1971 AMC Ambassador 4 door Brougham review from North America

This car was not particularly well-maintained, and the results show.

There is rust in several places (along the roof rails, around the rear window, and at the bottom of the rear quarters). The rust around the roof is at the margins of the vynil roof the car came with originally (gone now).

The only major problem I have been having with the car is an overheating problem, which seems to only happen on the highway after I've been driving it for a while at highway speed.

The distributor is also somewhat worn and gives the engine an irritating misfire on light acceleration. To be fixed soon.

This is a 4,000 pound car, but it moves out. At 34 years old, it will still light up the rear tires, and neither the engine nor trans have ever been rebuilt.

The suspension is amazing. I was so surprised by the handling that I took it to an auto-cross and ran it. Everyone laughed until the numbers came in. I managed to get that car around the track faster than many other guys did that day, and got to do the cool "Dukes of Hazzard" style driving (ie breaking rear traction and swinging the tail around the twisties) to boot. The only mods from factory was a good set of gas shocks, 16" wheels, and a good set of 60-series tires.

It also has a very comfortable ride for the highway.

-- Marc.