AMC Rebel

Did You Know?

• AMC produced 1,686 Rambler Rebel convertibles for 1967, all in the top-trim SST model, with automatic power top operation standard.
• For 1968, only 1,200 Rebel convertibles were built (823 SST and 377 base 550), making them the only open models AMC offered that year.

Background

The Rebel name first appeared in 1957 on a special Rambler Rebel model, considered the first factory-produced lightweight muscle car. It returned for 1966 as the top trim of the Rambler Classic two-door hardtop, featuring bucket seats and a revised roofline. For 1967, the entire intermediate line adopted the Rebel name. The new models were based on the Ambassador platform and designed under Roy Abernethy, but management changed in January 1967 with the appointment of Roy D. Chapin Jr., who aimed to change AMC's image. The redesigned intermediates were promoted as performance-oriented “now cars.” Available body styles included a six-passenger four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, four-door station wagon, a two-door sedan with a thin B-pillar for 1967 only, and a convertible for 1967 and 1968. The 1967 models introduced new V8 engines—the 290 CID and 343 CID—replacing older designs. The 343 V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust produced 280 hp at 4800 rpm and 365 lb·ft of torque at 3000 rpm. The suspension switched from a torque tube to an open driveshaft with a four-link, trailing-arm rear axle and coil springs, while the independent front suspension retained unequal-length control arms and high-mount coil springs.

Regional models

All regular Rebel station wagons were called Cross Country. For 1967, AMC issued three regionally marketed versions, each with unique trim and a package of power and convenience equipment. Standard equipment included a 290 CID V8 (343 optional), automatic transmission, power steering, power drum brakes, and special springs and shock absorbers. The Mariner (600 units) was painted Barbados Blue with simulated bleached teak wood planking on the bodyside panels and tailgate, accented by black horizontal stripes and a nautical anchor medallion; its interior had dark blue suede bolster panels with anchors and stars, white piping, and medium blue antelope grain vinyl inserts. It was sold along U.S. coastal regions. The Briarcliff (400 units) came in Matador Red with simulated black camera grain bodyside panels and regal medallions, plus a black antelope grain vinyl interior; it was marketed in eastern and southern major markets. The Westerner (500 units) was Frost White with wood plank side inserts and a Pony Express medallion; its interior featured stallion brown vinyl simulating tooled leather on seats and door panels, combined with white antelope-grained vinyl. It was available west of the Mississippi River. All included color-coordinated upholstery, reclining seats, a sports steering wheel, 91 cu ft of carpeted cargo space, a locking hidden compartment, and a roof rack. Special nameplates appeared on the rear fender and unique medallions on the C-pillar.

<span class="anchor" id="The Machine"></span>&lt

The most recognizable muscle car version of the AMC Rebel was named The Machine, available for the 1970 model year. It followed the success of the 1969 SC/Rambler. In its most recognizable trim, the car was painted white with a large blue stripe on the hood and accented with bold red, white, and blue reflective stripes made by 3M on the front, sides, and rear. A special high-performance V8 producing 340 hp at 5100 rpm and 430 lb·ft of torque at 3600 rpm was standard, with a single four-barrel Motorcraft carburetor; this was the most potent engine AMC offered in a regular production vehicle. The Machine was first proposed in June 1968 as a 1969 Rebel coupe finished in black with black wheels and fat tires, without stripes, scoops, or spoilers, but with an aggressive stance. That proposal included a “The Machine” decal on the rear and a “fab gear” logo on the front fender. An earlier development car from 1967, built for carburetion testing, was equipped with Group 19 high-performance options and a modified 390 CID engine estimated at 500 hp, capable of running in the 11-second bracket; it was considered legal for NHRA and AHRA drag racing. The Machine made its official debut on 25 October 1969 in Dallas, Texas, at the NHRA World Championship Drag Race Finals. It was factory-rated at 10.7 pounds per horsepower, placing it in NHRA F-stock class. The introductory campaign involved ten vehicles driven from the Kenosha factory to Dallas and raced as delivered; several were used in a parade with Linda Vaughn.

Other markets

The AMC Rebel found its way into foreign markets through various assembly deals, and in Australia it was built by Australian Motor Industries in Port Melbourne. The cars arrived as semi-knock-down kits from Kenosha, Wisconsin, with the engine, transmission, front suspension, rear axle, and doors already installed. Other components were packed inside the vehicle for final assembly in Australia. These right-hand-drive models used a dashboard that mirrored the 1967 Ambassador dash with a two-dial instrument cluster, originally developed for right-hand-drive Ambassadors built for the U.S. Postal Service. Because Australian rules required amber rear turn signals, sedans through 1970 had amber lenses on the trunk lid wired as combination turn signal and backup lights, while 1970 models got an amber plastic overlay on the backup lens. Station wagons used separate amber add-on lights in the tailgate. To qualify for tariff breaks, many parts like brakes, seats, carpets, lights, and heaters were sourced locally, and since AMI also assembled Toyotas, some components came from that brand. For 1970, all Australian Rebels came with AMC’s 360 cubic inch V8 and a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic. After AMC ended Rebel production in 1970, Australia kept assembling the 1970 model until October 1971, when it was replaced by the AMC Matador sedan. Two-door versions were never sold in Australia.