Original price: $3,605.00 (Sedan)
On loan from: Lin Hoskins, Hastings, NE
Number made: 7,686
Engine, etc.: V-8; 290 cu. in.; 118” wheelbase; 3,516 lbs.
Mr. Hoskins purchased this car from an older couple about 25 years ago. It was in good condition – rust free, with the original gold interior and vinyl top. He and his son repainted the car and made other changes including new wheels and valve covers. They were able to get the original fabric to recover the interior. Seats on the SST had two stripes which distinguished them from other models. It has factory air, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and air conditioning. AC ducts are located on the dash which Mr. Hoskins said is unusual.
AMC was the first automaker to make air conditioning standard in their car. The only other car maker that offered AC as standard equipment was Rolls-Royce. The cars could be ordered without air conditioning and the buyer would be given a credit of $218 to the base price.
Body style options included a sedan, station wagon and a coupe.
The 1968 Rambler American cars had the same body style as the previous year’s with slight changes to the decorative trim. The grill was a single strip of chrome, and the nameplate was on the left side of the front. The SST (Super Sport Touring) hardtop coupe was top of the line with expensive upholstery, reclining front seats, wood-look interior trim and other conveniences such as an electric clock and headlights-on buzzer. Seat belts were required on all passenger cars sold in the U. S. for 1968.
The base 1968 model was the American 220 2-door sedan with a base price of $2,600. It came with a heater, front armrests, front seat foam cushions but no side body moldings.
The next step up was the American 400 which had chrome on the side and a metal horizontal stripe between the tail lights. It came with carpeting, rear armrests, cigarette lighter, glovebox lock, custom steering wheel and dual horns.
The Rambler American Rogue was the top model. It was a two-door hardtop and had all the features of the American 400 plus a larger engine, special identification scripts, and additional interior features.
Nash merged with Hudson Motors in 1954 but the Ambassador name continued until 1974. In 1987 Chrysler absorbed AMC and Jeep.
Sources: http://www.classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=8475&year=1968&model=119
https://www.conceptcarz.com/z25136/amc-rambler-american.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Ambassador
http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/AMC/1968_AMC/1968_Rambler_American_Brochure/dirindex.html Original dealer brochure; accessory brochure also available: http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/AMC/1968_AMC/1968_AMC_Accessories/dirindex.html