American · 1967–1970

AMC Rebel

The AMC Rebel (known as the Rambler Rebel in 1967) is a midsized car produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1967 until the 1970 model year. It replaced the Rambler Classic. A similar AMC Matador line replaced the Rebel models, starting with the 1971 model year. The Rebel was positioned as the high-volume seller in the independent automaker's line of models. The Rebel was also available in several specialty models, including station wagons featuring themed trim and luxury equipment offered only in selected geographical regions. A high-performance, low-priced muscle car version was produced in 1970, the Machine, which is most recognized in its flamboyant white, red, and blue trim. The Rebel is the shorter-wheelbase, intermediate-sized version of the longer-wheelbase, full-sized Ambassador line. The Rebel was built at AMC's West Assembly Line (along with the Ambassador) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and in Brampton, Ontario, Canada (Bramalea – Brampton Assembly Plant). The Rebel was also assembled from Complete Knock-down (CKD) kits under license in Europe (by Renault in 1967), in Mexico (by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos), in Costa Rica by Purdy Motor; and from Semi Knockdown kits (SKD) in Australia (by Australian Motor Industries), and in New Zealand (by Campbell Motor Industries). Although the Rambler name was discontinued on the Rebel in the U.S. and Canadian markets after the 1967 model year, the cars continued to be sold in international markets under the historic "Rambler" brand.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Rambler Classic · Successor: AMC Matador

All American AMC Rebel data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Background

The "Rebel" name was introduced by AMC in 1957 as a special model with a big V8 engine: the Rambler Rebel, the first factory-produced lightweight muscle car, and the first hint that muscle cars would be part of the company's future. The Rebel name reappeared for the 1966 model year on the top-of-the-line version of the Rambler Classic two-door hardtop. It featured bucket seats, special trim, and a revised roofline. For the 1967 model year, AMC's entire intermediate line took the Rebel name. Based on the Ambassador platform, the new Rebel models were designed under the leadership of Roy Abernethy. However, the automaker changed management in January 1967 with the appointment of a new chairman and CEO, Roy D. Chapin Jr., whose objective was to change AMC's "frumpy" image. The redesigned intermediate line began to be promoted with a focus on performance and advertising describing them as one of the "now cars." There were also numerous factory and dealer installed high-output options. During its production, the Rebel was available as a six-passenger, four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and four-door station wagon with an optional third-row seat for two more passengers. In addition, a two-door sedan (coupé) with a thin B-pillar and flip-out rear side windows was available for only the 1967 model year, while a convertible was offered during 1967 and 1968. The six-cylinder engines that were introduced by AMC in 1964 were continued. However, the 1967 Rebel models introduced the first of a family of all-new V8s that replaced AMC's long-lived "Gen-1" designs in the mid-sized automobile market segment. These included the 290 cu in (4.8 L) and 343 cu in (5.6 L) engines that debuted in the 1966 Rambler American. With a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, the 343 V8 produced 280

Regional models

=== Station wagons === All regular Rebel station wagons were called Cross Country by AMC. During the 1967 model year, AMC issued a series of three versions of regionally marketed Rebel station wagons each with a unique appearance trim, and all included a package of power and convenience equipment. Designed to spur interest in all of AMC's products and to generate increased sales for the company, the special wagons were limited for sale to geographical areas. Targeted advertisements illustrated the distinct features of each of the three versions. According to automotive historian James C. Mays, the regional wagon marketing program was a success and it contributed to increasing confidence among the public in the "feisty" automaker. Standard equipment on all regional wagons included 290 cu in (4.8 L) V8 engine (the 343 cu in (5.6 L) was optional), automatic transmission, power steering, power drum brakes, as well as special duty springs and shock absorbers. Each featured a distinctive interior and exterior trim: The Mariner (600 units) in Barbados Blue paint with bodyside panels and rear tailgate trimmed in simulated bleached teak wood planking accented by narrow black horizontal stripes and a "nautical anchor" medallion. The interior featured anchors and stars decorating dark blue suede bolster panels of the seats, which also had white piping and broad horizontal pleated inserts of medium blue antelope grain vinyl. The Mariner was sold along the coastal regions of the United States. The Briarcliff (400 units) in Matador Red paint with simulated black camera grain bodyside panels and "regal" medallions, as well as its own black "antelope grain" vinyl interior. The Briarwood was marketed in major markets in the east and south. The Westerner (500 units) in Frost White paint

Rebel funny cars

Under the leadership of Roy Abernethy, AMC observed both the letter and spirit of the resolution prohibiting automakers from sponsorship in automobile racing. It was instituted by the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) in 1957. As Rambler's sales reached third place in the domestic marketplace, AMC continued to advertise the only race the company was interested in was the human race. However, with AMC's precarious financial condition in 1966 following the race to match its "Big Three" domestic competitors under Roy Abernethy, the new management reversed AMC's anti-racing strategy and decided to enter motorsports as a method to gain exposure, publicity, and a performance image. American Motors' Performance Activities Director Carl Chakmakjian was charged with getting AMC automobiles into racing, which would help to attract a younger customer base. In a "quest for quarter-mile glory", AMC reached a $1 million (US$9,655,689 in 2015 dollars) agreement in 1967 with Grant Industries in Los Angeles, California (a manufacturer of piston rings, ignition systems, and steering wheels), to build the Grant Rambler Rebel, a "Funny Car" racer to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) X/S (Experimental Stock) and Super Experimental Stock classes. When asked why the company decided to work with AMC, Grant's president, Grant McCoon responded, "Rambler is a good automobile, and it's time somebody proved what it can do". The relationship provided both companies with national exposure and publicity. The car had an altered wheelbase 122-inch (3,099 mm) RCS (chrome moly steel) tube chassis with a 343 cu in (5.6 L) AMC V8 engine that was bored and stroked to 438 cu in (7.2 L) tuned by Amos Satterlee. With its GMC 6–71 blower and Enderle fuel injection, the motor produced 1,

The Machine

The most recognizable muscle car version of the AMC Rebel was named The Machine and was available for the 1970 model year, following the success of the 1969 SC/Rambler. In its most recognizable trim, it was painted white with a large blue stripe on its hood, and accented in bold red, white, and blue reflective stripes (made by 3M) in the front, sides, and rear. "The car had the build of a proper muscle car, and when it came to its performance, it did not disappoint despite weighing over 1,500 kg (3,307 lb)." A special high-performance V8 producing 340 hp (345 PS; 254 kW) at 5,100 rpm and maximum torque of 430 lb⋅ft (583 N⋅m) at 3,600 rpm was standard on The Machine with a single four-barrel Motorcraft carburetor This was the most potent engine AMC would ever offer in a regular production vehicle. Concept muscle models. First proposed in June 1968, the car was to have been a 1969 Rebel coupe finished in black with authoritative black wheels and fat tires, without any stripes, scoops, or spoilers, but with an aggressive, street-fighting stance. The proposed model included "The Machine" decal on the rear (that made it into production), as well as a "fab gear" logo on the front fender. However, an even earlier attempt at a Rebel-based muscle car was made by AMC's engineering team: a 1967 two-door built as a development "project" car for carburetion-testing purposes, as well as with "Group 19" high-performance options, and the car was re-equipped with a modified 390 cu in (6.4 L) engine with an estimated 500 hp (370 kW) "capable of running in the 11-second bracket." The car was considered a legal drag racing car, according to National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) rules and regulations in effect during those years. The Machine was finishe

Convertibles

During the 1967 model year, American Motors produced a total of 1,686 Rambler Rebel convertibles; all in the top-trim SST model. Automatic power operation of the top was standard. The new convertible top design featured a "streamlined" look blending smoothly with the lower body with the top-up. Its new "split stack" folding mechanism also allowed a lower stack height with the top folded down, as well as for a full-width backseat with room for three passengers. For 1968, the Rambler name was dropped and two convertible versions were offered in the Rebel line. A total of 1,200 were produced (823 in the SST version and 377 units in the base 550 model). Since convertibles in the Rambler American and Ambassador series were dropped after 1967, the 1968 Rebels were the only open models built by AMC. This was also the last year for AMC convertibles until this body style was added to the compact Renault Alliance in 1985.

Other markets

The AMC Rebel was produced under several business ventures in foreign markets. In these markets, "the Rebel was still the epitome of the modern mass-produced US sedan." Australia. Australian Motor Industries (AMI) in Port Melbourne, Victoria had been assembling AMC vehicles since 1960. Rebel four-door sedans and station wagons were assembled from Semi-Knock-Down (SKD) imported to Australia. The cars had right-hand drive (RHD) and were partially built with the engine, transmission, front suspension, rear axle, and doors installed in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Other parts were boxed and shipped inside the car for the final assembly in Australia. The RHD Rebel dashes used in all export markets were a mirror of the 1967 Ambassador dash and two-dial instrument pack rather than the North American dash and rectangular speedometer. This RHD dash and cluster had originally been used by AMC for the RHD Ambassadors they assembled for the United States Postal Service during 1967 and was used thereafter in all RHD-market Rebels and Matadors. The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (1958) and Australian Design Rules (first published in 1969) permitted only amber-color rear direction turn signals on Australian motor vehicles with four wheels, thus red-color turn signals and combination brake/turn signals were prohibited in Australia. Therefore, Rebel sedans up to 1970 had amber lenses fitted to their trunk lids, wired as combination turn signal/backup lights. 1970 models received an amber-colored plastic overlay affixed to the backup lens of the tail lights. Rebel station wagons had amber add-on lights fitted into the tailgate. Also in Australia, numerous other parts and components such as brakes, seats, carpets, lights, heaters, etc. were sourced locally to gain tariff conc

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: AMC Rebel
aka: Rambler Rebel (Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, United Kingdom), Rambler Classic (Mexico), Renault Rambler (Europe)
Manufacturer: American Motors Corporation (AMC)
Production: 1967–1970 (US market)
Model years: 1967–1970 (US market)
Assembly: United States: Kenosha, Wisconsin (Kenosha Engine), Australia: Port Melbourne (AMI), Belgium: Haren (RIB), Canada: Brampton, Ontario, Costa Rica: San José (Purdy Motors), Mexico: Mexico City (VAM), New Zealand: Thames (CMI), Peru: Lima (I.A.P.S.A)
Class: Mid-size
Body style: 2-door sedan (1967), 2-door convertible (1967 & 1968), 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, 4-door station wagon
Engine: 232 CID I6 145 or 155 hp, 252 CID I6 170 hp (Mexico), 290 CID V8 220 hp (1967–1969), 304 CID V8 210 hp (1970 only), 343 CID V8 235 or 280 hp (1967–1969), 360 CID V8 245 or 290 hp (1970 only), 390 CID V8 315 or 325 hp (1969 and 1970), 390 CID V8 340 hp (The Machine)
Transmission: 3-speed manual, 3-speed with overdrive, 4-speed manual floor or console, 3-speed automatic on column, 3-speed "Shift-Command" on console
Layout: FR layout
Wheelbase: 114 in
Length: 197 in, 199 in (1970 two- and four-door)
Width: 77.29 in
Height: 53.5 in
Kerb weight: 3500 lb approx.
Platform: AMC's "senior cars"
Predecessor: Rambler Classic
Successor: AMC Matador
Related: AMC Ambassador

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294709CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_RebelCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1372893140 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1968_AMC_Rebel_Station_Wagon-GoldWhite.jpgPublic domain · Photo: CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. Please leave a note at Wikipedia here. Thank you! · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.