With model names like Popular, Courier, Embassy, and Supreme, you could probably guess that Ambassador Motorcycles was based out of England. The firm was founded in 1946 by Irish motorcycle racer Kaye Don, and they used Villiers engines until the company went under in 1964. The brand had some success with exports to Australia and New Zealand, but they’re hard to find in the US.
Here’s an example of the “Supreme”, which was most likely named because it was the first Ambassador with telescopic forks and a plunger rear suspension. It utilized a Villiers Mk6E 197cc two stroke engine and Ambassador marketed it as “the machine for the connoisseur.” Check out this vintage advertisement from this review of the Supreme on Real Classic.
from http://www.realclassic.co.uk/ambassador_supreme.html
This example (VIN: 7516279) has apparently spent decades in a private collection in Southern California on display. The engine and carb were recently rebuilt by “the Villiers people” – I assume the seller is referring to Villiers Services? The engine only has test miles on it. The seller claims this bike is in amazing condition and will be ready to ride once some parts he’s ordered come in – he’ll forward the parts to you but I wonder why he doesn’t just wait for everything to come in and sell it all together. Either way, find this Ambassador Supreme for sale in Chandler, Arizona with bidding up to $1,025
This bike-uriousity brought to you by John K!