American Motors resurrected the Rebel name in 1967, replacing the mid-size Classic. That year it would be called the Rambler Rebel, but the Rambler prefix was dropped in 1968. The SST was the top-of-line Rebel and just 823 drop-tops were built that year, including the seller’s car. While not in show condition, it looks great overall and doesn’t seem to have any immediate needs. Located in New Bern, North Carolina, this Rebel is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $5,600.
Since the Rebel was a “new car” in 1967, the 1968 models were little changed except for safety features. There were three trim levels offered, the 550, 770, and SST with the latter being the only one to offer a V8 engine (290 cubic inches) as standard equipment. A new AMC safety and styling feature was the flush-mounted, paddle-style door handles. They replaced the former push-button design and would become an AMC signature on its passenger cars through 1988 and the Jeep Wrangler until 2006. 1968 would be the last year for any AMC product to be built as a convertible.
This ’68 Rebel SST looks to have all the popular options except for air conditioning: automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and a power convertible top. The odometer reading is less than 25,000 miles which seems hard to believe, but the seller makes no claims one way or the other. The body and paint look fine and the top looks new, although nothing is said about it. The black interior seems quite tidy from what we can tell.
If you’re a fan of AMC products and have been looking for a drop-top, they’re not likely many out there in the shape this car appears to be in. If you were looking for a daily driver-type car that would see most of its duty going to local car events, this might be a good catch. The bidding on the automobile is only in the mid-four figures (at the moment).
Cool car.I remember when these came out.
I thought it was (& still do) that it was a really nice
looking car.I also like that small scallop on the lower
rear fenders.
There was a lady on my paper route who bought
a 2 door hardtop brand new.It was a deep red with a
cool factory stripe on the lower side of the body.
Really cool car. I had a convertible with a black interior years ago. The black vinyl would burn the back of your legs if you parked with the roof down in the sun. This one looks a nice mix of cool and muscle.
What a neat looking Rebel SST convertible. I love the design cues in front of the rear wheel wheels and how they scalloped both the rear quarters and front fenders to meet the bumpers. AMC did so many things right they just fell victim to a combination of mostly poor timing and bad luck.
That looks like it could be a sweet ride. Certainly the only one at cars & coffee. I had a ’69 coupe in my youth, while I was working for the dealer. Never cost me a dime. Now, if I were only a thousand miles closer & had the room…..
Nice! I have a 1967 Rebel SST convertible so it doesn’t have the paddle door handles and some trim and interior details are different. Also in ’67 the Rebel was still badged as a Rambler.
25,000 miles? More likely 125,000 but that’s still pretty low for a 54-year-old car.
Judging by the master cylinder this one has power front disc brakes. If original they’re 4-piston Bendix fixed calipers. Parts are available but not cheap. (Mine has 4 wheel manual drum brakes to go along with the 343 V8 – scary!)
A bigger problem if this car has the original AMC front disc brake setup is the rear drums are an oddball Bendix non-servo design for which replacement parts simply do not exist. It’s possible to change them out for standard type rear drums but you’d also want to add a proportioning valve:
https://www.marlinautoclub.com/marlin-guy/rear-conv.html
Nice that it has the optional electric wipers, not that you’d want to be driving around in bad weather. Pre-1972 AMC electric wipers use a Prestolite motor which is no longer available, but they can be rebuilt. Not that you’d want to be driving this in bad weather!
Hopefully this example is rust-free being from NC. Check the front fender gussets from underneath. The drain holes tend to clog up, causing water to pool up and rust-through, and unlike the later large AMC cars you can’t access them from above to keep the clear. Also there are no fender liners (cars back then usually didn’t have them).
The hydraulic top mechanism is pretty much the same as on most other domestic convertibles of the era. The cylinders and pump look identical to those on a period Mustang convertible.
AMC was still using trunnions in the upper control arms on these. A quick check on their condition is the front springs should be straight. If they’re bowed it’s an indication the trunnions are worn. Replacement parts are available, but expensive, and very few people know how to work on them.
In 1968, very few people ordered air conditioning if they were buying a convertible. This car is unique and would make a great driver or candidate for further restoration, and is very well equipped classic!!!
There was also a Rebel in 1966. It was a 2-door hardtop version of the Rambler Classic.
This ’68 is a very rare find. Even harder to find is the ’68 Rebel 550 convertible. Only 377 were made.
Someone’s fiddled with this car’s distributor and its mounting. The vacuum advance port should be pointing toward the driver’s side of the car, running parallel with the PS belt.
My Dad Special Ordered One New. 68 Hardtop With A 390. We Has A Machine Before It Was A Big Deal
The all new slightly larger 1967 Rambler/AMC Rebel (and Ambassador, Marlin) replaced the 1966 AMC intermediate sized cars that were the last American cars with a torque tube. When Chevy trashed their torque tube rear suspensions after the 1954 model year, the 1955, 1956 and 1957s became favorites of back-yard mechanics as drive-train/ transmission work is much easier with an open driveshaft.
That is beautiful. My parents had 2 68′ Rebels. A Convertible is rare. I don’t think I’ve seen one in person.
DANG….READ ALL THE POSITIVE COMMENTS……is that a first ?
Very attractive car. Always thought these looked a lot like a Plymouth Road Runner.
That price seems way low, I have a gold 68 convertible with the 343 automatic, I would want 10k if I was to sell. I’ve had it for 40 years fun car.
I own this car now.
Hagerty just appraised it at 42k as is condition.
No disc brakes all drums.
Has the vision package with the electric whipers.
Now lives in florida, where i plan to completely restore it perfectly.
Some cars fall into the right hands
My Mother had a 68 Rebel SST, white on gold, 290v8 went like stink. One of the first cars I drove, just loved it. Tried to find a replacement before she passed away but no luck