1970 AMC Rebel Machine

The American Motors Corporation was late to the muscle car party, but when it finally joined in the late 1960s, it did so in a big way by partnering with Hurst to develop the red, white and blue 1968 SC/Rambler with 390 cubic-inch power.

The AMC Rebel was produced from 1967 through 1970 when it was replaced by the AMC Matador. It was available as a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and four-door station wagon. The base engine was a 232 cubic-inch inline-six-cylinder power plant. Optional engines included a 290, 343, and Y-Code 390 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engines.

Rebel Machine

In 1970 AMC introduced a highly collectible, limited production version dubbed the Rebel Machine. Under the hood was a 390 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine with a single 4-barrel Motorcraft carburetor capable of producing 340 horsepower at 5,100 RPM and a maximum torque of 430 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM. This was the most powerful engine AMC would ever offer in a regular production vehicle. This engine was offered in other Rebels, however, the Machine was the only one to receive ram-air, a special intake and free-flowing exhaust manifolds with low-restriction mufflers.

Like the earlier SC/Rambler, the 1970 Rebel Machines were initially white with red and blue graphics. Approximately 1,000 were built before other colors were offered. The twin-snorkel hood scoop was a unique feature that provided functional ram-air up front and an 8,000 RPM tach at the rear. The interior featured Rebel-specific door panels and Machine vinyl upholstery. Features included power steering, power brakes with front discs, and an optional TwinGrip 3.91 rear axle. The Machine package also included bucket seats, a two-spoke steering wheel and handling suspension.

Production
The AMC Rebel Machine was only produced in 1970, and a total of 2,326 examples were produced; it is believed that approximately 600 examples survive.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2006