After posting an AMC Rambler with the interesting Twin Stick, we were a little surprised to stumble across another intriguing AMC product. This AMC Rebel doesn’t have any unusual technology, but being a station wagon that was optioned as an SST with a 290 cui V8 makes it a rather rare wagon. The original owner’s grandson started pulling it apart to repaint it, but thankfully lost interest before any damage was done to the original paint. The seller purchased it with the intent of putting it back together, but other projects have gotten in the way so they have decided to let someone else tackle it. Find it here on eBay with a BIN of $9,500. 
The SST option was meant to turn the mid-sized Rebel into a much more sporting street machine. The option included a number of standard performance upgrades, such as the 290 V8. Checking the SST box also opened up other optional upgrades typically not offered on base models. This one looks to have been well optioned on the inside and looks to be in nice condition. We would reinstall the door panels, give it a good cleaning, remove the window tint, and enjoy those big plush seats.
The major upgrade included in the SST package was the engine. It just wouldn’t have been a true ’60s performance package without a V8 and AMC made sure it was the type of package American’s would enjoy. The base SST motor was their 290 cui V8, but for under $200 you could get the bigger 343. The original owner decided to forgo the 343 and went with the 225 horsepower 290 instead. It isn’t a massive powerhouse, but should provide plenty of low end grunt and lots of grins. The engine bay looks clean and the seller claims the motor runs great. They don’t state whether the A/C works, but if it does it would be a great plus this summer!
While the Rebel was a mid-sized car, the wagon offered plenty of space for passengers and cargo. For easy access, they included a trick tailgate that could either drop down or swing open. The tailgate mechanism seems to be in working order, as is the power rear glass, although the dash switch currently isn’t working. The more ’60s AMC products we look at the more we appreciate them. They might be quirky, but they were obviously built to last.
AMC released this comical commercial about the build quality of the Rebel and given how many are still out there, it would seem that their claims were true! Let’s hope someone here snatches this wagon up and puts it back together. It might just make a great teaching tool for the kids!
Jesse, another great AMC find. Unfortunately this one doesn’t have prayer of hitting the the $9500 BIN as there are always nice, complete, ready-to-run 1960s AMC station wagons out there, especially on the AMC-focused boards as well as on eBay and Craigslist. One just needs to be diligent in seeking them out.
You and the readers might enjoy reading this piece I write about this time last year on a 1964 AMC Rambler Classic once owned by Mitt’s dad, George Romney.
http://www.automotivetraveler.com/magazine/viewer.php?path=2013/02/Romney_Rambler
A longer, more detailed version of this story was scheduled to appear in the next issue of Motor Trend Classic but it went on hiatus. They published it earlier this year online.
http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/1402_driving_george_romney_1964_rambler_classic_550/viewall.html
Yes, I really love 1960s AMCs, my first car was a 1965 AMC Rambler American 440 hardtop and I’d really love to make a run on the Twin-Stick model you showed yesterday.
thanks for all the information. inspired me to spend some time on the net reading more about both AMC and the Romneys. thanks very much.
I must agree with Rich; although it appears to be a straight and solid one-family-owned surviver, this is just too much money for it! After purchasing it, you could easily spend another 9 grand getting it ready for street and show! So, for $18,000, you’d have a bunch of options on turn key cars!
I like AMCs and wagons (My first car is a 1979 Spirit I got in 1989…it’s in pieces in my garage as of now), but I too think the owner is WAY too ambitious with his pricing. I could maybe see a price of $8k if it was completely finished and assembled. As it sits, the reality is somewhere around $4k.
Fun Fact: Supposedly, Chrysler copied the 1967 Rebel when they came out with the 1968 Belvedere and Coronet. If memory serves, AMC supposedly had a rooftop that it put it’s designs on to see how they looked outside and Chrysler had a higher rooftop so that they could spy on them! Even so, this is the only vehicle it seems was copied as no other Mopars bore any resemblance to future AMC products.
Thanks Rich great stuff as usual! Its ps the moderator from F.Book goldcountry autorestorationscrewedme. and a big Thanks to Barn finds for bringing this to us.
ps
i like the car a lot, but like the twin stick more. i wish it was an auction instead of BIN /offer. it would be more fun to watch. great find.
Reserve price aside, this is one of the better variants on a super clean AMC shape. And a wagon to boot (or not)! Nice.
I love this AMC shape. As a wagon it’s very appealing, as an SST more so. nice find.
It is till difficult to believe AMC was not more successful with the level of amenities included in their builds, like the split bench, reclining front seats. dual hinged tailgates and more, not to mention the “twin stick”. Some of the earlier models were not stylish, but then some of Ford and GM weren’t either. The Marlin preceded the Barricuda and the Javelin / AMX were just as hot as the Mustang or Camaro (IMO). AMC made speed parts readily available through the dealer network and at reasonable prices.
$9500? Ahahhaahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahah (breath) hahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahhaha…………….
This one has been relisted with a BIN of $7,500 and the option to make an offer. That price may still be optimistic, but they are getting closer.
I just agreed to buy a 1970 SST Wagon that is exceptionally clean- and drive ready at $6500. I watched this one on ebay, but it needed to go about $35-4500 as is, or the seller needed to put it back together and get it prettied up.
This ’69 AMC Rebel SST in now resting in my garage.
Congratulations, CarGuy! How about some pictures and an update!
Thank you Jamie. Need to take more pictures.