The 990 and 990-H models were continued, while 880 models were the new economy leaders in the 1965 Ambassador line, but even the $2,512 price for the two-door sedan was not attractive compared to the models with better trim, buckets seats, and special interiors. Ambassadors came standard with AMC's new Inline-6 engine, which was the first time since 1956 that an Ambassador was available with six cylinders. Far more popular in the Ambassador, however, were the two time-tested AMC V8 engines. American Motors' management decided that the Ambassador could once again accept a standard six-cylinder engine, since its full-size competitors (e. g. Bel Air and Impala, Ford Custom 500 and Galaxie, as well as Plymouth Fury) came with six-cylinder engines as standard equipment. They, therefore, appealed to a wider range of customers than the Ambassador was getting. Also, since the Classic was now smaller and styled differently, the Ambassador six-cylinder would not threaten to cannibalize Classic 6 sales, which were the company's sales volume leaders. The changes were on target as sales of the repositioned Ambassador more than tripled. The standard six-cylinder engine now featured larger valves making them the same as on the V8s. The front seatbacks were redesigned to offer additional legroom for rear-seat passengers with the popular reclining front seats now having 7 positions, compared to the 5 before. New Bendix disc brakes with power assist were now optional. Popular Mechanics classified the Ambassadors as family cars describing the prototypes as solid, comfortable, and running "majestically". Motor Trend magazine tested an Ambassador convertible with a Twin-Stick overdrive transmission and found it commendably economical, averaging over run, and noting that ... "Traveling comfort was the Ambassador's biggest selling point, along with its exceptionally powerful Bendix duo-servo drum brakes ...With the thin bucket seats that recline, driver and passengers can enjoy a high degree of riding comfort... Many passers-by commented on the car's good looks... Our summary: a nice, comfortable, quiet, well built family automobile that rather neglects the performance market." Tom Magliozzi, one of the brothers hosting the Car Talk radio talk show owned a black 1965 AMC Ambassador convertible that he called my "sleek black beauty" and wanted another one when asked "if you could have any car, new or old, what it would be? Production numbers 6585-5 990 4-door sedan: 24,852 6587-5 990 2-door convertible: 3499 6588-5 990 Station Wagon: 8701 6589-5 990 2-door hardtop: 5034