate ideology, a shift away from primarily fuel-efficient vehicles, to bigger, faster, and potentially more profitable cars. Although the Ambassador rode the same platform as its 1963 and 1964 forebears, the 1965 models looked all-new. American Motors' designer Dick Teague styled
19952-508: The large chamber heads are 321, 322, or 323 depending on year. The only difference between small and large chamber Gen-3 heads is the combustion chamber size. The advertised power drop from the 1971 ratings to the ones for the 1972 model years (for example, the 1971 304 produced 210 hp and the 1972 304 was 150 hp) is not due to any engine changes, but an industry-wide shift from SAE Gross (also known as "brake horsepower" or "bhp") to SAE Net power ratings. The 1971 and 1972 engines produce
20124-476: The largest cause of injury-related deaths worldwide. Personal benefits include on-demand transportation, mobility, independence, and convenience. Societal benefits include economic benefits, such as job and wealth creation from the automotive industry , transportation provision, societal well-being from leisure and travel opportunities, and the generation of revenue from taxation. People's ability to move flexibly from place to place has far-reaching implications for
20296-565: The last year it was installed in passenger cars, and in 1980–81, the last years it was used in Jeep vehicles. The International Harvester Corporation 304-cubic-inch (5.0 L) SV "Comanche" V8 engines are sometimes mistaken for the AMC 304, however, the IHC V8 engine family has no relation to the AMC V8 and was in fact first produced in 1959, 11 years prior to the AMC designed 304. The similarity in displacement
20468-627: The last years of the 19th century, Benz was the largest car company in the world with 572 units produced in 1899 and, because of its size, Benz & Cie., became a joint-stock company . The first motor car in central Europe and one of the first factory-made cars in the world, was produced by Czech company Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau (later renamed to Tatra ) in 1897, the Präsident automobil. Daimler and Maybach founded Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Cannstatt in 1890, and sold their first car in 1892 under
20640-495: The life of the car. The 1961 Pure Oil Company Economy Trials, designed to parallel everyday driving experiences closely, saw the Ambassador capture 9 of the first ten places in the V8 engine category and win the top of its class. By the 1962 model year, the Ambassador's platform was in its fifth season on the market. While Rambler sales had been good enough for third place in industry sales (behind Chevrolet and Ford ), AMC's management
20812-580: The location for the accelerator and brake, but this was not always the case. Controls are evolving in response to new technologies, for example, the electric car and the integration of mobile communications. Some of the original controls are no longer required. For example, all cars once had controls for the choke valve, clutch, ignition timing , and a crank instead of an electric starter . However, new controls have also been added to vehicles, making them more complex. These include air conditioning , navigation systems , and in-car entertainment . Another trend
20984-422: The longest trip by a petrol-driven vehicle when their self-designed and built Daimler powered Peugeot Type 3 completed 2,100 kilometres (1,300 mi) from Valentigney to Paris and Brest and back again. They were attached to the first Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race, but finished six days after the winning cyclist, Charles Terront . The first design for an American car with a petrol internal combustion engine
21156-531: The market. In Japan, car production was very limited before World War II. Only a handful of companies were producing vehicles in limited numbers, and these were small, three-wheeled for commercial uses, like Daihatsu , or were the result of partnering with European companies, like Isuzu building the Wolseley A-9 in 1922. Mitsubishi was also partnered with Fiat and built the Mitsubishi Model A based on
21328-459: The marketplace, Roy Abernethy was not completely satisfied. Using the experience he gained as an outstanding salesman as a guide, Abernethy closely looked at the direction that American Motors' competition was going and decided that the company would be much more successful if its products competed more directly with the Big Three. He would achieve this by pushing all AMC vehicles further upmarket among
21500-455: The model year. Ambassador sales improved considerably over 1958, reaching an output of 23,769; nearly half of which were Custom four-door sedans. Less popular was the hardtop station wagon, of which 578 were built. The decision to discontinue the Nash and Hudson brands resulted in developing the second-generation Rambler Ambassador design. It was the only American midsize, luxury high-performance car offered in 1960. The "Ambassador by Rambler"
21672-636: The more rattle-prone, traditional body-on-frame construction, which was still the industry standard. In 1963, AMC's new 112 in (2,845 mm) wheelbase cars (Ambassadors and Classics) used a revolutionary method of unit construction, which automobile manufacturers have almost universally adopted. AMC Ambassador and Classics used outer panels stamped from single sheet metal panels that included door frames and outer rocker panels. This resulted in an extremely rigid and rattle-free structure, better fit of doors into frames, production cost savings as well as reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The "uniside" structure
21844-426: The nature of societies . The English word car is believed to originate from Latin carrus / carrum "wheeled vehicle" or (via Old North French ) Middle English carre "two-wheeled cart", both of which in turn derive from Gaulish karros " chariot ". It originally referred to any wheeled horse-drawn vehicle , such as a cart , carriage , or wagon . "Motor car", attested from 1895,
22016-460: The new engines utilized "thin-wall" casting technology and weighed only 540 pounds (245 kg). and produced in three displacements - between 290 cu in (4.8 L), 343 cu in (5.6 L) and 390 cu in (6.4 L) - until 1969. All three engines share the same basic block design and external measurements; the different displacements are achieved through various bore and stroke combinations. Bore center measurement
22188-404: The on-board electrical system. More costly upper-class and luxury cars are equipped with features earlier such as massage seats and collision avoidance systems . Dedicated automotive fuses and circuit breakers prevent damage from electrical overload . Cars are typically fitted with multiple types of lights. These include headlights , which are used to illuminate the way ahead and make
22360-399: The philosophy of building smaller cars than its larger "Big Three" competitors. However, they also had a high degree of interchangeability in parts to keep tooling costs and production complexity to a minimum. The automaker, which pioneered "styling continuity", introduced all-new styling for the 1963 model year Ambassadors and claimed that these were "functional changes .... not change just for
22532-450: The position of CEO in October 1954 after Mason's sudden death. It is said that Romney gave orders to design an in-house V8 engine as quickly as possible. Directly quoting the original 1956 SAE Article entitled "The New American Motors V8": The entire program was under the direction of Meade F. Moore, Vice-President of Automotive Research and Engineering, and through his efforts, the project
22704-424: The public associated the Rambler name with small economy cars and did not want the upscale nature of the new Ambassador to be so closely associated with Rambler's favorable, but economical image. Therefore, a decision was made that the larger Ambassador would be marketed as the Ambassador V-8 by Rambler to identify it with the Rambler name's burgeoning success, but to indicate an air of exclusivity by showing it to be
22876-499: The quarter-mile in 17 seconds. The Ambassadors featured soft springs and a solid build, making them ride silently and smoothly, according to reviewers. The year set a new record for AMC, with total production reaching almost half a million cars and total revenue exceeding $ 1 billion. The Rambler Six and V8 along with the Rambler American represented almost 95% of AMC's automobile sales. A total of 23,798 Ambassadors were built for
23048-446: The redesign was billed a success, with Motor Trend Magazine bestowing Car of the Year status on the entire 1963 Rambler line, including the Ambassador. The marketing formula for the Ambassador generated record sales for the model, with buyers favoring more luxury and features, as evidenced by the Ambassador 990 models outselling the 880 versions by nearly 2-to-1, while the base 800 model
23220-454: The sake of change". The Ambassadors featured a 4-inch (102 mm) longer wheelbase, but were 1.2-inch (30 mm) shorter due to reduced front and rear body overhangs, as well as a 3-inch (76 mm) drop in overall height. Designed by Dick Teague , the 1963 Ambassador's shape was much tighter, cleaner, and smoother, with almost all of its parts interchangeable between it and the new Classic. All Ambassadors used unitized structure instead of
23392-420: The same as some big-block engines. The only parts shared between the 1966-67 Rambler V8 and 1966-91 AMV8 are the lower cam timing sprocket and the timing chain. The AMC V8 was not built by Ford or anyone else although it bears an uncanny resemblance to the later Buick V8 engines (400, 430, 455). It shares the same design employing a timing gear case that mounts both the distributor and oil pump. It also shares
23564-418: The same displacement by using a special connecting rod and piston for this year only. It is believed that AMC kept the 390 this last year due to the reputation it had garnered in the two-seater AMX, then still in production. (It was discontinued after 1970). In 1971 the 390 was also stroked by the same 0.16 in (4.06 mm) as the other two versions of the engine to become the 401. The other change in 1970
23736-468: The same in France, coming to cars in 1919; between them and other cheap cars in reply such as Renault 's 10CV and Peugeot 's 5CV , they produced 550,000 cars in 1925, and Mors , Hurtu , and others could not compete. Germany's first mass-manufactured car, the Opel 4PS Laubfrosch (Tree Frog), came off the line at Rüsselsheim in 1924, soon making Opel the top car builder in Germany, with 37.5 per cent of
23908-401: The same oiling scheme employing a single passage to feed both cam and crank from the right lifter bank by tangentially intersecting the cam bore instead of two drilled passages, one from the cam to crank and another from the crank to the right lifter bank. Some electrical parts (starter and distributor) were shared with Ford, and some models used Motorcraft (Ford) carburetors, but the balance of
24080-428: The same power. The 1971 and earlier versions were rated using "gross" horsepower, which is with the engines operating with no accessories or drive belts , air filters, nor any exhaust system restrictions. The change to the more realistic "net" horsepower ratings for 1972 and later required the engine to be driving all stock factory accessories and to use the factory air filter system and a simulated factory exhaust. Power
24252-516: The stacked quad headlights to the vertical taillamps to stretch the cars visually. The Ambassador featured longer, squared-off rear fenders with vertical wrap-around taillights, taller trunk lid , squared-off rear bumper-mounted low, and squarer rear wheel arches. At the front, the Ambassador again sparked minor controversy with its new vertically stacked quad headlights, slightly recessed in their bezels, as they flanked an all-new horizontal bar grille. This new wall-to-wall grille projected horizontally in
24424-405: The time of the merger of the two companies, Daimler and Maybach were no longer part of DMG. Daimler died in 1900 and later that year, Maybach designed an engine named Daimler-Mercedes that was placed in a specially ordered model built to specifications set by Emil Jellinek . This was a production of a small number of vehicles for Jellinek to race and market in his country. Two years later, in 1902,
24596-498: The various market segments , shaking off the company's economy car image, and offering vehicles once again in all three major American car size classes: compact, intermediate, and full-size. The American and Classic were strong competitors in the former two segments, so for the 1965 model year, he set his sights on turning the Ambassador into a proper full-size car by stretching the Classic's wheelbase and giving it different styling. The general sizes of automobiles at that time were set by
24768-530: The visibility of the car. Interior lights on the ceiling of the car are usually fitted for the driver and passengers. Some vehicles also have a boot light and, more rarely, an engine compartment light. During the late 20th and early 21st century, cars increased in weight due to batteries, modern steel safety cages, anti-lock brakes, airbags, and "more-powerful—if more efficient—engines" and, as of 2019 , typically weigh between 1 and 3 tonnes (1.1 and 3.3 short tons; 0.98 and 2.95 long tons). Heavier cars are safer for
24940-472: The world's attention. Key developments included electric ignition and the electric self-starter (both by Charles Kettering , for the Cadillac Motor Company in 1910–1911), independent suspension , and four-wheel brakes. Since the 1920s, nearly all cars have been mass-produced to meet market needs, so marketing plans often have heavily influenced car design. It was Alfred P. Sloan who established
25112-639: The world's first vehicle to be powered by such an engine. The Niépces' Pyréolophore was fuelled by a mixture of Lycopodium powder (dried spores of the Lycopodium plant), finely crushed coal dust and resin that were mixed with oil, whereas de Rivaz used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen . Neither design was successful, as was the case with others, such as Samuel Brown , Samuel Morey , and Etienne Lenoir , who each built vehicles (usually adapted carriages or carts) powered by internal combustion engines. In November 1881, French inventor Gustave Trouvé demonstrated
25284-530: Was built in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, all three blocks grew in deck height and gained a new head design. Although the engine is an outgrowth of the Gen-2 V8, these changes cause it to be regarded as the third generation of AMC V8, or "Gen-3". The stroke and deck height on the 290 and 343 were increased by 0.16 in (4.06 mm) on both engines, becoming the 304 cu in (5.0 L) and 360 cu in (5.9 L), respectively. The 1970 AMX 390 remained at
25456-503: Was carried on cooperatively by our Kenosha and Detroit Engineering Departments. Obviously, such a division of both design and development required the utmost in teamwork by F.F. Kishline, Chief Engineer, and his assistants, E.L. Monson and J.S. Voigt in Kenosha, and by R.H. Isbrandt, Chief Design Engineer, and W.S. Berry, Chief Mechanical Engineer, in Detroit." The engineering team was able to get
25628-407: Was developed in 1926. This is the source of Ford's apocryphal remark, "any color as long as it's black". In 1914, an assembly line worker could buy a Model T with four months' pay. Ford's complex safety procedures—especially assigning each worker to a specific location instead of allowing them to roam about—dramatically reduced the rate of injury. The combination of high wages and high efficiency
25800-571: Was developed" with the 800 as the Ambassador's base trim model (replacing the previous year's Super model) for the police, taxi, and fleet market, a 880 model (in place of the Custom), and the up-level 990 trim (replacing the previous 400 models). The 1963 Ambassadors were offered only with the 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8, in either 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) two-barrel or 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) four-barrel versions. AMC's smaller 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 engine
25972-648: Was differentiated from the Classic's grille by including the Ambassador's name in script within the small horizontal bar between the upper and lower grille sections. Round quad headlights were slightly recessed in chrome bezels mounted side by side within the grille at its outermost edges. Overall, the new Ambassadors were described by the staff of Automotive Fleet magazine as "probably the finest looking cars ever produced by American Motors". Ambassadors were again available in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and four-door station wagon body styles, but new trim lines debuted for 1963. A "Mercedes-like three-number model designation
26144-1426: Was formed from a conglomerate of six companies who banded together as Fuji Heavy Industries , as a result of having been broken up under keiretsu legislation. The transport sector is a major contributor to air pollution , noise pollution and climate change . Most cars in use in the early 2020s run on petrol burnt in an internal combustion engine (ICE). The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers says that, in countries that mandate low sulphur motor spirit, petrol-fuelled cars built to late 2010s standards (such as Euro-6) emit very little local air pollution. Some cities ban older petrol-driven cars and some countries plan to ban sales in future. However, some environmental groups say this phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles must be brought forwards to limit climate change. Production of petrol-fuelled cars peaked in 2017. Other hydrocarbon fossil fuels also burnt by deflagration (rather than detonation ) in ICE cars include diesel , autogas , and CNG . Removal of fossil fuel subsidies , concerns about oil dependence , tightening environmental laws and restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions are propelling work on alternative power systems for cars. This includes hybrid vehicles , plug-in electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles . Out of all cars sold in 2021, nine per cent were electric, and by
26316-414: Was granted a patent for a "New Rational Combustion Engine". In 1897, he built the first diesel engine . Steam-, electric-, and petrol-driven vehicles competed for a few decades, with petrol internal combustion engines achieving dominance in the 1910s. Although various pistonless rotary engine designs have attempted to compete with the conventional piston and crankshaft design, only Mazda 's version of
26488-634: Was inadequate time for testing cast parts for durability without delaying AMC's introduction schedule. Once forging dies were made it was not cost-effective to test cast parts due to the relatively low number of engines produced. The use of these stronger components was also continued with the production of 401 engines. This is an advantage of these AMC engines when used in heavy-duty and high-performance applications because they have no problems with their connecting rods breaking; unlike other domestic automakers' large displacement small block engines. The Gen-2 AMX 390 produced 315 hp (235 kW; 319 PS) and
26660-408: Was introduced in 1966 It is sometimes referred to as the "Gen-2" AMC V8. The first version was the completely new 290 cu in (4.8 L) Typhoon V8 introduced in a special mid-1966 model year "Rogue" hardtop. Available in 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) two-barrel carburetor version or producing 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS) with a four-barrel carburetor and high compression,
26832-499: Was kept the same as the Gen-1 V8 at 4.75 in (120.7 mm) so that boring equipment could be reused. Other than that, this engine is vastly different from the Gen-1 model. The Gen-1 engine is physically the size of a big-block Ford or GM engine, and is sometimes called a "big-block". The Gen-2 is closer to the physical size of U.S.-made small-block V8s except for the bore centers, which are
27004-447: Was less popular and had a total of 43 two-door sedans built for the year. The automaker did not have the resources of GM, Ford, and Chrysler, nor the sales volume to spread out its new model tooling and advertising costs over large production volumes; however, Richard Teague "turned these economical cars into smooth, streamlined beauties with tons of options and V-8 pep". The 1964 model year introduced minor trim changes and new options for
27176-407: Was lighter than its 117-inch (2,972 mm) wheelbase predecessors and was a spirited performer with the 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8. This was like the 1957 Rambler Rebel, which was the quickest four-door sedan made in the United States that year, achieving 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration in just over 7 seconds and making it faster than
27348-466: Was located on the car's front fenders and deck lid. Super trim level Ambassadors featured painted side trim in a color that complimented the body color; Custom models featured a silver anodized aluminum panel on sedans and vinyl woodgrain decals on station wagons. Ambassador body styles included a four-door sedan and a hardtop sedan, a four-door pillared station wagon, and the hardtop station wagon. This body style first saw duty as an industry first in
27520-427: Was made in 1877 by George Selden of Rochester, New York . Selden applied for a patent for a car in 1879, but the patent application expired because the vehicle was never built. After a delay of 16 years and a series of attachments to his application, on 5 November 1895, Selden was granted a US patent ( U.S. patent 549,160 ) for a two-stroke car engine, which hindered, more than encouraged , development of cars in
27692-484: Was marketed by AMC as America's Compact Luxury Car. The 1960 model year lineup was reskinned, using new fenders, hood, deck lid, door skins, roofline, grille, taillights, bumpers, windshield, and backlight. The lower hood line, lower windshield cowl, simplified side trims, and egg-crate grille with stand-up letters spelling AMBASSADOR were significant. At the same time, the tailfins were reduced in height and were canted to either side, making for an integrated appearance, and
27864-504: Was only offered in the Classic line. The automatic transmission was controlled by a steering column-mounted lever, replacing the previous pushbutton system. Maintenance was reduced with service intervals of the front wheel bearings increased from 12,000–25,000 miles (19,312–40,234 kilometres), the recommended engine oil change was at 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres), and all Ambassador models included an alternator and an electronic voltage regulator as standard equipment. Sales were brisk, and
28036-420: Was optional in the 1957 Rambler. All 1958-60 V8 Ramblers were called "Rebels" and designated as a different series. It is easy to confuse the 1957 Rambler V8 and the 1958-'60 Rebel line with the special 1957 Rambler Rebel , a limited edition muscle car (see 327 below). In 1961, The Rambler Six was renamed the " Rambler Classic " to avoid model confusion in the Rambler line-up. A V8 engine then became an option in
28208-428: Was rated at 288 hp (215 kW; 292 PS). In 1958, the Ambassador was equipped with a hydraulic lifter version of AMC's 327 CID V8 rated at 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS). Although AMC's 327 CID V8 shares its displacement with the Chevrolet small-block, AMC's 327 came out six years before Chevrolet first offered its 327 engine in 1962. The Ambassador was available in a body style exclusive to its line,
28380-438: Was responsible for the increasing sales under Romney, reacted to the mounting competition (in 1963, AMC built as many cars as they had in 1960, but overall total car sales had increased so much that it gave the automaker sixth place in domestic production; the same output in 1960 had put them third) in a logical way: "Let's get rid of this Romney image." A completely redesigned larger Rambler lineup appeared. The new cars continued
28552-435: Was sent to Daytona Beach, Florida for "Speed Week" (the forerunner of today's Daytona 500 ). It was the second fastest car on the beach, bested only by a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette with mechanical fuel injection , and only by a couple of tenths of a second. The EFI 327 was rated at 288 hp (215 kW; 292 PS) and the regular four-barrel carbureted model at 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS). The EFI system in
28724-483: Was superior to the conventional production methods in which multiple smaller pieces were welded together. There were 30% fewer parts and the result was greater structural rigidity, quieter car operation, and an overall weight reduction of about 150 pounds (68 kilograms). Curved side glass and push-button door handles were new and costly upgrades. Still, they contributed to the new Rambler's handsome, elegant, and modern Mercedes-like bodyside styling by adding refinement to
28896-557: Was the original 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS), 360 lb⋅ft (490 N⋅m) of torque, performance version equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor and a 9.7:1 compression ratio, which required premium fuel, and a second economy version running on regular gasoline making 250 hp (186 kW), 340 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m) of torque, equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and an 8.7:1 compression ratio. The 1960 Ambassadors continued with an independent front suspension with upper and lower A-arms, an enclosed drive shaft (torque tube) with
29068-453: Was the so-called "rectangle port", named after its exhaust port shape. The 290 heads use smaller valves, 1.787 in (45.4 mm) intake and 1.406 in (35.7 mm) exhaust, corresponding with its small bore. The 343 and the AMX 390 use the same larger valve heads, 2.025 in (51.4 mm) intake and 1.625 in (41.3 mm) exhaust. The base 290 cu in (4.8 L) produced 200 or 225 hp (149 or 168 kW) with
29240-436: Was the switch to the "dog-leg" heads. These heads flow 20% better on the exhaust side than the 1966-1969 rectangular port heads and are thus the best for performance. There are two reasons for the flow increase: (1) the area of the port is larger, due to the dog leg and (2) the shape of the port floor was changed from a concave to a convex curve. The concave floor tended to bend the exhaust flow upwards which caused turbulence when
29412-416: Was used in the 1970 AMX as the base engine and also in the 1970 Rebel , the 1971 through 1978 Matador , Jeep J-series trucks from 1970 until 1987, Wagoneer (SJ) models from 1972 until 1984, Cherokee (SJ) from 1974 until 1983, as well as in the full-sized Grand Wagoneer from 1984 through 1991 - becoming one of the last carbureted engines used in an American-built vehicle. The 360 V8 was also installed in
29584-449: Was working on a revolutionary and somewhat costly design set to debut for the 1963 model year. In the meantime, American Motors needed to save money. Since the Ambassador's sales had fallen in 1961, it was decided that the car would be downsized for 1962 to directly share the body, windshield, and 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase with the Classic platform. Accordingly, the car was marketed as
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