the 4-barrel version as optional. The automaker did not offer a 4-speed manual transmission to compete with the sporty mid-size V8 offerings from Ford or GM. Instead, AMC offered its innovative "Twin-Stick" manual transmission. The "Twin-stick" option consisted of a three-speed manual transmission, operated by one of the two console-mounted "sticks" in conjunction with an overdrive unit that was controlled by the second "stick" in both 2nd and 3rd gears. This gave the driver the option of using five forward gears. The 990-H was the most luxurious two-door model and included the high-compression V8 as well as a specially trimmed interior featuring 2+2-style bucket seats, center armrests front and rear, as well as a console with the Twin-Stick manual or available automatic transmission. Approximately 2,955 units were built. Rambler Marquesa The Rambler Marquesa was exhibited at auto shows during the 1964 model year and its existence was later unknown. However, the Ambassador 990-H based show car remained in its original condition and is now on display at the Rambler Ranch in Elizabeth, Colorado, the most comprehensive collection of Nash, Rambler, and AMC vehicles and their history. The two-door hardtop is finished with special paint colors with a darker roof, wire wheel covers, and dual striped whitewall tires. The interior features matching shade of brocade upholstery on the bucket seats that continues on the headliner and the door panel trim. The center console housed the automatic transmission shifter as well as the centrally-located power window switches. Fifth generation 1965 No matter how much success the new Ramblers achieved in the marketplace, Roy Abernethy was not completely satisfied. Using the experience he gained as an outstanding salesman as a guide, Abernethy closely looked at the direction that American Motors' competition was going and decided that the company would be much more successful if its products competed more directly with the Big Three. He would achieve this by pushing all AMC vehicles further upmarket among the various market segments, shaking off the company's economy car image, and offering vehicles once again in all three major American car size classes: compact, intermediate, and full-size. The American and Classic were strong competitors in the former two segments, so for the 1965 model year, he set his sights on turning the Ambassador into a proper full-size car by stretching the Classic's wheelbase and giving it different styling. The general sizes of automobiles at that time were