Andrew Sells has owned this 1963 AMC Ambassador 990 wagon he calls The War Waggin’ since he was a teenager. While owning it he has taught himself how to weld and wrench on it. In fact every single modification was either custom made by Andrew or pieced together from the junkyard. He estimates the entire project, including the car, cost him a total of $5,160. Considering the time he achieved on Laguna Seca I would say has done a great job.
Power comes from a 6.0 L LQ9 V8 taken from a Cadillac Escalade which makes 400-450 horsepower. Behind the engine sits a T-56 six-speed manual transmission and a 1998 Ford Explorer rear end with 4:10 gears. The front suspension is a collage of different part such as Ford Explorer ball joints and a 2004 Mustang steering rack. The rear suspension is a custom truck arm system built by Andrew. The wagon stops thanks to disc brakes all around from a 2004 Mustang.
Matt Farah taking the wagon out for a One Take.
The Rambler filmed at Laguna Seca. Andrew told Matt his best lap was 1:51.75.
The Rambler at a HPDE event at Sonoma Raceway.
Unfortunately the LQ9 suffered serious damage and has put the wagon in the pits. Andrew runs a GoFundMe page if you would like to help.
Source: The Smoking Tire and Sir Hoonsalot (Andrew’s Youtube channel)
Fun to hear the War Waggin growl through the curves…
Question: An early Seventies Ambassador
Brougham being a candidate for a diesel swap?
Dumb question? Thanks for reply.
Are you asking if it’s a good choice? Sure. Why not.
What’s he using for a dash gauge cluster? I like it… might want one! I have a 63 Classic wagon, hopped up AMC/Jeep 4.0L powered, Jag IRS, T-bird R&P. Not quite the fire breather this one is, but a great road car. Still have the original dash cluster…