Kenosha Cruiser: 1972 AMC Ambassador

Nothing says 1972 like Orange and Avacado Green- an omnipresent color palette that seemed to permeate America that year right down my parents kitchen remodel. While there is no Avacodo Green to be found on this AMC Ambassador, this is the orange I remember not so fondly, but times change an I think this is a striking color for a 70’s era station wagon with faux wood siding . AMC actually called this ‘Trans Am Red’ but I guess orange was the new red in the 70’s! Found on Craigslist near Dallas, this 360 V8 powered has a price of $10,900 OBO.

With just 64,700 miles this Ambassador Brougham appears to be a very well preserved original wagon. According to the seller, the original owner had it for 45 years but stopped driving in in 2008. The nearly 10 years of sitting has meant a few mechanical issues have surfaced, most notably a broken speedometer, broken AC and motor mounts that need to be replaced. On the positive side, the wagon is said to start, run, drive and stop just fine. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor have replaced as well as a set of new tires and anew muffler. We don’t get a look under the hood but the 360  and the dog dish hubcaps make this a bit of a sleeper.

The car was repainted years ago along with new woodgrain. While the paint and woodgrain looks very presentable the seller does describe the car as having a light patina. The interior looks pretty solid as well with normal expected wear. We don’t get a look a the cargo area which often time can be the Achilles heal of station wagon interiors.

Spending 5 figures on a 1970’s AMC wagons was unheard of just a few years ago but combine a desirable drivetrain, a classic 70’s color and a mostly original wagon, the sellers asking price may not be too far off the market.