What is an Ambla?
Do you have any idea what an Ambla is? Well a quick “google” search brings up some of the following definitions:
- BAS – Ambla is vinyl with an expandable knit backing introduced by Jaguar in 1968. It was primarily used on seats, i.e back covers and cushion skirts, where a material with stretch was needed. Ambla was also specified by Jaguar for door panels which had embossed heat weld lines, i.e XJ/XJS. A very necessary product for seats and doors only.
- JCNA – The Jaguar Club of North America’s Mark 2 Judging Guide states “Form Sept. 1966, in order to keep cost down, the upholstery was changed from leather to an Ambla plastic. The traditional Jaguar leather was still offered as an option… ” and “240 and 340 seats were covered in Ambla (type of vinyl).”
What prompted this blog entry was the following chart – from the Jaguar Enthusiast’s Club website.
Note that “Ambla” is listed as a “Mark 2 Ambla” model and it is also well known that the 240 and 340 models came with Ambla upholstery with Leather as an option. So, do I have a:
- Ambla Mark 2
- 340 w/Ambla
- or a Quickly rebadged North American Mark 2 with Ambla and a 340 Badge on the boot?
The investigation continues…
Ambla is Jaguar-lingo for vinyl. nothing less, nothing more. Flexible or not, it’s vinyl. If you can get any vinyl in the proper Jaguar colors, then you can proudly proclaim to the world: “Ive got Ambla!”. Why, you can even fool your upholstery guy telling him/her “do a good job with my Ambla”.
Jose
28 Jun 07 at 4:30 pm
I have owned a number of rolls of Ambla upholstery for a number of years. The colours are greys, two tone grey, and an unusual orange / brown colour. The patterns are a light leather texture and a heavy grained leather texture. When they came into my possession I was advised that they had been in dry storage for about 30 years and had originally been obtained from British Leyland having been used on Jaguar and Triumph cars. I have only seen one Triumph Stag with the orange / brown Ambla interior but other cars have yet to be identified. Because of its age I assume someone must have a use for it and I am looking to dispose of it. Whoever ends up with it will need a small van with a 5ft bed or an estate car capable of carrying the weight. My telephone numbers are 0116 271 2152 0797 476 3088 (Leicester UK)
Thank you
Graeme Peene
Graeme Peene UK
11 Oct 09 at 5:54 am