Yahoo Answers :: Gas mileage on a '61 AMC Rambler Ambassador Custom?

So I'm fixing up an old Ambassador (a '61 Custom), and before I go further, I wanted to ask if anyone knew what kind of gas mileage it gets. Since gas is expensive (and I got this old junker REALLY cheap, so I'm not bleeding money here), I want to be sure I'm getting something that can get along decently. As far as I know, it's either a four or a six cylinder. My dad estimated it at getting at best 25, but I'd like a more solid answer. Maybe someone's driven one before? Thanks!

I had a 1964 Rambler 660 classic. But that was 35+ years ago and gasoline was only 27 cents a gallon so I wasn't worried about mileage and never checked it. Your engine should be a 196 cubic inch 6 cylinder. Fix it up because it is a piece of history, one of the finest automobiles ever made. Drive it for the pleasure of it. fuel mileage doesn't matter. You probably will not want to make it a daily driver because it doesnt have todays comforts- power brakes, cruise control, power steering, etc. Enjoy it for what it is. and have fun .

Answer by FleetTech on Jun 29, 2009

Easily you will get 22 to 26 depending on how heavy a foot you've got. AMC used very small intake valves. Great car, and only 1 problem was front end 'trunions" AMC's answer to ball joints. Find 2 sets before you start on her, 1 for each side, because sooner or later you'll need em.

Answer by Old guy_64... on Jun 29, 2009