There were attempts to revive the name on a 4th gen firebird and later a ford mustang. Strangely not many sales. ![]()
AMC was a visionary company. They did alot with very little and held their own for a long time. The AMC eagle was so far ahead of its time.
Many firsts as well, AMC had the first vehicle with standard air conditioning, and it blew COLD!
Whether it be a luxurious car to a plebiscite compact AMC always rose to the challenge and conquered.
I believe many conspired against them to get them to drop to their knees so they could get the coveted Jeep brand.
Sad really, if AMC was allowed to continue who knows what kind of amazing vehicles they would have today. I also feel Chrysler would no longer be around if AMC still was making vehicles.
Which model and what year?
True for 1957, but by 1964 outclassed by both the Chevy and Ford small blocks which were around a hundred pounds lighter.
I kind of like the styling of that 57 Ambassador, but Chrysler had their “Forward Look” styling, Ford and Mercury all new styling, GMs facelift 57s were well received.
AMC new lighter engines introduced around 66 or 67 were much more competitive in weight and HP. I had the 304 in my CJ5, only downside AMC only offered it with a three speed, would really have benefitted from a four speed with a lower first gear.
IIRC it was Packard.
The key word in the ‘first a/c’ claim is ‘standard’. Packard was first to offer a/c as an option, but it wasn’t ‘standard’. Not a meaningful first for AMC, in my opinion.
‘69 AMC Ambassador, I think.
+1
And, because auto a/c was in its infancy, that first one wasn’t very practical–unless someone lived in the tropics. It had no thermostat, so the compressor ran constantly, and the ice-cold air flooded onto the necks of the back seat passengers, and this wasn’t comfortable for many people.
Also, the drive belt had to be removed in order to turn the compressor off. This was an added bit of maintenance in the autumn, followed by putting the belt back in place for the summer.
Nash also has optional AC in the late 40s. That’s why my parents bought one, they said.
And I think Nash was the first to offer a completely integrated HVAC system. Pretty advanced.
Yes, it was their WeatherEye system.
If only, my dream list includes 58 P-Hawk and a 58 Packard Wagon
Okay, my brother bought his two years too early.
1968 AMC Ambassador was the first American car with standard AC. Even into the 1970s you could still get a Cadillac without AC.
And let us not forget in 68 and 69 snd maybe into the 70s, AMC was proud to offer the Ambassador with standard AC, however they still came standard with 4 wheel drum brakes. Why was this? Its simple, because the 4 wheel drums did a fine job stopping the big Ambassador.
Imagine knowing you had the best of both eotlds, drums and ac.
The bongos are in the trunk of my air conditioned, modern car.
The truth is the reason why the Mustang was successful was the magic of Lee Iacocca. He had a way about it that made things work that otherwise may have not.


