Green in color, Made in Sweden. I found this thing many moons ago. I want to start fishing with casting, not sure if I want this one to do that with though. I have thought of sending it off to Garcia and letting them rework it. Serial number at bottom of plate. Any idea when this thing was made?? Not looking to sell, trade ect. Wanting more info on this reel more then anything. Thanks

5000 D (1974) simplified features requested by Bass anglers.
It is green, has direct drive and constant in-mesh drive.

Gear ratio is 1:3.56 retrieving 15.75" of line per crank. The reel has the optional check and is fitted with a larger double handle.

Made in Svangsta Sweden

wow thank you!! I was also told the first 2 of the serial number was when this was made, this one in 76, thanks for the info

Just remember to hold the handle when you set the hook! No anti-reverse so handle will turn backwards. Can bust some knuckels!

If you want it done right send it to Don Iovino in California. He is a master with Ambassadeurs from the '70s. He even builds custom models that sell in the $1000 range. He has worked some reels for me and the results are amazing. Actually the 5000D is called a direct drive because it has no regular drag system. As long as you hold the handle no line can be pulled from the reel. The knurled knob sets the tension for the line being released when you let go of the handle. If it's set too light it can smack you as the handle turns with the spool. I always made sure I kept it down pretty tight. Most of the time I used heavy line and didn't worry about it. It was the first Ambassadeur I ever bought and I still fish it occasionally.

Sorry, not true. The 5000D just like all the 5000 series reels prior to 1981, has an anti reverse pawl located just above the drive gear. It is actually an excellent system and is still used today on many reels including the Shimano Curado, Citica and most any quality reel as a dual anti reverse backup along with a one way anti reverse bearing. If the anti reverse pawl is damaged, worn, missing, or installed upside down or had the teeth opened up so far that it is not engaging.

Penn has used an anti reverse pawl (dog) ever since anti reverse became available on everything they make until the recent spinning reels now use an anti reverse one way bearing (still a pile of junk though).

The serial number indicates the model year of 1976 but they cannot all be read that way. In the 70's the first two numbers or the middle two numbers indicates the model year. That does not mean the year it was made but actually the year it came out.