The only available engine was AMC's OHV V8, in either the regular fuel, 2-barrel carburetor and 8.7:1 compression ratio, version or the premium gasoline, 4-barrel version with 9.7:1 compression ratio, version. The 1962 Ambassador came with a dual chamber master brake cylinder that separated the front and rear brakes so that in the event of the failure of one chamber some braking function would remain. This design was offered by only a few cars at that time. The 1962 models were equipped with "Walker" (brand) flow-through mufflers. The wheelbase 1962 Ambassador was lighter than its wheelbase predecessors and when equipped with the V8, it was a spirited performer.