American Motors resurrected the Rebel nameplate for its mid-size cars in 1967. It replaced the prior Classic and was sold as the Rambler Rebel in ‘67 and as the AMC Rebel from 1968 to 1970. In 1971, the Rebel was rebranded as the Matador as the nameplate shuffling continued. This 1969 edition has been repainted and sports some parts as well. Located in Hermiston, Oregon, this nice survivor-quality Kenosha Cadillac is available here on craigslist for $8,500.
For 1969, AMC did away with numerical sub-names like the 550 and 770 (from the Classic days), and two trim levels were offered: base and SST. The seller’s car is the latter, so it was a tad fancier for a few extra dollars more. A wide selection of six- and eight-cylinder engines was offered, and the seller’s car has the more potent 343 cubic inch V8. It’s only had two owners in its 57 years. An automatic transmission is along for the ride.
As the story goes, this Rebel has called Oregon home since it was new. Which only covers 69,000 miles. Some recent attention has been paid to its cosmetic and mechanical health, including the carpeting, headliner, upholstery, and trunk liner. The AMC has no rust, but the paint has been reapplied as the original finish had become faded.
Besides the aforementioned creature comforts, the tires are new, as is the battery. The 343 V8 is original and appears to have had no reason to be opened up. The automobile runs and drives quite well, and this probably is one of the nicest Rebels still in the game, as AMC seldom sold as many cars as its principal competition, the so-called “Big 3”. Kudos to Jack M. for the nifty AMC tip!
Its a nice car with a V8.
I find it interesting the SST was a level offered on four door vehicles. I took it prior like SS or R coding in other brands. I remember seeing in past a Javelin SST and assumed ( we know where that goes) performance.
One learns something new often on Barn finds. 👍🏼🤠
Dig this AMC! I didn’t see if it has AC or not. I definitely would cruise this car. 343 was a good engine.
We’d know the answer to that if the seller could be bothered to open the hood and take pictures.
It looks like there are no dash vents, so no factory AC. No under dash aftermarket AC visible either.
Most AMC big cars had it by 1969 which was unusual but you had to get buyers somehow. I worked there in the 70’s and it was offered on the stripped down cars, but standard on the full/mid sized cars. Where ever or who ever did the upholstery did a very nice job.
Ambassador had standard A/C beginning in 1968. All other AMC cars could get A/C for around $350.
Usually it’s the Ambassador referred to as the Kenosha Cadillac. Of course for that would be the same basic car with a stretched wheelbase ahead of the cowl, different front clip, fancier interior – and a 1969 Ambassador would have come with standard air conditioning.
I have a 1967 Rebel SST with 343 and automatic transmission, essentially the same as this car but not in as nice condition with trip differences. The 1967 Rebel is still branded as a “Rambler” and lacks AMC’s paddle door handles which I think debuted in 1968.
Too bad there are no under-hood photos, so we can’t see if the car has electric wipers, power steering (hopefully it has this!), or power brakes. The standard non-power drum brakes are scary if you’re not used to them, especially since the 343 V8 provides pretty good motivation. Also some photos from underneath would have been appreciated to confirm this car’s rust-free condition.
On this Rebel the usual pre-1970 AMC caveats about checking the trunnions in the front suspension applies. You’ll also want to check the troughs under the front fenders. The drains there can clog causing water to accumulate which can lead to rust-through. (Later AMC large cars opened up this area so it could be easily cleaned out.) Pay close attention to how the automatic transmission shifts. Vacuum modulators for the Borg-Warner trans have long been unobtainium.
Oops, that should be “trim differences” between 1967 and 1969 Rebel, not “trip”.
I don’t recall seeing a 4dr car from back then that had a sport designation attached to it. They were always 2drs. Now days it’s common. Well I’m learning new things about cars, even after being around as long as I have. Thanks BF.
“SST” designated a high trim level and AMC even used it on station wagons.
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved these Rambler/AMC cars. I hope whoever buys this car enjoys it and maintains it. 🙂
Does it have a 2 or 4 barrel carb on it?
really odd color combo but looks really good on the amc.
Thanks That AMC guy. When I saw SST, it appears to be a sport model just like GMs SS. See I learned something new again!
1st look at the front I thought it was a road runner or Plymouth GTX,,nice looking grill, headlights , bumper
There was also a Rebel offered for 1966. It was basically a sub-model of the Classic two-door hardtop.
The Kenosha Cadillac moniker applied to the Ambassador.
Nice car and reasonable price. What’s not to like?
I always tell my mopar buddies, the Roadrunner took styling cues from the 67 Rebel. The gen1 Charger took styling from the 65 Marlin.
I aways found it curious how closely the 69-69 AMC Rebel and 68-69 Plymouth Belvedere resembled each other, back and particularly front. I sometimes need a double-take
67 Rebel was the first with those styling cues.