Editing AMC Ambassador (section)

== First generation (1958–1959) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Rambler Ambassador (3893707660) (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1958 Ambassador V8, Custom sedan
| model_years = 1958–1959
| aka = Ambassador V8 by Rambler
| name = First generation
| body_style = {{unbulleted list | 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 4-door [[hardtop]] sedan | 4-door [[station wagon]] | 4-door [[hardtop]] station wagon }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|117|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| engine = {{convert|327|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC V8 engine|V8]]
}}

=== 1958 ===
[[File:1958 Ambassador 4-d hardtop wagon 1.JPG|left|thumb|1958 AMC Ambassador hardtop (pillarless) Cross Country station wagon]]
[[File:1958 Ambassador 4-d hardtop wagon 2.JPG|thumb|Ambassador Cross Country station wagon interior|left]][[File:1958 Ambassador 4-d hardtop.jpg|thumb|right|1958 Ambassador Custom hardtop sedan with [[continental tire]] ]]American Motors planned to produce a stretched a {{convert|117|in|0|adj=on}} [[wheelbase]] version of 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 a {{convert|117|in|0|adj=on}} wheelbase. Its features included the new {{convert|327|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[AMC V8 engine]] (equipped with a 4-barrel [[carburetor]] and dual exhausts and rated at {{convert|270|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|360|lb·ft|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, a modern overhead valve V8 displacing {{convert|250|CID|L|1|abbr=on}}, with a 3.25-inch stroke, forged steel crankshaft, which when equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, was rated at {{convert|215|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. In 1957, AMC bored the 3-1/2-inch 250 CID V8 to 4 inches and {{convert|327|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} displacement, which, when offered in the [[Rambler Rebel]] used solid lifters and Bendix electronic fuel injection, was rated at {{convert|288|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.

In 1958, the Ambassador was equipped with a hydraulic lifter version of AMC's 327 CID V8 rated at {{convert|270|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. 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, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1958_AMC/1958-X-Ray-Ambassador-Brochure/slides/1958_X-Ray_Ambassador-24-25.html |pages=24–25 |title=1958 X-Ray Ambassador brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref>

Management had found that 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 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 {{convert|108|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheelbase [[Rambler Six]] and [[Rambler Rebel|Rebel V8]]. However, both lines shared the same basic body, styling, and visual cues. However, all of the Ambassador's extra {{convert|9|in|mm|spell=in}} of wheelbase (and, therefore, overall length) were added ahead of 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 (car)|grille]] from the prototype Hudson model. Through effective [[market segment]]ation, the Ambassador was [[Positioning (marketing)|positioned]] to compete with the larger models offered by other automakers.

Model identification 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 the 1956 [[Nash Rambler|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&nbsp;km/h) times of less than 10 seconds with low 17-second times through a quarter-mile (402&nbsp;m) [[dragstrip]]. It could be equipped with a [[limited slip differential]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1958_AMC/1958-X-Ray-Ambassador-Brochure/slides/1958_X-Ray_Ambassador-20-21.html |pages=20–21 |title=1958 X-Ray Ambassador brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> 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 belt]]s were optional.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1958_AMC/1958-X-Ray-Ambassador-Brochure/slides/1958_X-Ray_Ambassador-10-11.html |pages=10–11 |title=1958 X-Ray Ambassador brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref>

=== 1959 ===
For 1959, the Ambassador received a revised grille, side trim, and redesigned rear door skins that swept into the [[Car tailfin|tailfin]]s 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 a new option, an industry first. [[American Motors Corporation|AMC]] touted the added comfort the headrests provided, as well as their potential for reducing [[whiplash (medicine)|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 [[Fan clutch|fluid-filled clutch]] for quieter high-speed operation.

The 1959 model year also saw the addition of an optional "Air-Coil Ride" [[air suspension]] system, utilizing airbags installed within the rear coil springs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/AMC/1959_AMC/1959-Rambler-Wagons/slides/1959_Rambler_Wagons-03.html |title=1959 Rambler Wagons brochure |page=3 |website=oldcarbrochures.org |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> An engine-driven [[Gas compressor|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 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.

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