1963 Rambler Ambassador 990 with 327 Engine and Twin Stick Manual with Overdrive

EVER SEE ONE OF THESE? 1963 RAMBLER AMBASSADOR 990 TWO DOOR SEDAN WITH 327 CU. IN. ENGINE AND MANUAL "TWIN STICK" TRANSMISSION WITH OVERDRIVE. CONTRARY TO POPULAR MYTH, THE MUSCLE CAR ERA DID NOT BEGIN WITH THE 1964 GTO. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE PRE-'64 MUSCLE CARS. RAMBLER WAS RECOGNIZED AS MOTOR TREND "CAR OF THE YEAR" IN 1963.
In 1959, AMC had the foresight to hire Richard "Dick" Teague to shake up the design department. Teague, formerly with GM, Packard, and Chrysler, earned the reputation as the "Master of the cheap makeover". He was imaginative and practical, and his ability to produce fresh looking products requiring low tooling costs kept AMC going in it's financially troubled times.
He worked there for the remainder of his professional life. He first held the job of chief stylist under his old GM boss, Ed Anderson. When Anderson left AMC in 1961, Teague had established himself to the degree that the company made him the corporation's styling director. In 1964, he was named design vice president and held that post until he retired in 1983.
Dick Teague often referred to his AMC years as "Camelot." Even though he faced some of the same monetary restrictions that had plagued him at Packard, he was still able to work relative miracles by industry spending standards. During his years at American Motors, Teague and his staff conceived a number of memorable designs, among which were the Marlin, Pacer, Javelin, Hornet, Matador, and Gremlin. His most pleasing designs were perhaps his concept cars: the series of AMX show cars that culminated in the outstanding AMX III of 1969, a design that still looks as fresh as tomorrow. His last handiwork can be seen in the highly popular downsized Jeep Cherokee (XJ) that were built in the United States all the way through 2001.
However, the FIRST cars in which Teague completely influenced AMC styling were the 1963 Classic and Ambassador. The Ambassador was really a Classic with a 9 inch longer wheelbase. These were the first all new cars by AMC since 1956, and earned "Car of the Year" honors. The Classic was the low powered, family platform. However, the Ambassador, with exciting engine and transmission combinations, was the Muscle Car! Light in weight, loaded with options, and powerful, the Ambassador was perfect for the Rambler buyer who craved performance.
This example is the Deluxe model, the 990. Only 1,764 Ambassador 990's were built. Production figures on the 990 with this engine, transmission, and option list are unknown. It is believed that only a handful were built just like this one. Have you ever seen another?
Bolted to the engine is the revolutionary and ultra rare "Twin Stick" overdrive transmission. This system is far superior to standard shift mechanisms. The well designed linkage and short throw allows for quick, positive shifts. Easy to manage In/Out overdrive lever. 3.54 Twin Grip differential.
The engine does run and car drives through the forward gear (if a battery and fuel are hooked up), the main shift lever is broken so you cannot put the car into reverse before fixing the shifter as it has a reverse lockout. The fuel pump does run but the line from the gas tank is clogged so an external fuel source is needed to fire the engine as well as a battery.
There is obviously a lot of rust on the rear quarters and the front floorboards but it appears all the trim is in intact and the car is in very original condition. Lots of spares in the trunk as well as four extra wheels with tires mounted on them.
Vehicle has clear title and current registration in Iowa. Your browser does not support the video tag.