ABU Ambassadeur 5000
The Swedish baitcasting reel from Svängsta that became the world’s best-known fishing reel.
AB Urfabriken in Svängsta made clocks and taximeters before the company began making fishing reels in the 1930s and 40s. The Ambassadeur 5000 appeared in 1952 and was built with a watchmaker’s precision.
The reel was sold all over the world and became a symbol of Swedish quality. The red Ambassadeur is now a collector’s item, and the model is still made.
Materials: Brass and aluminium, chromed or painted, steel
Manufacture: Made by ABU in Svängsta in Blekinge from 1952.
The round side plate, often in red or black.
The double-handled crank and the star drag.
The level-wind that lays the line evenly on the spool.