Lot 10: Austin Ambassador

The introduction of the hatchback Ambassador addressed failings inherent in the booted design of its predecessor, the `wedge' Princess. Whilst looking superficially similar and sharing the same doors and inner structure, there was far more to the incoming model than just slope-away headlamps and a lift-up rear. A substantial and effective re-design, it was proof that the Austin Rover Group lacked resources rather than ingenuity. Sadly the Ambassador arrived too late to have an effect on its manufacturer's tumbling sales. Production began in 1982, yet the car only continued until 1984, and with a scant 43500 sold it was never a common sight. Upgrading to the O-series engine was a good move, however. Effectively an overhead camshaft version of the venerable B-series OHV inline `four' complete with aluminium crossflow cylinder head, the revised powerplant cost £35million to bring to market. The Ambassador was the sole car in the Austin-Rover range to make exclusive use of this engine throughout its life. Ambassadors were noted for plush and hardwearing interiors, and the black velour on this HLS example is particularly inviting. Sit in the car and you are transported to the era of Frankie goes to Hollywood's Relax. With Hydragas suspension the ride is particularly good, in truth, up to CitroÙn levels of comfort. Plus the engineering was simpler, less costly and easier-to-maintain. The O-series motor in 2-litre form provided healthy urge, and gave as much power - with better fuel economy and greater smoothness - as the B-series it replaced. This low-mileage example has been garaged for practically all its life, and was a surprise rescue on the part of the vendor - from a Fire Brigade's hydraulic pillar-cutters! Since then, he has re-commissioned the car and driven it for 13,000 of its 33,000 miles, and notes there is occasionally "some driveshaft warble". The Ambassador: try one and you'll be amazed at the refinement, space and comfort, though almost unsurprisingly, the range is headed for obscurity within general classic car-dom. This opportunity represents a chance to capture a genuine, authentic and low-mileage slice of the amazing `80s. They'll only get rarer.